The Iron Lion Collectibles

A few weeks ago I got a message on Facebook that I was added to a new group called The Iron Lion Breakers. I had no idea what Iron Lion was, but then I saw I was added by Samual Pair aka The Daily Dimwit.

It took me a few days before I checked out what the group was all about and I immediately kicked myself for the delay. Sam has partnered with Andrew Williams and Shelby Bridges, co-owners of The Iron Lion Collectibles, a new store that will be opening very soon in Colorado Springs, CO. Sam was brought in to help expand their online presence by giving away cards. And we're not talking about cheap, run of the mill cards. They have been busting some very nice boxes each evening and giving the hits away. While they are hosting mini mixers and draft style group breaks, the majority of the cards are given away nightly up until their grand opening on 02/17/18.

In the last week or so I was able to get in on some of the giveaways and walked away with some nice cards. While I didn't get a 1/1 printing plate patch auto card or some of the other hot cards they've pulled, I'm blown away by the genorosity of The Iron Lion.

One of the first hits that I received by randomization is this 2013 Panini Momentum Robert Woods Upside Jumbo jersey numbered 275/299. While I'm not a Bills fan, this was the best card available when it was my turn to choose. Beautiful card, but I'd like to flip it for another player.

The next drawing I got into yielded this 2017 Panini Certified O.J. Howard New Generation jersey numbered 237/399. The front of the card has a rainbow sheen to it, much more beautiful in hand. Again, beautiful card but I'm hoping someone reading this will want to trade for it.

My third and final card I received from Iron Lion is this beautiful 2015 Panini Playbook Triple Threats jersey card of the Panthers' Cam Newton / Devin Funchess / Kelvin Benjamin. It's numbered 140/199. I love the blue piece of jersey, it really pops on the dark colored card especially with the two black pieces of jersey.

I so wish I lived closer to Colorado Springs as I'd love to check out their store. From the pictures they've posted on their Facebook page, I see they are also carrying comic books, video games (both retro & new) and some toys/collectibles. Actually, it may be for the best that I don't live nearby as I'm sure they would be taking money out of my wallet on a regular basis and the misses wouldn't like that very much.

There are a few nights left that they should still be doing giveaways, so why don't you jump onto Facebook and join their group so you can get in on the fun as well. After all, who doesn't like free cards? Just enter "The Iron Lion Breakers" and I'm sure you'll see the group.

A Little Love for my 7-0 Carolina Panthers

Going into the 2015 NFL Season if someone had told me that the Carolina Panthers would be 7-0 entering week 9 of the season...without Kelvin Benjamin I would have laughed. It's not that I doubted my team, but to be undefeated without our number 1 wide receiver? If I'm being honest, and I am, I didn't see this coming.

All season long I've heard the critics say that Cam Newton isn't a franchise quarterback. He can't win without real "weapons" and the wide receivers on our team are horrible. I've heard that the Panthers haven't beaten anyone. Basically I've had to sit all season thus far and listen to the nation say the Panthers suck.

I've been a fan of the team since 1995 when the team played their first game. I'm not a bandwagon fan so all this criticism eventually gets to you. I'm so proud that this time has come together and strung together the wins they have. They have a big hurdle in their way today in the form of the Green Bay Packers. If the Panthers are going to go 8-0 they will need to play their A game as today's match up won't be an easy one.

2014 Panini Rookies & Stars Crusade #39

The success of this team all begins with Cam. While his stats over the last handful of games aren't anywhere near the realm of Brady, Manning or Brees, he is still 7-0 and last time I checked that's what matters. Cam has taken huge strides since even last year. Of course it helps that this is the first time in a while that he has been completely healthy...and it shows in his play. I also think that in a weird way, Kelvin Benjamin going down in the pre-season has only made Cam a better QB. It's forcing him to spread the ball around more. He's also doing a fantastic job controlling the running game in the back field w/ a healthy Jonathan Stewart. If Cam can continue to spread the ball around and play smart, I think he has a good chance of shutting up even more of the national critics with his play today.

2015 Topps Valor Shield of Honor autograph patch 05/50

2015 Topps Inception Rookie patch 002/125

2015 Panini The National glove swatch #7

2015 Panini The National 317/499

2015 Panini Rookie & Stars #RSR6

Devin Funchess hasn't panned out to be the wide receiver a lot of fans were hoping him to be. He's dealt with a few dropped passes in his limited playing time he's gotten, but it's still early. Plus I think Kelvin spoiled us fans last year bursting onto the NFL scene with the rookie season he had. I have high hopes still for Funchess and I think he'll play a crucial role in the passing game in years to come.

2015 Panini Spectra auto 67/99

A little known WR from Ohio State University, Philly Brown has been hot and cold with the Panthers. He made some good plays last year w/ his speed, but in the pre-season this year he was known for all the wrong reasons - dropped passes. Philly has recently turned things around and has been a big part of this offense at times w/ his incredible speed. He also has turned around the whole dropping the ball thing and has been awarded with more playing time. He may not be a household name or have the receiving numbers as other NFL WRs, but that doesn't mean he can't burn the Packers later today.

2015 Topps Valor Gridiron Warriors

It's no surprise that Greg Olsen has been Cam's #1 target for most of the season. A great blocking tight end too, Greg has been an invaluable part of this offense. I swear of the last few games though the refs have hit him with a few phantom calls that have resulted in touchdowns he scored being waived off or a big penalty costing the team yardage. However Greg is a great example of the heart this team has and how this team has come together to play as one.

2015 Bowman Rookie Chrome Refractor auto

2015 Topps Inception auto

Cameron Artis-Payne hasn't gotten on the field much this season due to the stellar efforts of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert, but like with Funchess I think he'll play a big part of this offense in years to come.

2015 Panini Certified auto 83/99

The saying is that defense wins Championships and Carolina has plenty of horses on defense. Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, Kwann Short, Josh Norman and others have been in the spotlight, however Shaq Thompson has really burst onto the scene and is putting together a really nice rookie campaign for himself. Shaq missed the Monday night game last week against the Colts, but is back and ready to wreck some havoc against the Packers offense today.

There are of course many, many other players that have factored into the teams 7-0 record to this point, but I don't have any new cards of those players to share! This has been an incredibly fun ride so far and I look forward to today's tough match up. Even if the Panthers come out of today w/ a 7-1 record, I'll still be just as proud of the team as if they come out 8-0. I think one of the things that sets this team apart from the a lot of the other teams is that they believe in one another and play as a team. I know that may sound cliche, but it's true. This team has one another's backs at all times. The Panthers may not be the flashiest team or win the prettiest, but they are finding a way to get things done each and every week and I don't think today will really be any different.

Go Panthers!! #KeepPounding