Everyone loves the second string quarterback. Matt Schaub felt that affection in Atlanta as the backup to Michael Vick for the first three years of his career. Now he'll find out if fans - and collectors - still love him as the starter for the Houston Texans.
After a college career at the University of Virginia that saw Schaub battle injuries and competition for playing time, the Falcons liked him enough to select him with their third round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, 90th overall. Schaub had no real chance to become the full time starter, but with Vick's scrambling ways putting his body at risk, he did see playing time on various occasions.
Schaub's best game as a Falcon came in Week Five of the 2005 season, when he completed 18 of 34 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots. He threw only two touchdowns total during the rest of 2005 and 2006 as Vick managed to remain mostly free of injuries.
Despite some rumors that new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino may put the quarterback job up for competition before the 2007 season, Atlanta traded Schaub to Houston. The Texans immediately signed Schaub to a new contract and released long-time starter David Carr, showing faith that Schaub's potential will turn into production.
Football card collectors always dig big quarterbacks with big arms, and at 6-foot-5, Schaub definitely fits that description. He's already caught the eye of some hobbyists, but if he actually helps turn around the sorry Texans, he'll shoot up to the top of numerous want lists. With 43 rookie cards from the 2004 season, he's got plenty of first-year cardboard to chase.
Matt Schaub 2004 Rookie Cards
- Absolute Memorabilia # 203 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Bazooka # 203
- Bowman # 120
- Bowman Chrome # 114
- Bowman's Best # 116 - jersey card
- Donruss Classics # 202 - #'d to 925
- Donruss Elite # 167 - #'d to 500
- Finest # 132 - autographed, #'d to 999
- Fleer Authentix # 105 - #'d to 750
- Fleer Platinum # 164 - #'d to 799
- Fleer Showcase # 147 - #'d to 599
- Fleer Sweet Sigs # 100 - #'d to 999
- Fleer Tradition # 358
- Hot Prospects # 94 - autographed jersey card #'d to 120
- Leaf Certified Materials # 203 - jersey card #'d to 1250
- Leaf Limited # 203 - autographed jersey card #'d to 150
- Leaf Rookies and Stars # 253 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Playoff Contenders # 155 - autographed with announced print run of 367
- Playoff Hogg Heaven # 153 - #'d to 750
- Playoff Honors # 203 - jersey card #'d to 750
- Playoff Prestige # 199
- Playoff Prime Signatures # 151 - autographed, #'d to 99
- Reflections # 197 - #'d to 750
- Score # 438
- SkyBox LE # 108 - #'d to 99
- SP Authentic # 187 - autographed jersey card #'d to 799
- SP Game Used # 177 - #'d to 425
- SPx # 199 - autographed jersey card #'d to 1499
- Sweet Spot # 261 - autographed, #'d to 699
- Topps # 356
- Topps Chrome # 211
- Topps Draft Picks and Prospects # 153
- Topps Pristine # 117
- Topps Signature # 91 - autographed, #'d to 1499
- Topps Total # 385
- UD Diamond All-Star # 119
- UD Diamond ProSigs # 119
- Ultimate Collection # 110 - autographed, #'d to 250
- Ultra # U242
- Upper Deck # 270
- Upper Deck Finite HG # 247 - #'d to 275
- Upper Deck Foundations # 252 - jersey card #'d to 1299
- Upper Deck Legends # 174