Yup. That’s Whitney Houston.

Wednesday marked the 50th birthday of JMRA’s second-favorite football player of all-time.

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham turned 50 today.

Ahead of his time, Cunningham’s skills (amazing arm, running ability) led him to becoming one of the NFL’s most lethal players during the late 80s.

Of course, Cunningham is widely known in Philadelphia for not delivering a title to the Buddy Ryan-led Eagles squads that reached postseason play from 1988-90.

Each time in the playoffs, Cunningham’s Eagles came away empty-handed; failing to win a playoff game.

Ryan, who did little to surround Cunningham with adequate offensive tools, used his scrambling quarterback as a messenger of discord back in 1987.

During the strike-shortened 1987 season, Dallas saw their veterans cross picket lines and return to the field to join their “scab” players. Some of those veteran Cowboys, including quarterback Danny White, appeared late in the first meeting of the season (a blowout 41-22 Dallas win) against the replacement Eagles.

Ryan did not like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDWxTsl4rI

When Dallas visited later in the season with the regulars back in tow, Ryan dialed up a fake kneel down and bomb into the endzone from Cunningham leading by 10 with just seconds remaining.

A pass interference call and short touchdown run later, Ryan got his revenge against Hall of Fame head coach Tom Landry in a 37-20 victory.

Alas, there were more even-keeled and awe-inspiring times during the Cunningham regime.

What about the Bruce Smith play in 1990?

Or the incredible 91-yard punt against the Giants in the Meadowlands?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKWdTCmqyq8

Or that awful “Buddy’s Watching You” music video?

We remember it all, Randall…including that incredibly depressing time when Bryce Paup ripped up your knee.

By the way, in the argument of Randall vs. Donovan, clearly I’m siding with Cunningham despite Mc5’s 9-3 edge in playoff wins.

At least, Randall never got dissed by a pro wrestler.

Happy Birthday #12.

Via.