Tag Archives: Denver Broncos

NFL, WLAF

Elway Sr., John “Jack” (1931-2001)

pset91 jackelwaypsetwlaf91 jackelway

Card: ProSet 1991, ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: 2014, EBay

Jack had been just about everywhere and had been a coach at every position and level, before the Frankfurt Galaxy called on him to coach the team for the 1991 and 1992 seasons.

He had been coaching since 1953 when he took his first job at Port Angeles High School in Washington. Jack then moved to the college ranks in 1960 with Grays Harbor CC, and Montana in 1967. He’d return to Washington in 1972 and be an assistant with the Washington State Huskies through 1975, before taking over as head coach at Cal State Northridge in 1976. In 1979 Elway became head coach at San Jose State and guided the ’79 and ’81 teams respectively to Pacific Coast Athletic Association titles and top 20 recognition. His efforts culminated in a stint as Stanford’s head coach from 1984-1988.  Jack took his first stab at international football in the Italian league as head coach of the Milan team, and then returned to the United States to work for the New York Jets as a scout in 1990.

Elway was paired with GM Oliver Luck in Frankfurt and put together a strong team in 1991, fielding a 7-3 record and narrowly missing the playoffs. The team finished 3rd in offense and first in defense that season. 1992 saw a disappointing reversal of fortune for the Galaxy, plagued by injuries on offense and drained of talent to other leagues on defense, – Frankfurt plunged to a 3-7 record. The WLAF reorganized after the season, so Jack returned stateside joining the Denver Broncos in their scouting department, retiring after the 1999 season.

In 2001 he’d pass away of a heart attack in Palm Springs, California at the age of 70. Beyond his stints in college and the pro ranks, Elway is also known as father of All Pro Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

WLAF    W 10    L  10     T 0        Pct .500

NFL, WLAF, XFL

Adams, Scott (1966-2013)

psetwlaf91 adamsCard: Pro Set WLAF 1991
Acquired: EBay, 2014

Scott Adams was another modest success story of the WLAF. At 6’5″, 275 Adams was a perfect fit for the Barcelona Dragons run oriented offense.  After not making the squads of the Dallas Cowboys (1989) and Atlanta Falcons (1990), Scott was drafted by the Dragons in the 3rd round of the 1991 WLAF draft. Although an impressive guard, Adams had the flexibility to also play tackle as well. He helped key the team’s drive to World Bowl I.

In 1992, Scott signed with the Minnesota Vikings and remained with the team through 1993. He’d then spend a series of one shot seasons with with the New Orleans Saints (1994), Chicago Bears (1995), Denver Broncos/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996), and the Atlanta Falcons in 1997.

After a 4 year hiatus, in 2001 Adams was drafted by the San Fransisco Demons of the XFL. He’d block up front for Mike Pawlawski and Pat Barnes, as the team made a late season charge only to lose in the Million Dollar Game against the Los Angeles Xpress. After the season the XFL folded and Adams retired back to Georgia where he eventually became an mortgage banker. Scott unexpectedly passed away on September 16th, 2013. He was just 47 and is survived by his wife and daughter.

 

 

NFL, WLAF

Johnson, Jason

ultwlaf92 jjohnsonCards: ProSet WLAF 1991, Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Work
Sent: 2/17    Received: 3/4  (14 days)

Jason Johnson played wide receiver and runningback for the Illinois State Firebirds. He’d be a free agent find of the Denver Broncos in 1988. After spending the first half of the season on injured reserve, he’d return 14 kick offs for 292 yards in 8 games. The Steelers signed Johnson in 1989, and again he’d be relegated to primarily kick and punt return duties.Later Jason would have a try out with the New Orleans Saints but not make the squad.

In 1991, Jason was drafted by the Frankfurt Galaxy of the WLAF in the 3rd round of the league’s positional draft. As Mike Perez‘s favorite target, the speedy receiver caught 38 balls for 635 yards and 4 touchdowns.   Against the Skyhawks that season, he’d catch a 59 yard bomb to set up the go ahead score.  Johnson also stepped up as Frankfurt’s primary punt returner, fielding 24 kicks for 89 yards. Jason even saw time as an emergency defensive back, intercepting one pass and returning it 17 yards.  While the Galaxy finished 7-3, the team did not make the playoffs in 1991.

pset91 jjohnsonHe’d return to the Galaxy for the 1992 season, but with Perez splitting time with Alex Espinoza behind a leaky offensive line, Johnson saw less looks and consequently- less targets, and the team slumped. Still Jason managed to haul in 22 receptions for 268 yards and a 47 yard touchdown, before the league went on hiatus after the season.

He returned back stateside after that, and his hometown of Gary, Indiana. He worked his way into coaching, and is now a head coach at West Side High School.  He wrote me a really nice note on the back of the envelope, telling me that his son was soon going to be in the NFL and that he himself loves Austin and is looking forward to moving here when he retires.

NFL  Rec   1          Yds  6         Avg 6.0        Td 0        Lg 6    |
KR  17     Yds 335       Avg 19.7         Td  0         Lg 34
Pr  3         Yds 27          Avg 9.0           Td  0         Lg 13

WLAF  Rec 60       Yds   903        Avg 15.1       Td   5          Lg  59
Kr     5           Yds   107        Avg   21.4          Td 0               Lg 26
Pr    24         Yds      89        Avg  3.7              Td 0               Lg 15