Josh McCown Autograph from 2002 Press Pass

There aren't a whole lot of Sam Houston State University alumni with NFL cardboard, but Josh McCown is one of them. I was lucky enough to pick up this autographed card from 2002 Press Pass. While I usually stay away from card that do not picture a player in their pro uniform, when the photo has him in the colors of my alma mater, I'm more than happy to make an exception.

McCown was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and played four seasons there before Kurt Warner took the starting job from him in 2005. Over the next few years, McCown was signed to the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Hartford Colonials (UFL), and the San Fransisco 49ers.

After being released by the 49ers in 2011, McCown spent the next two years as an assistant coach at Marvin Ridge HS in Warsaw, NC. Each of those two seasons, McCown was signed by the Chicago Bears on a one-year contract, in response to injuries to Bears starting quarterback Jay Cutler. Well, in 2013, the third time was the charm, as Cutler was injured yet again, Giving McCown the chance to lead the Bears offense. He finished the 2013 NFL season completing 66.5%of his passes for 1829 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception. His breakout game came in week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he threw four touchdowns and ran in another on the way to a 45-28 Victory, eventually being named the NFC Player of the Week.

McCown is an unrestricted free agent, but is believed to be re-signing with Chicago to retain his role as Cutler's backup. He has proven to be a quarterback who can not only step in, but keep up the same pace, when the started goes down. And if history is any indicator, McCown will get the chance to lead the team once again in 2014.