Hobby Musings: Chatting with Notre Dame / NFL QB Rick Mirer – Former QB Rick Mirer has worn a lot of hats in his career. Among other things, he’s been the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the No. 2 pick of the 1993 NFL draft, a longtime NFL gunslinger and a wine buff. He’s also signed countless autographs over the years and has lent his signature to help out Signatures for Soldiers.
I had the chance to catch up with Mr. Mirer via email to discuss his experiences with autographs and sports memorabilia.
KS: Mr. Mirer, how did you get involved in lending your autograph/support to Signatures for Soldiers?
RM: Tim V (Virgilio) reached out to me on Twitter and I responded. I said I was happy to help the effort since I appreciate Soldiers and have cards to contribute. I thought he had a cool project and it turns out I was right.
KS: When is the first time you remember someone asking you to sign an autograph?
RM: Senior year in HS. We were state champions and I was on my way to ND.
KS: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever been asked to sign?
RM: A bald head.
KS: Before the NFL, you played for one of the most storied programs in college football history at Notre Dame. What did it mean to you to be a part of that tradition and play QB for the Fighting Irish?
RM: It was amazing. I have so many great memories and made friends for life. It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot and would do it again.
KS: What memorabilia, if any, did you keep from your career?
RM: All kinds of jerseys, helmets and trading cards. I had seven teams.
KS: Is there anything you wish you had kept?
RM: I do not have my Seattle helmet somehow. I wish I did.
KS: Did you ever imagine the trading card and memorabilia business would become as big as it is now?
RM: It has gotten pretty crazy after going quiet for many years. I was a very active collector as a kid and I always felt like the limited stuff would always appreciate. It’s the value on current players cards now that blows my mind. COVID played a part for sure. People were stuck at home and had extra time. The Last Dance started a frenzy.
KS: Did you ever have a favorite trading card or piece of memorabilia of yourself?
RM: Carl Yaz rookie, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Roberto Clemente cards. Michael Jordan rookie Fleer sticker. Joe Namath, Jim Thorpe, Johnny Lujack cards. I like the old stuff most. I must have thousands of Shaq rookie cards from my negotiation with Classic back in 1993. They have been in sealed wrappers for decades. Not sure anyone has more.
KS: If someone wanted to get your autograph now, what would be the best way to do so?
RM: I don’t really need any more showing up in my mailbox. My goal was to send them to people who donate a few dollars to my foundation. I have tons of my cards. That’s tough to coordinate however. Mirer Family Foundation is on Facebook.
KS: Beyond football, you’re also known for your wine. What made you decide to get into that business and do you have any special events coming up?
RM: Collecting wine is just like collecting cards or memorabilia. If it’s limited, it’s just more interesting and always will be. I wanted to start Mirror to see if we could compete with the big guys. We have achieved that, and I’ve learned plenty along the way. It’s also allowed us to do more to help the charities we support. That’s pretty rewarding.
Hobby Musings: Chatting with Rick Mirer – Image Gallery
Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Hobby Musings: Chatting with Notre Dame / NFL QB Rick Mirer
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