Category Archives: WLAF

NFL, WLAF

Stephens, Richard “Shake”

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v Sacramento Surge

At 6″7′, 308, Richard Stephens was considered one of the WLAFs top 10 prospects. A strong drive blocker from the University of Tulsa, Stephens was taken in the 9th round of the 1989 draft by the Bengals. He’d also see time in the training camps of the Redskins and Jets before being drafted in the 2nd round of the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the Sacramento Surge.

Richard would play two seasons for the Surge at tackle and help the team win World Bowl II blocking for All World runningback and future CFL HoFer Mike Pringle. He’d go on to play in the NFL starting one game for both the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993 and  the Oakland Raiders in 1995.

CFL, NFL, WLAF

Bethune, George

Card: Ultimate WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Sacramento Surge

George Bethune was drafted by the LA Rams in the 7th round of the 1989 draft from Alabama. He wouldn’t start any games but would manage to stay on the roster through the 1990 season, making 4 sacks and 1 fumble recovery playing linebacker. After not making the roster in 1991, George was the first defensive player chosen in the WLAF’s positional draft by the Sacramento Surge in 1992 at #1 overall. The pick came to the Surge via the Ohio Glory, who received Sacramento’s #1 pick (#2 overall), and starting center Curtis Wilson.  Bethune was penciled in at defensive end for the team and finished second on the team with 7 sacks (3rd in the league). The WLAF would reorganize after the 1992 season but Bethune kept his playing dreams alive.  I’d get his autograph at that final game back in 1992 on this great Ultimate Card.

George was signed by the Houston Oilers in 1992, but would be cut in training camp. He’d subsequently also be cut by the Packers in 1993.  George the tried his hand at the CFL and headed north to Canada to play for the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, and then later was acquired by the Sacramento Gold Miners in a trade during 1994. He’d play one final season with the team as they’d transition to San Antonio to become the Texans, but when the CFL folded in North American Operations, George retired.  Below are his WLAF statistics.

G/Gs  N/a     Tac   N/a      Sac  7.0     Fum  N/a    Int   0       Yds  0     Avg -.-    Td 0       Lg  -.-

NFL, WLAF

Brantley, John “Rambo”


Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991, ProSet 1991 DMVP
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Birmingham Fire
See Also: John Brantley (2)

John Brantley was a 12th round choice (#325)  out of Georgia by the Houston Oilers in 1988.  He’d be on the roster of the team through 1989 suiting up for 8 games playing on special teams. In 1991 Brantley was drafted by the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF in the 2nd round of the positional draft.  A well rounded team leader, he’d finish statistically amongst the top players in the league with 47 tackles and 4 sacks. At the conclusion of the 1991 season John was be named first team All World Team, and would win defensive MVP in a three way tie with Danny Lockett and Anthony Parker.

Brantley returned to the WLAF for 1992 and again lead the staunch Fire defense, chipping in 2 more sacks and be named back to the All World team. The league unfortunately was reorganized after the 1992 season, but John would sign with the Washington Redskins of the NFL  and start 2 games for the team that year. It is unknown if Brantley played any additional seasons of football whether it was in
the Arena leagues or the CFL USA venture. He currently lives in Georgia.

G/Gs 20/20    Tac    124       Sac   6.0      Fum 3
Int 0    Yds  0    Avg  -.-   Td  0   Lg   -.-