Joe Arenas

• Sent: 6/28/10
• Received: 7/26/10
• Time: 28 days
• Autographed Items Received: 1956 Topps Archives

What a great return. "Lupe Joe" Arenas was from the golden age of the NFL. In the 1950's, he was mostly known as a kickoff and punt return specialist, although he also played halfback and defensive back since a lot of players back then played both ways. He played his entire 7 year career with the San Francisco 49ers from 1951-1957. Arenas was one of the first Mexican-American to really star in the NFL. Prior to his time in the NFL, Arenas had an even more impressive resume. He served four years in the Army, participating in the invasion of Iwo Jima and earning a Purple Heart. My grandfather, who passed away in 2008, was a proud World War II veteran and I have a great affection for those who served in that war. After his playing career ended, Arenas got on the coaching staff of the Houston Cougars where he developed young players for 23 years. Even up in his late 70's, Arenas volunteered as an assistant coach a local Houston-area high school.

Again, this was a great return. He autographed my card and it looked great. Then, he added a color 4x6 photo of him in his 49ers uniform. He also wrote me a two-page long handwritten letter that stated, among other things, that it was his last photo but he thought I'd like it. He also mentioned that today's players have no sense of teamwork. Finally, he talked about his coaching days and how proud he was of how many players he helped to develop. He seems very alert and in great shape for an 85 year old man. I really appreciated this return.