Category Archives: WLAF

Arena, NFL, WLAF

Shaw, Ricky


Cards: Ultimate WLAF 1992, WildCard WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent:  10/6  Received: 10/17 (11 days)

A 4th round pick out of Oklahoma State in 1988 by the New York Giants, Ricky Shaw recovered a fumble playing primarily on special teams his rookie year. Cut midway through the 1989 season, the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles would sign Shaw where he’d spend the rest of the season and 1990. Originally meant as a replacement for Paul McGowan, the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF would draft Shaw to play in their 3-4 defense alongside John Brantley and Maurice Oliver, at linebacker in 1992, but the London Monarchs had different plans and traded to get Ricky from the Fire.

The London Monarchs, fresh off of their World Bowl I victory, had their work cut out for them – reassembling the team from coaches to players as much of their staff had been picked clean for NFL and CFL rosters. They’d make the move and Shaw would provide valuable depth to a depleted Monarchs team notching .5 sacks during the season. After the season the WLAF would reorganize and Ricky would return stateside.

He’d play in the Arena Football League for the Orlando Predators, then in 1995 sign with the San Jose Sabrecats and play alongside WLAF veteran Pat McGuirk through 1996, recording 5 receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown, to go along with 7 tackles and a sack. In 1997, Ricky played one final season for the Miluaukee Mustangs and retired.

Post retirement, I stumbled Ricky through Sotl.com, and found that he was working as a school teacher. He was more than happy to sign a few cards for me and signed these 2 cards in 11 days. I also included a few duplicates for him to keep and pass out to his students.

NFL, WLAF

Jackson, Patrick “Action”

Card: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent:  10/7   Received: 10/15  (8 days)

Patrick Jackson went to Stephen F. Austin in Nacodoches, Texas where he set receiving marks for the school. Playing in the shadow of many larger institutions including LSU, UT, and even A&M at the time, players from SFA really didn’t receive much attention coming out of college. He’d be a free agent signee of the Falcons in 1990, playing in the Red Gun offense, but he would not make the squad.

The Ohio Glory would take him during the 1992 WLAF draft and along with receivers Walter Wilson and Melvin Patterson they’d make one of the most prolific receiving corps in the league that season, despite being quarterbacked by the triumvirate of  Babe Laufenberg, Glen Frey, and Pat O’Hara. Nicknamed “Action Jackson”, due in part to the movie with the similar title starring Carl Weathers, and a personal motto of “Make it happen,” Jackson would chip in 16 receptions for 167 yards that season, but his further football adventures would be derailed by an ankle injury and the end of the WLAF.

Since football Action has become an insurance agent, a motivational speaker, and has written quite a few books. I’ve been using Sotl.com recently, and found his profile through the site where we
reminisced about the Riders-Glory game from 1992 with the hail storm.  With a few extra cards in the mail for him to keep, he kindly personalized one for me in 8 days and also wrote me a really nice note and encouraging me to keep in touch.

Rec 16      Yds 167     Avg  10.4     lg  27      Td 0   |
Rush 2         Yds   35      Avg   17.5       lg 27      Td 0

Arena, NFL, WLAF

Bowick, Tony

Autograph Memorabilia
Stampede Inaugural Magazine Austin Wranglers
Acquired: Gift 2004

My cousin got me a game program full of autographs back in 2004, that I found recently when digging through some boxes.

Originally a 12th round selection of the Atlanta Falcons in 1989, Tony Bowick’s 13th and final season was with the Austin Wranglers in a career that spanned 3 professional leagues (WLAF, NFL, and AFL) playing for the Birmingham Fire, Charlotte Rage, Albany Firebirds, Grand Rapids Rampage, and Chicago Rush.