Cards That Never Were: Walter Payton Topps 1988

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create digital trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrow from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

With the Super Bowl tomorrow, I am honoring the player who helped bring the only Chicago Bears Super Bowl win in my life. On a team of legends and characters, he was one of a kind.

The Bears selected Walter Payton with the fourth pick in the 1975 NFL draft. He went on to a Hall of Fame career. He is arguably one of the greatest Bears, but also one fo the best in the NFL, certainly among running backs. Water could do it all. In addition to rushing for 16,726 yards (then a record), he had 4,538 receiving yards and threw for eight TDs, going 11-34 passing. He also punted once for 39 yards. For his efforts, Topps gave Sweetness cards 1976-87, leaving him without a career-capper card. He did have a special Record Breaker card in the '88 set, but especially players like Payton deserve a final card.

That led me to create one for Payton. I am surprised i haven't seen others, since so many talented folks are so productive. In any case, here is a final card for the greatest!

Rachael Adams at Motor City Comic Con 2013

Rachael Adams was one of my first interviews at Motor City Comic Con. A model, actress, spokesperson and more, Rachael was Ms. Michigan America 2015.

Full of positive energy and very engaging Rachael was a great comic con guest and perfect for an interview. I was a bit green, but Rachael was smooth and carried it. 

I saw Rachael a couple more times, but that has been it. I probably haven't seen her since 2015 or so. I have looked for her online. I don't see much. Maybe she opted for a quieter life outside the spotlight.

To me though, Rachael is one of the cool memories, especially from my early days of covering events. She easily could have snubbed me, but she gave me plenty of her time. As a local celebrity, Rachael was very popular at MCCC.

Experiences like those with Rachael gave me the confidence to keep going. Those interviews, although shaky on my part, allowed me to gat comfortable and learn. I will always be grateful to Rachael for her kindness and patience.

Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well. If Rachael happens to see this or if anyone knows of her, please send an update. I would love to know what she is doing these days.

The next MCCC is May 15-17. Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Rachael Adams and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #780 Chelsea Green & Jackie Redmond

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. In honor of the Winter Olympics, I feature two ladies repping their country.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Chelsea Green rose to fame in pro wrestling. Currently in the WWE, she won titles wherever she has gone. A noted sports fan, she often wears jerseys or jersey-like outfits. I was surprised to see her sporting a Team USA jersey instead of the Canada one, but I'll take it for a Celebrity Jersey Card. Green only needs a football jersey pic to complete her grand slam of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Jackie Redmond is a broadcaster currently with the WWE. She also covers the NHL. She is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and I'll be looking for a pic of her in a Leafs sweater to give her a Celebrity Jersey Card. For now, shhe gets a special edition Olympics Celebrity Jersey Card.

Moses the Black

At the invite of Pickwick Theater owner and longtime friend Dino Vlahakis, I met my pals, Chuck and Cuzz to attend opening night of Moses the Black. It seemed especially fitting since February is Black History Month. My full recap is at Moses the Black on Global Traveler.

Moses the Black is the story of a modern-day Chicago gangster who begins to have visions of fourth century Saint Moses the Black. The rest of the movie is his inner battle.

It is a dark movie in tone and production. It is not always an easy movie to watch. None of that is meant as a negative. It is extremely well done from every aspect. It is a very powerful film. While most of us have not done gangster acts, nor do we see visions of saints, we all have doubts and struggles with our actions.

Chuck, Cuzz and me in Park Ridge, IL-January 2026.

Happy Anniversary Global Traveler

In February 2004, Global Traveler published its first issue. As it enters its 23rd year, GT is as strong as ever.

The picture below was taken at last year's GT Tested Readers Survey awards. It's one of GTs annual events and also serves as a bit of an anniversary party. While there are several longtime GT folks, Publisher Fran Gallagher and I are the only originals. Actually, I am a bit surprised at the longevity of several folks. At least four others have been at GT for at least 15 years. That speaks of their commitment and also of the working environment.

It all started and stays with Fran. In 1984m when I met the then-goofball, little did I realize we would still be friends 42 years later, while working for him for the last 22.

It's been a fun ride. I have gone to places, met people and experienced things I never would have with Fran and GT. The few bumps along the way are minimal and far outweighed by the good times.

Happy anniversary GT, Fran and the whole staff. Thank you for so much fun..

The GT Team in Coral Gables, FL-December 2025.

Friend Encounters: Patricia Kara and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My pal Tony has heard me talk of Patricia Kara on many occasions. He has heard the stories of my interviews and seeing her at a book signing. When I saw she was doing another book stop, I asked for his interest and of course, he was up for the experience. Little did we know how surreal the night would be.

After we made the trek to Homer Glen, we entered the room filled with Patricia's family, friends and fans. Patricia greeted us and I introduced her to Tony. Then the show was on. Tony and Patricia discovered they grew up near each other and had several mutual friends, despite Patricia being several years younger than us.

As always, Patricia couldn't have been nicer. Despite being surrounded by many folks, she talked to us for a long while and then again as we departed.

Patricia's book Dream On...Now Deliver is billed as a guide to show business, but I maintain it has many lessons and much info on life outside of that field. I recommend it for all.

Tony and Patricia Kara in Homer Glen, IL-June 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #779 Caleb Williams & Jill Pizzotti

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I celebrate the Chicago Bears, who are out of the playoffs, but had an unbelievable season.

The Bears success started with two men. In addition to new head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams led the team to an amazing season. In his rookie season, Williams showed flashes of brilliance, but suffered through a 4-13 season. Williams wasn't helped by bad coaching and a thin roster. That changed this season, as Johnson brought a new attitude and new players bolstered the team. Williams set the club's passing yards record and looks to be the star of the future. Williams earned his Celebrity Jersey Card at a Chicago Blackhawks game he attended with Cubs star Pete Crow Armstrong.

Born in Lombard, Illinois, Jill Pizzotti played basketball at Southeast Missouri State. She started her coaching career there upon graduation. Pizzotti had several coaching jobs, including as an assistant at DePaul, before being named women's basketball head coach last season. Coach Pizzotti supported the Chicago Bears during their playoff run by donning a jersey during a Blue Demons game.

Introducing Gwyneth Philips of the PWHL

Late last year, I got my first live taste of women's pro hockey, courtesy of the Professional Women's Hockey League. The Minnesota Frost played the Ottawa Charge in Rosemont (Chicago) as part of the Takeover Tour, designed to test markets and gain exposure.

On Saturday, I got to chat with Charge player Gwyneth Philips. A goalie, Philips starred at Northeastern University in Massachusetts. She compiled a record of 70-15 with 4 overtime losses. Philips earned several awards and accolades, including WHCA National Goalie of the Year in 2023.

With the Charge last season, she went 8-5-1.This season, the Charge are struggling in last place. In nine games, she has a solid 2.32 goals against average. That's third best for regular goalies.

Just finished with an exhausting practice, Philips was in great spirits. It probably helped to see so many fans wanting to meet the players, although it meant more time. Still, these are the folks who support PWHL and the players could not have been nicer.

The PWHL has eight teams. Fans filled the arena for the Rosemont games. I think Chicago will eventually get a team. I am hoping for next season though.

Go to thepwhl.com for more info on the league. Check back here for my recurring coverage, which will increase when the league expands to Chicago.

Gwyneth Philips and me in Rosemont, IL-December 2025.

Appreciating Sara Richard

Late last year, artist, illustrator Sara Richard once again granted me an interview. That interview is at Talking Travel with Sara Richard on Global Traveler.

I don't remember exactly when or where I first met Sara. It was probably either at Motor City Comic Con or one of the comic cons in Chicago and probably around 2010. Either way, Sara is one of the first artists I ever followed, covered and befriended. I probably have more interviews and pictures with Sara than any other creator I have covered. One reason is because she is just that good. Another is she is very engaging and nice.

Sra has been so gracious in giving me her time in interviews at conventions and via Zoom. She even indulged me and allowed my young cousin (aka my Johngy's Beat intern) to interview her. She could very easily have declined any or all of my requests, but she doesn't. 

She s so talented, too. She has contributed her artwork to several books, trading cards and more. She also has done commissions, like the Johngy's Beat variation shirt she designed.

I cannot speak highly enough of her work or just her as a person. She is simply the best.

Go to sararichard.com to learn a bit more and to see some of her brilliant work. You can also watch all of my interviews with her on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2017. 

The Thriller in the Miller III

Last Saturday night, I had a great evening at The Thriller in the Miller III at St. Demetrios. It's a special night, especially because I played a small part in its inception.

A few years ago, I was walking to Village Inn for a slice of their delicious pizza. As I crossed the street, I heard someone beep and call my name. It was my old friend and softball teammate Billy Frigelis. After he parked and we exchanged pleasantries, Billy mentioned a fundraiser he was organizing for St. Demetrios, his church. He said they were looking to have pro wrestling as part of it. Knowing I have some connections in local wrestling, Billy asked for suggestions. I suggested 2econd Wrestling, then a new company run by Rabbi Jeremy Fine. A couple weeks later, Billy told me all was set for the event to be held in January, coincidentally on my birthday weekend.

When the day came, Tony and I were curious as to how it would be presented. From walking in the door, we were impressed with how organized and professional it was. Billy, Jimmy Stamos and their whole crew were amazing. They had every detail covered.

Last Saturday, The Thriller in the Miller III raised the bar once again. Tony and I are both impressed with everything there.

I have known Billy for 30ish years. I first met Billy's brother George through Louie. We played on softball teams for years. They are all great guys. I was named an honorary Greek when I was a groomsman for Louie's wedding at St. Demetrios.

It's funny, because I remember Billy as a young teen subbing on the team until he became a regular. Now I see the adult Billy organizing such a great event. Time flies.

I appreciate Billy, Jimmy, George and all the others for the wonderful event and even more for bringing me in the Greek family.

My recap is at The Thriller at St. Demetrios on Global Traveler. Also, check 2econd Wrestling on Facebook to learn more about that great wrestling company.

Billy Frigelis, Jimmy Stamos and me in Chicago, IL-January 2026.