Steven Avery went undrafted out of Northern Michigan in 1989 where he signed as a free agent with the then Houston Oilers. After being cut in camp that year he sat out a year, and then was picked up by the Packers who then allocated him to the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF where he played for two seasons as their starting fullback until the league went on hiatus after 1992. Recognized for his tough nosed blocking and decent hands, Steve’s style matched that of a ‘poor man’s’ Meril Hoge. He was a natural fit for the Steelers, and signed with them in 1993 and playing for the gold and black for 3 years before retiring. Since retired from football the Steelers have had him back as an honorary captain on occasion. Steve lives in Ocmonoc, WI. I sent out for Steve’s autograph to his home address, where he sent a nice thank you note to me for being a fan in a bit under 30 days.
Fire games 20 att 49 yds 182 avg 3.7 td 1 lg 32
rec 32 yds 364 avg 11.4 td 3 lg 54t
Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991.
Acquired: In Person, San Antonio Riders v. Montreal Machine
After leading the Terrapins in both rushing and kick returning as a Junior, Ricky was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent in 1990, and then was drafted by Montreal in the 5th round of the WLAF positional draft. All-purpose tailback Ricky Johnson would lead the Montreal Machine attack from the backfield, as the team’s major weakness was a propensity for its quarterbacks to get injured. Because of this Ricky finished as the team’s career leader in rushing. In season two Ricky appeared to be off to a fast start as he was ranked second in the league in rushing behind San Antonio runningback Ivory Lee Brown. The team continued to rely on him heavily but his season was ended prematurely when Johnson suffered a catastrophic knee injury against the Ohio Glory. -Montreal dropped their last seven contests.
Cards: Pro Set WLAF 1991.
Acquired: In Person, 1992 Preseason game San Antonio Riders v Ohio Glory
Drafted originally in the 7th round by the Green Bay Packers in 1988, Gary Richard checks in at 5-10 and only 173 pounds. Richard countered his small size with tenacity and great leaping ability. After being cut by the Packers, the Riders drafted him in the second round of the Riders 1991 positional draft, where in his rookie season he had 15 pass breakups, 37 tackles and notched a safety when he blocked a punt against the Skyhawks. In 1992, Richard notched 3 picks, including returning a theft 53 yards to seal the 17-0 victory over the Ohio Glory in the infamous hail storm game in San Marcos, Texas on 4/20/1992.
After I got my Pro Set World League 1991 cards, I caught some Riders in the parking of Bobcat Stadium leaving after the preseason game against the Glory back in 1992 that they won 33-7. (The same parking lot I got Alonzo Highsmith back in 1988). They all stopped and started clamoring around my cards to see who I had. Gary Richard went nuts when he saw mine and gleefully signed my card. The other defensive backs were disappointed, but eventually they’d all get cards in other sets.
Games 20 Tac N/a FF N/a Int 3 Yards 53 Avg 17.0 Td 1
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
