A Panini America New Year’s Day Tribute to the Ultimate Eric Decker Collector

Long before California native Patrick Clary was wooed by the receiving wizardry of Denver Broncos receiver Eric Decker on the field, the disabled American combat veteran was wowed by Decker's Wonderlic results. Indeed, it was Decker's head -- not his hands -- that first convinced Clary to begin collecting Decker's football cards.

Patrick Clary

Long before California native Patrick Clary was wooed by the receiving wizardry of Denver Broncos receiver Eric Decker on the field, the disabled American combat veteran was wowed by Decker’s Wonderlic results. Indeed, it was Decker’s head — not his hands — that first convinced Clary to begin collecting Decker’s football cards.

Three years later, Decker has blossomed into one of the most reliable receivers in the game, finishing the 2012 regular season with an AFC-best 13 touchdown receptions. As for Clary, well, he’s managed to amass quite possibly the greatest Decker collection on the planet. This is his story . . . in his words.

Panini America Personal Collection Spotlight
Who: Patrick Clary, Atascadero, Calif.
Who He Collects: Denver Broncos WR Eric Decker

“Hello, Panini world! First, my name is Patrick Clary (father, American combat disabled veteran and top-rated eBay seller blazedad2010). I have been collecting cards seriously since 2010 when I was introduced to a hobby shop and a special Super Collector issue of Beckett. Right then, I knew I wanted to be a Super Collector myself. I started with a box of 2008 Score Select Football and pulled about the best card possible in that set: A Matt Ryan Rookie autograph #’d 13/25. Pulling one of the best cards in any set feels like you’ve won the lottery and that got me hooked.

“Why Eric Decker? I pulled an autograph card of him and started doing research. I found out that he was the ‘Wonderlic Wonder’ for 2010 wide receivers. I believe in education, just ask my kids. Zero tardies and zero absences in this house. Also, Decker was the 87th pick in the draft, he was born in 1987 and he wears No. 87. His autographs were attainable at the beginning (although they’re getting harder to obtain now that my collection is almost complete). I’ll probably never be able to finish, though — there’s always another 1/1 out there. As of now, I have more than 260 rookie-year Decker autographs.

“My most favorite Panini America product would have to be 2010 Plates & Patches Football. The presentation of the cards is unsurpassed — the less touching, the better. Don’t get me wrong: National Treasures is always top, too notch. As you can see in the following photos, I like them all!

“Thanks to all my friends on Facebook and eBay for making my goal one step closer. Especially thanks to my unit for putting up with me and my card collection, I love them very much. HOOAH!”

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21 Replies to “A Panini America New Year’s Day Tribute to the Ultimate Eric Decker Collector”

  1. Outstanding story :). I love hearing about the collectors and the passion. Last year my passion for collection was refueled when I decided to get in a break of 2011 limited to improve my Bengals collection. In that box there was an A.J. Green/ jones duel patch draft day card. What came next was an Andy Dalton rookie Phenoms redemption Auto. Funny to this day my best luck comes with Limited! Hope to get into some National Treasures this year. Saving up slowly but surely lol. Happy new year to all and Who Dey. Go Bengals!

  2. First off, thank you to Patrick for his service to our country. What an impressive collection of the budding star from Denver! I’m sure Peyton has quite a bit to do with that success, but that may be the Colts-fan bias talking. I will be sure to keep an eye out for any Decker cards here in CT and spread the word as best I can about this collection. Thanks as always to Tracy and the Panini team for shining the spotlight back on us, happy new year to all!

  3. That is super cool. Congrats on a great collection. I wish I could do that with Brian Urlacher cards, or Walter Payton (god rest his soul). Your collection is exactly what this hobby is all about! Congrats and hope you have a great 2013!

  4. Happy new year everyone! My friend you have one sweet collection. Thank you for your service to our country!

  5. Good to see someone recognized for their service and collection (unlike others who abuse their status for free stuff). Sweet Decker collection!

  6. What a great story! The emphasis and value Mr. Clary places upon education should be recognized. I am blown away by his collection, it’s a true labor of love.
    Thank you for your story, Patrick, and thanks for bringing it to we Panini-ites.
    Wishing Patrick, Tracy, Scott, Panini and my fellow Knight’s Lance afficionados s happy, healthy, prosperous and relatively non-threatening ’13.

  7. Great story… that is exactly the kind of collection i like seeing.. thank you for your service to this country and for letting another collector see what you have good luck in completing it!!!

  8. Patrick is a true hero – not just to our country but to this hobby we all love. Thank you Patrick for being such a good friend, and Im glad you finally got published, now lets get Beckett on this. Patrick does case breaks with me all the time, and if anyone else wants to be involved with me and Patrick… email me – hcbsportscards – at – yah00 – dot – com

  9. I want to thank all you who have left Awesome Comments….. i look forward to meeting all of you in the future!! I go to the Tri star show in San Fran.. for now…. i will be at the National one day!! Trying to get to beckett before summer…. to summit all my decker collection that is not already graded….. Still working my Goal to be a Super collector in the Beckett……i hope all of your collections are going well…. Having Fun!!! send me a msg on the face or here or ebay…… i have a alot of other auto’s that y’all might need…. or want…..willing to trade anytime for Decker…..lol…. hope y’all have a great day!!!

  10. Sweet article, Patrick! Nice to get a spotlight aimed at your incredible PC. Super-collecting is the most rewarding hassle there is, haha, thanks for sharing!

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