Tag Archives: San Antonio Riders

NFL, WLAF

Garrett, Jason (2)

ult92wlaf jason garrettCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o The Dallas Cowboys
Sent: 10/2   Received: 11/3  (28 days)
See Also: Jason Garrett

The Garrett family has held a strong presence inside the Cowboys organization since the 1980s when their father joined the staff as a scout. Jason Garrett in the meantime has climbed the ranks after his playing days, where he has been the much embattled coach of the Dallas Cowboys, pretty much since he finished his first full season out. Billed as the offense minded head coach in waiting and fix apparent for previous head coach Wade Philips, Garrett’s results have been- well- average. Though he hasn’t posted a losing record since taking over in 2010 and closed out his rookie season strong at 5-3, Jason had back to back 8-8 seasons in 2011 and 2012. While notoriously hands-on owner Jerry Jones hasn’t exactly given him a ringing endorsement and removed offensive play calling from Garrett’s duty, it’s hard to see how Jason is not on a short leash.  Things in Dallas are always under a microscope, since they still call themselves “America’s Team”. Still Garrett has remained steadfast, tight lipped, and professional, in his interactions with the dirt digging national media.

You have to hand it to the Cowboys. They still take care of their fans- for the most part. Not only did Jason sign my card in under 30 days, he also included 4 Cowboys pocket schedules, and copy of the Dallas Cowboys “Star Magazine”, all while returning my original return envelope in manila correspondence from the team. Now that is great PR!

 

 

CFL, NFL, WLAF

Watson, Kenneth “Ken”

ult92 watsonCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Miles College
Sent: 7/9     Received: 7/25   (16 days)

Ken went to school collegiality at Livingstone  (now the University of Western Alabama). There he left an indelible mark on the record books for the school, where he held the school record for career punt return yardage with 690. Over his 4 year college career for the Tigers, Watson racked up 15 interceptions, 22 pass breakups, including a career high 49 tackles in his senior year. He was recognized as a 4 time All-Gulf Conference defensive back. The Minnesota Vikings signed him as a free agent in 1989, and then later he joined the British Columbia Lions in 1990. In 1991, the Riders made him their 2nd round pick of the positional draft among defensive backs. That season, he had 20 tackles and 2 picks for 17 yards playing across from Gary Richard, as San Antonio finished at 4-6.

After the season Watson made the jump back to the CFL playing for the Stampeders from 1992-1993, the Baltimore Stallions 1994-1996, the Montreal Alouettes 1996-1997, Toronto in 1999, and finally Edmonton in 2000.  After finishing school, Watson moved into coaching at the college level at Miles College from 2002-2005. He returned to his Alma Mater to coach DBs from 2005-2006. A stint at Minor High School in Birmingham, yielded him another opportunity to return to Miles where as of 2013 he remains the school’s defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator for the school.

WLAF      Tac 20  Sac  0   Int 2    Yds  17     Avg 8.5   Td 0

CFL, NFL, WLAF

Hess, Billy “Bill”

ULT92 hessjo95 hess

Cards: Ultimate WLAF 1992, Jogo 1995
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Work
Sent: 7/15    Received: 8/24  (40 days)

Billy Hess at the time of his departure from West Chester University was the school’s all-time leading receiver with 2,729 yards and 19 touchdowns. Playing both ways at the tiny college, in his senior year he caught 47 passes for 833 yards and 11 Tds while also recording 23 tackles and 3 interceptions.  He’d be signed by the Eagles as a free agent in 1989, and then by the Cardinals in 1990.

The San Antonio Riders decided to draft Bill in the 4th round with the 37th pick of the 1991 WLAF wide receiver pool draft.  A crafty receiver who runs good routes and has solid hands, Hess caught 28 passes for 399 yards and 2 touchdowns from quarterbacks Jason Garrett, Lee Saltz, and Mike Johnson.  He had his best game against the Skyhawks catching 2 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. After the season he resigned with the Eagles.

Later on he’d go on to play for the San Antonio Texans of the CFLUSA in 1995. A possession receiver, Hess caught 28 passes for 333 yards in 12 games from QB David Archer in the slot. He’d play one final season in the CFL after it folded the USA franchises with the Ottawa Rough Riders before retiring.

As of 2013 he works in real estate in the greater Philadelphia area. I was scouring the web and got lucky on this hit. As I get further and further along in my attempts to track down members of the WLAF, it has gotten progressively more difficult to find some of these players. Bill was also nice enough to include a Jogo 95 and a note for me as well thanking me for bringing back some great memories.

WLAF    Rec  28    Yds 399    Avg     Td 2