Category Archives: WLAF

Smith, David (RB)

Wild Card World League 1992, #146

CARD: Wild Card World League 1992
ACQUIRED: EBay, 2023

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • As a Junior for Western Kentucky, David Smith rushed for 625 yards and 5 TDs.
  • Selected in the 8th round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • In 1990, played for the Pittsburgh Gladiators of the Arena Football League.
  • Joined the Monarchs of the WLAF in 1991 and played with team through 1992.
  • Scored the league’s first TD in a win against the Frankfurt Galaxy.
  • Finished season as the team’s second leading rusher with 302 yards on 84 carries, while adding 6 rushing TDs.
  • Returned to the Arena league after the World League reorganized, playing for the Cincinnati Rockers in 1992.
  • Continued one year stints playing forthe Tampa Bay Storm in ’93, the Massachusetts Marauders in ’94, and the Charlotte Rage in 1995.

NOTES:

I had been desperately looking for David for the last 13 years or so. The challenge lied in his name, which is one of the most common ones in the United States. I was able to locate this on Ebay and after negotiating with the seller, went ahead and pulled the trigger on this card, leaving me with just needing his Ultimate card. I doubt seriously anyone would fake this autograph since David is so obscure.

RUSHYDSAVGTDLG
1452192.922N/a
Arena
RECYDSAVGTDLG
1819110.60N/a
RUSHYDSAVGTDLG
943213.4628t
WL
RECYDSAVGTDLG
2199.5020

Aguiar, Louis ‘Louie’

Pro Set 1991 WLAF Helmet Collectible, #1

CARDS: Pro Set 1991 WL Insert, Pro Set 1992, Topps Stadium Club 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home
SENT: 2/26 RECEIVED: 3/21 (23 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Louie Aguiar played college ball at Utah State and went undrafted in 1989.
  • Aguiar tried out for the Bills in subsequent seasons, but eventually was cut.
  • He’d make a positive impression on the Bills coaching staff, so they recommended Louie to Jack Bicknell, head coach of the Barcelona Dragons in the World League.
  • Louie played the ’91 season in Barcelona, making an impression on the New York Jets.
  • He signed with NY shortly after World Bowl I concluded.
  • Played for the Jets from 1991-’93, averaging 39.6 yards on 210 punts in 49 contests.
  • Louie joined the Chiefs in 1994- where he’d play through the ’98 season.
  • He’d conclude his career after one year stints for the Packers (’99) and Bears (’00).

ACCOLADES:

  • All Pro 1995

NOTES:

Louie was well known for a booming leg and was frequently used on kickoffs.

A sneaky success story of the World League, Aguiar went on to play in the NFL for 10 seasons. I was surprised he didn’t have a card in the league, but that’s why this helmet card was perfect for him to sign.

PYDSAVGLGBLK
49202941.4801
WLAF
PYDSAVGLGBLK
7583122141.2711
NFL

Wells, Kent

CARD: Wild Card WL 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2019, C/o Home
SENT: 10/5/19 RECEIVED: 9/19/23 (1445 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Kent Wells played DL at Nebraska from 1987-’89.
  • Posted 37 solo tackles, 40 assists and 10 sacks over his time in Lincoln.
  • 6th round pick of the Washington Redskins in the 1990 NFL Draft.
  • Claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants that year, playing in 6 contests.
  • Spent the 1991 off-season with the 49ers.
  • Saw extensive action playing for the Ohio Glory of the World League in 1992.
  • Briefly was on the off-season roster of the Browns that year.
  • Joined the Arena Football League in 1993, playing for the Thunderbolts through ’94, when the team folded.
  • Played for the Tampa Bay Storm from 95-98′.
  • Traded to the Iowa Barnstormers in ’98.
  • Played one final season in the Arena leagues for the Orlando Predators in 1999.

ACCOLADES:

  • 1996 Arena Defensive Lineman of the Year
  • Arena Football League All-Star 1993
  • All-Arena 1995-’96

NOTES:

After I saw Kent’s autograph pop up on EBay, I started researching his address and was pretty confident I found a circumstantial fit near Omaha. I shot this request out shortly after and waited, and albeit a bit later than I figured, I got a hit. For only having one card, Kent Wells’ Wild Card World League card is an absolute winner.

TACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
N/a3.0000-.-0-.-
WL
TACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
6613.0100-.-0-.-
ARENA