Gridiron America FM Radio
By Gridiron America Network
Gridiron America FM RadioFeb 04, 2022
From The 55 Yardline, Pete Rose Says Put It All On The Dodgers
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Fran is MIA, as Dave and Greg (whose new microphone is trash and being returned soon to Amazon) tackle baseball and the Shohei Otani gambling scandal, with zero apologies to Pete Rose, that is currently rocking America and Japan. Of course Greg is able to cram in a mention of the movie "Mr. Baseball." They also talk some minor league ball, and ponder what we might see for the upcoming United Football League season.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, Sweet Home Chicago
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
On the 3rd week of the LFA regular season, what was to be a Gridiron Mexico episode was immediately changed as a result of the breaking news of Justin Fields being traded from Greg's sweet home of Chicago to Pittsburgh. Dave and Greg talk about the trade, as well as the stadium issues faced by Chicago's south side teams. They also talk about the state of the CFL, particularly the Elks ownership issues, and their observations about the LFA as it enters in to its third week of the spring football season.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, Catching Up With Our Man Fran
From the 55 Yard Line is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Since the end of the NFL season there has been a lot going on outside of the gridiron bubble, and our regular contributor Fran Stuchbury covers it all over at Our Sports Central with his weekly column. With Dave unavailable, Fran reviews the happenings in the other leagues as the two talk about what is happening in the world of minor league sports.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, An All CFL Show, with Howie Mooney
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. The video livestream for this episode and past can be found on both the show's YouTube and Facebook pages
EPISODE SUMMARY
With approximately three months to go before the kick off of the Canadian Football League season, Greg and Dave sit back down with Howie Mooney in the second "test" livestream and talk CFL free agency. In addition to free agency the also talk some CFL history and even squeeze in some Montreal Expos memories.
Howie Mooney, co-host of the Sports Lunatics Show, is the author of numerous books, including "Third & Long: the Proud History of Football in Ottawa", "Crazy Days & Wild Nights". and "More Crazy Days & Wild Nights".
FROM THE 55 YARDLINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, More Crazy Days and Wild Nights With Howie Mooney
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Howie Mooney from the Sports Lunatics Show returns to the 55 Yardline to chat with Dave and Greg about his latest book, "More Crazy Days and Wild Nights" in which he again regals readers with more outlandish and detailed detailed stories of wild events that took place over the last fifty years! The guys also get back to the roots of the show and talk Canadian football. With more Canadian football talk and perspective promised for the months ahead on the show, as he recovers from surgery.
FROM THE 55 YARDLINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline- Why Do Old White Guys Hate Taylor?
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
On Super Bowl eve, Dave and Fran, along with OurSportsCentral.com contributor Fran Stuchbury, talk a little bit about the upcoming game, with Greg pondering the question, "why do old white guys hate Taylor?" Fran then provides his summary of around the minor leagues, and talks about his recent trip to Atlanta to sample the minor league sports scene in the Peach state. Lastly, they talk about the Pro Football Hall of Fame selectees, particularly those who played on the Chicago Bears. specifically Mongo, and also address the direct messages from followers on Twitter, who may or may not be bots.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, A Conversation With Mark Speck, World Football League Historian
From the 55 Yard Line is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Greg and Dave spend a morning (Japan)/evening (America) with Pro Football Researchers Association member and World Football League historian Mark Speck. Mark is the foremost expert on the defunct league and has written four books and counting on the league and two of the league's more unique franchises, the Detroit Wheels and Florida Blazers. The conversation runs the gambit from a story of stolen player identity, the legend of King Corcoran, the fabled Hawaiians, and much more! You can find all of Mark's books for purchase on Amazon, and also connect with he and other WFL experts over at the WFL Project on Facebook, and the Florida Blazers page, also on Facebook.
Mark also previously appeared on the sports history podcast "Good Seats Still Available," with friend of the show Tim Hanlon, at Good Seats Still Available, the episode of which is a must listen!
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, A Conversation With Zach Keilman
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode, which is part two of the previous episode, Greg sits down with Zach Keilman of Pro Football Newsroom, the UFL Podcast, and the Inside the Walls Podcast, to talk about the upcoming year in spring professional football, both outdoor with the UFL and indoor with the relaunched Arena Football League. Zach and Greg also reminisce about how they came to launch the Gridiron Japan podcast.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, The Wide World of Sports
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode, Greg. Dave, and Fran sit down and go around the world to talk about the latest sports news that has gone under the radar screens with hockey, women and men's soccer, rugby, Canadian football and more as reported at OurSportsCentral.com. Afterward, Greg sits down with Zach Keilman of Pro Football Newsroom, the UFL Podcast, and the Inside the Walls Podcast, to talk about the upcoming year in spring professional football, both outdoor with the UFL and indoor with the relaunched Arena Football League. Zach and Greg also reminisce about how they came to launch the Gridiron Japan podcast.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline, WLAF Memories and Mourning the End of Sports Illustrated
From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode, Greg and Fran cover down for Dave as he digs out of the snow near Buffalo, and react to the news of the day of the demise of Sports Illustrated and what the magazine meant to them growing up. They then dive into a discussion of the lack of responsible journalism within the ranks of the United Football League media, and why not just any blogger can considered a sports journalist. Fran then takes Greg around the minor leagues with OurSportsCentral.com and talks women soccer, rugby, and hockey. They then talk a little football movie talk and then reminisce about the World League of American Football and what lessons still need to be learned about growing the gridiron game internationally, including in Japan, where Greg cohosts the Gridiron Japan podcast.
FROM THE 55 YARD LINE BACKGROUND
From the 55 Yardline is anchored by former rugby player and sports executive David Cieslinski, who resides near the Canadian border, and retired naval intelligence and information warfare officer Greg St. James, who resides in Japan (he is also the co-host of the Gridiron Japan podcast). Both are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen and on the internet airwaves.
In addition to Dave and Greg, From the 55 Yardline also features veteran journalist and contributor Fran Stuchbury, of https://OurSportsCentral.com, where he writes extensively on the happenings in minor league sports.
The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at https://www.Adamsonmedia.com.
David, Greg, and Fran can be contacted directly via the podcast's Twitter account at https://www.twitter.com/Fromthe55.
From the 55 Yardline- Present at the Creation, with Upton Bell
In part one of the podcast (apologies in advance for the audio quality due to a bad undersea cable), Greg sits down with the legendary Upton Bell, former NFL executive with both the '60s era Baltimore Colts and '70s era New England Patriots, owner of the Charlotte Hornets of the WFL, Boston media personality, author, and scion of the famous Bell family, whose grandfather helped found the NCAA, and whose father, Bert Bell served as the commissioner of the NFL from 1946 through 1959. Commissioner Bell's influence on professional football is still felt today, from the NFL draft to the league's cultural dominance, and Upton is a living legacy who has crossed paths with nearly everyone in the world of professional football, including Vince Lombardi, Johnny Unitas, Don Shula and Howard Cosell (who Greg forgot to ask him about). Part two of the podcast begins around the 1:20 mark, in which Dave, Greg, and OurSports Central contributor, Fran Stuchbury, talk NFL playoffs, indoor football and women's hockey.
To learn more about Upton Bell's life and career, please read his book, check out his website, and explore his collections at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He can also be found on Twitter where he is very active and provides running commentaries on sports, politics and life.
Gridiron Japan: Rice Bowl Wrap Up, With Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
On a Sunday night, John, BJ and Greg are joined by Rice Bowl and X-League champion, as well as the most famous American playing football in Japan, Al-Rilwan Adeyemi of the Fujitsu Frontiers. They discuss with him the key moments of the game that led to the Frontiers' big win and also talk about his recent NFL360 spotlight on the NFL Network. Lastly, they discuss with him the upcoming Dream Japan Bowl that is taking place in Tokyo on January 21, 2024.
To learn more about American football in Japan, please visit www.gridironjapan.jp
From the 55 Yardline, Sports Journalist Fran Stuchbury of OurSports Central
The real men of genius, Dave (who checks in toward the end of the show) and Greg sit down with sports journalist Fran Stuchbury, of OurSports Central, and discuss his wide ranging career covering alternative football and minor league sports. They discuss the UFL, XFL, in all its different versions, USFL, AAF and (after Dave's arrival), America's indoor football leagues. They also talk about the state of sports journalism in the 21st Century with the rise of countless fan "news" sites, social media and podcasting.
From the 55 Yard Line, Real Men of Genius Drink Bud Light
Real men of genius Dave and Greg talk football and earthquakes in this episode. Specifically, the talk about the upcoming matchup in the college football playoffs of Washington vs. Michigan and how much college bowl coverage has changed since they were kids. Greg talks about the Rice Bowl in Japan, in which the Fujitsu Frontiers defeated the Panasonic Impulse 16-10 at the Tokyo Dome. They also talk about beers and fandom, specifically the hypocrisy of those who boycott, but then imbibe. They also discuss the merger of the USFL and XFL and their hopes of the league's success, their current sports book reads, as well as the New Year's Day earthquake in Japan.
Gridiron Japan: Rice Bowl Preview/NFL Films Spotlight on Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
In the first part of the podcast John, BJ and Greg preview the upcoming matchup of Japan's championship game, which will be played on January 3rd, 2024 at the Tokyo Dome and feature a battle of two unbeaten teams, the Fujitsu Frontiers and Panasonic Impulse. During the second part the guys talk about the recent NFL360 episode, entitled "Ikigai", in which NFL Films puts a spotlight on the inspiring story of the Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsO0SNgVe6w
Follow Gridiron Japan on all podcast platforms and at www.gridironjapan.jp
From The 55 Yard Line, Madden Surfs For Porn
In their first episode together of the rebooted From the 55 Yard Line podcast, Greg and Dave pick up on their last on air conversation and follow-up on the previous episode about the future of spring football. They then discuss the Grey Cup and the subject of future expansion of the league. After which they talk about Dave's Bills and their chances in the upcoming NFL postseason, and also their favorite reads in football books. Additionally, on the anniversary of his death, they talk about John Madden and Greg tells Dave how Frank Caliendo once imitated the Coach surfing the web for porn.
From The 55 Yard Line, Can America Ever Love Spring Football?
With the "soft" reboot of the From the 55 Yard Line podcast, Greg introduces his new co-host, due to Scott's retirement, and explains how the show is shifting from one focused on Canadian football to one that encompasses the entire world of sports. He then sits down and discusses the topic of spring football with sports historian, Tim Hanlon of the Good Seats Still Available podcast, and XFL insider and Pro Football Newsroom contributor, Michael Lathrop of the Player 54 Podcast. The three talk about the past, present and future of the spring game, both outdoor and indoors, as the sports world awaits the announcement of what form the XFL and USFL merger will take.
Gridiron Japan: Rise Up! With Colby Campbell of the Nojima Sagamihara Rise
In this episode, with BJ away at team practice, John and Greg sit down with Nojima Sagamihara Rise linebacker Colby Campbell to talk about his life and journey to Japan. From South Carolina to Finland to Germany and to Japan, Colby has had an interesting and varied journey during his young gridiron career! The three discuss not just his life on the field, but also his experiences off the field in Japan. Colby can be found online at his YouTube channel where he is presently publishing videos on his travels, as well as on X and Instagram.
Gridiron Japan - Featuring John Gunning of Inside Sport: Japan
From 2021, the Gridiron Japan podcast's inaugural episode with hosts Zach Keilman and Greg James on the lesser-known but still very competitive Japanese football scene! The two kick things off asking the question of what exactly the sport in Japan is like in terms of structure, culture, and more. They discuss all these points with Inside Sport Japan founder and content director John Gunning.
The Gridiron Japan podcast is now in its third season and features Greg, John, as well as retired Japanese professional football star BJ Beatty. You can find the Gridiron Japan podcast on podcast platforms everywhere, and follow them at www.gridironjapan.net, on X-Twitter @GridironJapan, Instagram @GridironJapan, as well as Facebook!
The XFL Infowars Show- A Look Back and Ahead For the Final Week
After a month away Greg and Dave return to give their honest assessments of how the league did as it heads toward the conclusion of what can be termed a mediocre debut for the first season. However, with the USFL in full swing, we hold out hope that Dany and Dwayne will learn from their unforced boardroom and off-field errors and improve what we both see as a great product on the field.
The XFL Infowars Show- In a Pickle as the League Continues to Lose Viewers
Dave and Greg are back after a week hiatus to compare and contrast how the league performed in the ratings between being broadcast on traditional over the air television and on cable/satellite. The guys also take the XFL media to task over their coverage of the league and continuing failure to ask the hard questions regarding the business of the XFL and how lip service seems to be paid to stories of the players as several print "news" outlets seem to want to instead continue to cater to the egos of the Rock and Dany. Lastly, Greg also acknowledges his error from the previous show regarding the number of people who are cutting the chord in America.
Gridiron America- The Football Learning Academy
On a morning where the cherry blossoms were blooming and Scott was watching his UAB Blazers lose a heart breaker at the NIT, Greg sat down with Ken Crippen, founder and executive director of The Football Learning Academy, to discuss the mission of the FLA and his thoughts on how the game has changed over the decades. The online academy is the first educational institution devoted to the instruction on the history of the gridiron game, with proceeds benefiting retired players. Ken is also the former president of the Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA). He has been researching and writing about pro football history for over twenty years. In that time, he has published two books, including one about the original Buffalo Bills, and numerous articles. He has also won multiple writing awards, including the 2012 Professional Football Writers Association (PFWA) Dick Connor Writing Award for feature writing, and the 2011 Ralph Hay Award by the PFRA for lifetime achievement in pro football history.
The XFL Infowars Show- Football is a Game, and Games Are Supposed to Be Fun
On the day in which Japan won the world championship of baseball over America, Greg and Dave talk about the tanking ratings of the XFL and frustrations over the league's seemingly deaf tone towards their fans and continued making of unforced errors off the field, particularly as it relates to marketing and fan engagement. The guys sit down and dissect the numbers and debate whether streaming matters at all and if the move to antenna TV will stop the bleeding of viewers. After the recording stopped, Greg went back to the internet to educate himself on how antenna usage in America is soaring, thus their hope for a ratings increase is now buoyed by the possibility the old way in which the guys watched TV as kids might actually be what saves the XFL from ratings ruin in the short term. Old technology rules!!
Gridiron America- The USFL Project
In the annals of professional football, aside from the American Football League, only one other league has truly challenged the dominance of the NFL, and that was the United States Football League of the 1980s. Unlike other spring leagues, all of which are small potatoes comparatively, the USFL forever changed how we look at professional football and how we not only watch the game, but also view upstart leagues. Unlike the XFL, which is small bug on the windshield of the NFL's largess, the USFL crashed into it and cracked the shield in many places as numerous high-profile players and draft choices decided to play in the spring. As a result, NFL salaries rose as players quickly had leverage, which many used to their advantage. Numerous NFL/CFL hall of famers and players began their careers in the USFL, such as Steve Young, Jim Kelley and Doug Flutie, and it is for them and the countless others who played in the league that The USFL Project was created.
In this episode, Greg speaks with Kyle Smith, the Executive Director of The USFL Project, which is a long-term project documenting and preserving the history and story of the fabled United States Football League, so as to leave a foundation of knowledge for future generations. They talk about not just about the history of the league, but also many of the key personalities aside from the former president, who were instrumental in the founding, success, and ultimate demise of the league. An award-winning journalist, Kyle has spent many years in the entertainment industry as well as being both a host and guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts. In recent years, his attention has been focused on The USFL Project with him and his team growing the group to over 4,000 members of Facebook. The USFL Project can also be found on Twitter.
The XFL Infowars Show- What It Was in XFL Week Four, Was Football
In a weekend where many expected the XFL to fall flat, and despite continuing to fall in the ratings, the league put on a great show in most of its venues, with the Battlehawks setting the all-time attendance record for spring football. Hold on. What a second... That's wrong, the first USFL set that record, back in the 1980s. However, despite The Rock's continued hyperbolic statements about the league, Battlehawks attendance, and lack of meaningful information coming out from the league, with the exception of spin, the XFL did not lose as many viewers on broadcast television than was expected with its continued issues with changing times and channels. However, dark clouds are on the horizon as the league enters week five and March madness begins.
Gridiron America- When the Cardinals Left Chicago
On March 13, 1960, the city of Chicago lost its original NFL team, the now Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were birthed on Chicago's southside and played most of their seasons at Comiskey Park; however, despite their being the city's original NFL team, they were not its flagship franchise, with that distinction going to their northside rivals, the Bears, who played their games at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. In this episode, Greg and noted Cardinal history researcher and author, Joe Ziemba, talk about the events and factors that led up to the team eventually moving to St. Louis. They also, for the first part, talk about Greg's life as a gridiron fan in the Land of the Rising Sun, after which they take a deep dive into the Cardinals Chicago history. Joe is the award-winning author of the books "When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL," "Cadets, Cannons and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy," and "Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry."
Joe is a life-long resident of the south side of Chicago, Joe first became interested in the history of football after discovering that his father was a draft choice for the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League in the 1940s. He is now recognized nationally for his knowledge of the early days of the game and has been a resource for articles, photos, or reports in Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Arizona Republic, ESPN, the Daily Southtown, NBC Sunday Night Football, CBS Football, and many others. Joe has appeared on the WGN documentary “Football in Chicago,” a Comcast Sports special on the Chicago Bears, as well as on radio stations such as WBBM and WSCR in Chicago. He has spoken on the history of football throughout the country at schools, libraries, service clubs, and conferences, and shares the humor and challenges that football pioneers faced in the early days of the game. Joe is an instructor at the Football Learning Academy, and also the host of the podcast "When Football Was Football" on the Sports History Network which explores forgotten topics in the long history of football in the Chicago area. He can be reached at chicagocardinals1947@gmail.com or follow his Facebook page “Chicago Cardinals.”
Gridiron America-Long Bomb, a Full Color 21st Century Cautionary Tale of Football Hubris
At the dawn of the 21st Century, in the winter of 2001, a new gridiron football league appeared on the sports scene. The brainchild of wrestling promotor Vince McMahon and television executive Dick Ebersol, the XFL sought to become the premier weekly sporting event in America during the NFL off season. As most football fans, the original XFL fell short and, as the name of the title suggests, failed spectacularly on television and most importantly, in the ratings. During the season, Brett was there with the league every step of the way as a young freelance writer. His book, Long Bomb, is a compelling tale of hubris and the lessons the league soon learned as ratings fell and America tuned out of a television product few had been clamoring for outside of the cult of spring football.
Brett is currently a national security investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal. He was formerly a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine, where he reported on sports and crime and was a member of the staff that won the National Magazine Award for general excellence. His last film was the ESPN/ABC true-crime documentary, Pin Kings, an Emmy finalist. He is the author of The Big Fix, an international crime bestseller in development as a feature film at Netflix, as well as Long Bomb. Brett’s international-affairs reporting has appeared in Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, Time, Foreign Policy, and Playboy. For a decade, he worked in Russia, Ukraine, and Brazil. He has reported from 50 countries, and his articles have been syndicated in more than 30 languages. His work has appeared in The Best American Science and Nature Writing.
You can find all of Brett's books on Amazon and at other major booksellers. Additionally, his writings are also available at this web site, www.brettforrest.com.
In addition to this podcast, Brett also appeared recently on the X Fan Show videocast.
The XFL Infowars Show- The Ratings Slide Continues in Week Three
For week three Dave and Greg look at the game both on and off the field as week three provided plenty of excitement as fan attendance increased, but ratings continued to nosedive. Also talked about is why San Antonio and not St. Louis was granted the XFL championship game and the unionization of the players, as well as the perceived move of desperation from FX to ABC.
The XFL Infowars Show- Looking Past the Hype of Weeks One and Two
The second episode of the season finds Greg James joined by former sports executive Dave Cieslinski for a candid look as to how the XFL performed in weeks one and two. Dave provides a perspective that you won't find on other XFL podcasts. He knows what it takes to put bottoms in the seats and to get fans interested so that they return. The two discuss ticket sales, attendance and ratings, and Dave explains why streaming numbers will likely remain a mystery to the public. They discuss not just the current incarnation of the XFL, but also the past attempts at spring gridiron, as well as the sloppy speculation by the XFL media hubs of the Toronto Argonauts moving to the XFL.
Gridiron America- From the 55 Yard Line, Good Seats Are Still Available!
In the world of sports history podcasting, there is a curious little one that has carved out a niche covering the world of defunct leagues and teams from yesteryear. "Good Seats Still Available" has its roots in Tim Hanlon's youth, when he fell in love with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, who unfortunately, like the league itself departed us to soon, and thus began for him an obsession for the stories of the teams and leagues of yesteryear. His pioneering podcast, which is soon approaching its 300th episode, has covered defunct leagues and teams from all sports, and Tim has interviewed many gridiron legends and icons, including Larry Csonka, Upton Bell, and Dave Meggyesy, all of whom helped shape the world of professional football in America. During this episode, Tim and Greg talk about his podcast and the challenges facing start up leagues in the 21st Century in the midst of a changing media and technological landscape.
Gridiron America- The Third Down Gamble
For this third episode we move up to the Great White North as Greg sits down with Don and Heath of the Third Down Gamble podcast, where they go team by team through the Canadian Football League and review last year's performance and review all that has happened in the off season. The three also talk about the ownership struggles within the league and the challenges presently faced by the teams in an ever-changing media landscape.
Gridiron America- The World of Football
It is XFL kickoff eve in America! In this episode Greg sits down with the elder half of The World of Football podcast dynamic duo, Randy Snow. Randy is the Adam West to his own son Adam's Burt Ward, both of whom who broadcast weekly from the Man Cave news and history lessons that encompass the gridiron game around the world, including where Greg is, in Japan. Greg and Randy review the news out of the CFL of the Alouettes being placed in receivership by the league, look ahead to the upcoming XFL and USFL seasons, and discuss the state of indoor arena football in America. In addition, Greg and Randy reminisce about their summer road trips to visit the resting places of American gridiron legends.
The XFL Infowars Show- Preview
In the inaugural episode, Greg James adds his laid-back historical approach to the crowded XFL field. Unlike the other XFL shows, he does not mince words as to what he believes was an under performing week one. Specifically, he calls out the league for catering to the white male wrestling crowd and talks about how the marketing sucks. He also discusses what he believes were poor ratings when compared to the 2020 edition of the league and how the attendance numbers were nothing to brag about.
Kickoff- XFL America Radio Is On the Air!
From Japan, it's Greg James of CFL America Radio and the Sports History Network with a new show filled with commentary and observations about the XFL, as well as analysis of league news, and those important items that affect the business of gridiron football.
Gridiron America- A Football Odyssey
Welcome to the first episode of "Gridiron America," where Japan based Greg James (co-host of the "From the 55 Yard Line" and "Gridiron Japan" podcasts) sits down with fellow podcasters and gridiron experts to talk about the game outside of the lines. In this inaugural episode ("the beta episode") Greg sits down with fellow Sports History Network member, Aron Harris of "The Football Odyssey" to review the Super Bowl, and talk about the business of football, including the upcoming XFL season and the challenges to grow the game beyond North American shores.
The Football Odyssey is an eclectic show that features Aron's dulcet NFL Filmsesque voice (with an excellent accompanying companion website) covering topics that touch on the cultural impact of the sport. On air Aron provides reviews of classic books and movies, and also has in-depth conversations with authors and contributors to the game, as well as the gridiron heroes of our youth, including Dan Fouts and Phil Villapiano. The Football Odyssey podcast is available via Spotify, Apple, and all other podcast platforms.
XFL Million Dollar Game: San Francisco Demons vs LA Xtreme
The Million Dollar Game was the XFL's championship game at the end of its only season in 2001. At first it had no special name, then was going to be called "The Big Game at the End," but eventually received the name it ended up with because a pot of one million dollars was to be split among the players of the winning team. The game was played on Saturday April 21, 2001 at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The game was between the Western Division champion Los Angeles Xtreme and the western runner-up San Francisco Demons. The Xtreme defeated the Eastern Division runner-up Chicago Enforcers 33-16 in the first round while the Demons beat east champs Orlando Rage 26-25. Orlando had finished the 10-game regular season with the XFL's best record, 8-2. Los Angeles was 7-3 while both Chicago and San Francisco each finished 5-5 (Making Orlando and L.A. the only two of the eight teams to finish with winning records in the regular season; the Memphis Maniax were also 5-5 but San Francisco won the playoff berth on a tie-breaker).
The Xtreme, led by regular-season Most Valuable Player Tommy Maddox, won the Million Dollar Game 38-6. The game's MVP was Xtreme kicker Jose Cortez, which was ironic considering the reduced role a kicker had in the XFL, which did not have a point after touchdown (extra point) kick in its rules and also paid kickers the least per game on its salary scale. After each had been released by National Football League teams earlier in their professional careers, both Maddox and Cortez eventually found themselves back in the NFL. Maddox signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. He replaced Kordell Stewart in the 2002 season and led the Steelers into the playoffs. That performance earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Maddox lost his starting job to Ben Roethlisberger in 2005, and was released in 2006, however still became the first former XFL player to be a part of a Super Bowl champion after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL over the Seattle Seahawks.
Cortez, however, has not enjoyed the degree of success Maddox has. Although he scored over 100 points in the 2001 and 2002 NFL seasons, he has mostly been a journeyman, called in to fill in for a team's injured kicker (For this reason, he played for four teams in 2005). The XFL paid standardized player salaries. Quarterbacks earned US$5,000 per week, kickers earned $3,500, and all other uniformed players earned $4,500 per week, though a few players got around these restrictions (Los Angeles Xtreme players Noel Prefontaine, the league's lone punting specialist, and Matt Malloy, a wide receiver) by having themselves listed as backup quarterbacks. Players on a winning team received a bonus of $2,500 for the week, $7,500 for winning a playoff game. The team that won the championship game split $1,000,000 (roughly $25,000 per player). Furthermore, players did not receive any fringe benefits, meaning players had to pay for their own health insurance.
XFL Playoffs Game 2: Chicago Enforcers vs LA Xtreme
The Xtreme came out focused, moving 60 yards in six plays on the game's opening possession. Maddox capped the drive with a 26-yard pass to Copeland that provided a 6-0 lead. It looked like the Xtreme would extend the lead on their next possession as they moved deep into Chicago territory. But Copeland fumbled at the 10 and linebacker Chike Egbuniwe recovered. Copeland, the league leader in receptions, was held to four for 62 yards After Jose Cortez and Andy Crosland traded field goals, the Enforcers took the lead late in the second quarter with the help of a big play from their special teams. Linebacker Kivuusama Mays busted through the line and blocked Noel Prefontaine's punt. Egbuniwe scooped up the ball and scored on a two-yard run, giving Chicago a 10-9 lead with 1:45 to play before halftime.
Ranked sixth in the eight-team league in total offense, the Xtreme converted on their last possession of the half and took a 17-10 lead on Maddox's seven-yard touchdown pass to Damon Gibson. Maddox, the league leader in passing yards and TDs, went 18-of-24 for 171 yards and two scores. Chicago appeared to take the momentum back early in the third quarter. Kevin McDougal found Aaron Bailey with a 35-yard pass, setting up a 32-yard field goal by Crosland that cut the deficit to 20-16. McDougal, who took over as the club's starter in Week Five, completed 15-of-31 passes for 228 yards and three interceptions. Cortez, the XFL's most accurate kicker, converted off the left upright from 48 yards with 5:50 left in the quarter to restore a seven-point lead. Crosland kicked a 40-yarder early in the fourth quarter before McCullough provided some breathing room later in the period with his run down the left sideline for the score that sealed the win.
XFL Playoffs Game 1: San Francisco Demons vs Orlando Rage
Jeff Brohm was the quarterback of the Rage for most of the regular season, amassing a 6-0 record as starter during his first time at the helm. The team looked to be the league's powerhouse franchise under Brohm. He showed his toughness after he suffered an injury from a devastating hit by at the hands of Memphis Maniax defensive end Shante Carver in Week 5. Brohm came back a week later against Las Vegas, but the following week he suffered a career ending shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Extreme and his season was done for good. It led to him being replaced by Brian Kuklick after six games. While Kuklick filled in the role of quarterback admirably, the team lost a valuable leader on offense.
The team went 2-2 in Kuklick's care. The team finished their only regular season with an 8-2 record, the best in the league, but were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the 5-5 San Francisco Demons. Orlando had an early 16-0 advantage but allowed San Francisco to pull ahead and take a 26--16 lead by the fourth quarter. The Rage got within one point but the Demons successfully ran out the clock and won 26-25. San Francisco would go on to lose the XFL Championship Game versus Los Angeles 38-6. Many in the league were disappointed, hoping for a match-up against the two division champions. NBC dropped the XFL concept after the first season (2001) due to dismal ratings, and the league folded soon afterward.
XFL Week 10: Orlando Rage vs Chicago Enforcers
Kevin McDougal threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score as Chicago beat Orlando 23-6 to take the final XFL playoff spot. The Enforcers, who overcame an 0-4 start to finish the regular season 5-5, opened the playoffs in Los Angeles against the Western Division-champion Xtreme. The Rage (8-2) the Eastern Conference champion had already clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs before the game. McDougal, 13-of-20 for 182 yards, scored on a 2-yard run late in the second quarter, and threw a 29-yard TD pass to Aaron Bailey to give Chicago a 20-0 lead in the third. Chicago's John Avery, bothered by a sore hamstring, rushed for 41 yards. He led the league in rushing with 800 yards. Andy Crosland kicked three field goals for Chicago. Orlando's only score came on Brian Kucklick's 51-yard touchdown pass to Dialleo Burks.
XFL Week 10: San Francisco Demons vs LA Xtreme
Los Angeles Xtreme disgusted with their lackluster play in their prior loss at Memphis, LA came to the Coliseum to make a point--and made several in a 24-0 victory over the Demons before 18,121. It was the second shutout in XFL play and earned L.A. the West Division title and a home playoff game. Los Angeles had a league-low 556 rushing yards entering the game, but ran for a season high 173 against the Demons, who ranked second in the league in total defense. Saladin McCullough had 73 yards and a touchdown in eight carries before leaving because of a strained right hamstring in the second quarter. Rashaan Shehee had 94 yards in 17 carries.
Defensively, the Xtreme was dominant, holding San Francisco to 261 total yards, intercepting Demon quarterback Mike Pawlawski twice and recording three sacks. On five occasions the Xtreme stopped the Demons on fourth down, the last time with 31 seconds to play. The news wasn't all good. Besides McCullough, receiver Larry Ryans was lost for the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee. And receiver David Gibson missed much of the game because of a hyper-extended toe. Maddox finished as the XFL's passing leader with 2,184 yards and 18 touchdown passes. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in eight games.
XFL Week 9: San Francisco Demons vs Las Vegas Outlaws
Mike Pawlawski's 25-yard touchdown pass to Terry Battle helped give the San Francisco Demons a 14-9 victory over the Las Vegas Outlaws and a spot in the XFL playoffs. The touchdown pass with 5:17 left in the third quarter followed a 49-yard interception return by Dwayne Harper and broke a 6-6 tie. Pawlawski finished with 138 passing yards on 17 of 28 attempts for the Demons (5-4). Las Vegas (4-5) was threatening to regain the lead in a 12-play, 69-yard fourth-quarter drive, but Toby Wright knocked the ball out of running back Rod Smart's hands at the 1-yard line with 6:25 left. The ball bounced out of the end zone for a touchback. The Outlaws' hopes for a last-minute drive vanished when lineman Jon Blackman was called for holding in the end zone with 59.2 seconds left, resulting in a safety for the Demons. Smart ran for one touchdown and 121 yards. The game was played at Sam Boyd Stadium before an announced crowd of 17,656.
XFL Week 9: LA Extreme at Memphis Maniax
Jim Druckenmiller threw three touchdown passes as the Memphis Maniax beat the Los Angeles Xtreme 27-12 in week nine of the XFL 2001 season. The Maniax (4-5) beat the Western Division-leading Xtreme (6-3) for the second time this season. Los Angeles had won four straight following an 18-12 loss to Memphis on Feb. 25. Druckenmiller connected with Beau Morgan on a 7-yard scoring pass to give Memphis a 20-6 early in the third quarter, and put the game out of reach with a 28-yard TD pass to Daryl Hobbs with just over 10 minutes to play. Ketric Sanford ran for 82 yards for Memphis, including a 30-yard scoring run that gave Memphis a 13-0 lead. The Maniax opened the scoring on Druckenmiller's 22-yard TD pass to Charles Jordan following Corey Sawyer's interception. Los Angeles' Saladin McCullough scored on a 14-yard run late in the third quarter, and Jose Cortez made two field goals.
Sunday, April 1, 2001 Stadium: Liberty Bowl Attendance: 21,191 Tv: TNN
XFL Week 9: Chicago Enforcers vs NY Hitmen
Kevin McDougal returned from a neck injury and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Willy Tate with 1:41 to play to give the Chicago Enforcers a 23-18 victory over the New York-New Jersey Hitmen. McDougal also threw touchdown passes of 9 and 16 yards to Luke Leverson and linebacker Jamie Beasley preserved the Enforcers' fourth win in five games by intercepting a pass at the goal line with two seconds to play. Chicago did its best to give the game away, turning the ball over three times in the second half, highlighted by Joey Eloms 76-yard interception return that gave New York-New Jersey an 18-16 lead early in the third quarter.
That lead looked like it would stand until halfback Joe Aska fumbled at the New York-New Jersey 43 with 2:34 to play and Quincy Colemen recovered. A pass interference against Eloms on the next play moved the ball to the 22. McDougal, who sprained his neck being hit after throwing a third-quarter interception deep in Hitmen territory and missed two series, then found Tate all alone on the right sideline for a touchdown. Corte McGuffey, who made his first start for the injured Wally Richardson, drove the Hitmen to the Chicago 5 on the last possession. He hit Kirby Dar on a 15-yard pass and Anthony DiCosmo for 30. However, a holding penalty and an illegal forward pass set up a fourth-and-goal from the 20, and Beasley picked off the pass.
New York-New Jersey jumped to an 8-0 first-quarter lead when McDougal was called for a safety for grounding in the end zone and Aska scored on a 15-yard run. McDougal, who was 13 of 24 for 193, cut the lead to 8-6 with a 9-yard TD pass to Leverson. Chicago took a 9-8 lead on an 18-yard field goal by Andy Crosland. Leo Araguz gave New Jersey an 11-9 lead with a 28-yard field goal with 58 seconds left in the first half, but McDougal drove the Enforcers 75 yards in seven plays, with McDougal and Leverson combining on a 16-yard TD with six seconds left in the half. Chicago had a fourth-and-four at the New Jersey 30 when Eloms picked off McDougal on the right sideline and went all the way for a touchdown. Johnson finished with 103 yards rushing on 16 carries, but he also had a fumble at the Hitmen 2 in the fourth quarter.
XFL Week 8: Las Vegas Outlaws vs LA Xtreme
The Los Angeles Xtreme (6-2) needed a win over the Las Vegas Outlaws Saturday night in front of 20,132 at the Los Angeles Coliseum to clinch its first playoff birth in team history. The Xtreme did just that handing the Outlaws a 35-26 defeat to sweep the season series with its division rival. Tommy Maddox threw for four touchdowns in the first half as the Los Angeles Xtreme defeated the visiting Las Vegas Outlaws, 35-26, last night to clinch a berth in the XFL playoffs. Maddox had thrown at least one touchdown pass in his last five games and in every game through eight weeks of the season except one. Ironically enough, the last time Maddox failed to throw a touchdown pass in a game was against the Outlaws in week three.
At 10:21 in the second quarter, Tommy Maddox threw his first interception in 107 attempts spanning the last four games. Maddox was picked off by the Outlaws' Joe Tuipala. Maddox, who lead the XFL in interceptions with seven, had not thrown an interception in his last three games. The Xtreme scored its first 12 points of the game off of Outlaw turnovers. Ricky Parker recovered the a fumble on the opening kickoff to set the Xtreme's first touchdown of the game-a 10-yard touchdown pass from Tommy Maddox to Jeremaine Copeland. The Outlaws entered the game allowing a league low of just 11 points per game. The Outlaws left LA having had that average balloon to 19 points per game.
XFL Week 8: NY/NJ Hitmen vs Orlando Rage
The Orlando Rage jumped on the Hitmen early and held on late to beat NY 17 to 12 in front of 20,000 Rage fans. Orlando was coming off a demoralizing loss to LA in their previous game, they lost their leader Jeff Brohm and the Hitmen were looking to avenge an early season defeat at the hands of the Rage. The task wasn't supposed to be easy and the game didn't start out easy for the Hitmen. They made things hard on themselves all game. The Rage struck NY early and fast when Brian Shay returned the opening kickoff 95 yards down to the Hitmen 1 yard line. It only took 1 play from scrimmage to score as Derrick Clark ran off the right side to give Orlando a 6-0 advantage. The Rage converted the extra point with a pass from Brian Kuklick to Kevin Swayne which gave the Rage a 7-0 lead only 43 seconds into the game.
The Hitmen tried to answer the Rage's early score on their first offensive drive. They looked good early, getting 3 first downs, then a big James Roberson sack put the Hitmen back into 3rd and long. The Hitmen went to their bag of tricks early with a quick kick punt. The play failed and this would become an ongoing theme for the Hitmen on this day. Orlando was shut down by the New York defense on their next possession. The NY offense once again failed to respond and were forced to punt. Shannon Culver returned a Leo Araguz punt 64 yards for a touchdown, the play however was called back due to offsetting penalties. The Hitmen dodged a bullet with that play. Maybe the called back return effected Orlando because on their very next play, Brian Kuklick fumbled the center exchange and the football was picked up and returned 43 yards for a touchdown by Ron Merkerson. NY/NJ failed to convert the extra point but the score was now, Orlando 7 NY/NJ 6.
With under 5 minutes left in the game, This was crunch time for NY's defense. The Rage managed to garner a first down and milk some time off the clock but the Hitmen defense held again and forced Orlando to punt. Kirby Dar Dar returned a Taylor punt 16 yards to set up the Hitmen at their own 34 with 1:41 remaining. It seemed like history was going to repeat itself. This was exactly how things unfolded last week vs Memphis. On 1st down, Wally connected with Michael Blair for 8 yards. Clock running, Wally hits Anthony Dicosmo for a big first down completion to The Orlando 46 yard line with 1:16 left in the game.
Then disaster struck the Hitmen as Wally Richardson was chased by James Roberson in the backfield and was forced to throw the football away. Wally threw the ball away and avoided the sack but he didn't avoid disaster as he landed hard and sprained his left knee. Richardson limped off the field and was out of the game and he could miss next weeks game which would hurt their playoff chances. Charles Puleri came in and he threw two completions and failed to keep the drive alive for NY. The game was over. Orlando 17 New York 12.
XFL Week 7: Memphis Maniax vs NY/NJ Hitmen
Wally Richardson threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Zola Davis in the corner of the end zone with nine seconds left Saturday night, giving the New York/New Jersey Hitmen a 16-15 victory over the Memphis Maniax in the XFL. It was the second TD hookup of the night for the Richardson and Davis, who combined for a 9-yarder to the third quarter after Memphis had taken a 15-3 lead. The Hitmen (3-4), who overcame three quarters of turnovers, penalties and missed opportunities, drove downfield 64 yards in nine plays for the win.
After a scoreless first quarter, Leo Araguz' 27-yard field goal in the opening seconds of the second gave the Hitmen a brief lead, but Jim Druckenmiller drove Memphis (3-4) 59 yards for a 6-3 lead on a 5-yard TD pass to Mark Thomas. Druckenmiller hit Daryl Hobbs for a 6-yard TD at 13:10, and Jeff Hall connected with a 41-yard field goal with 3 seconds left in the half to send the Maniax to the locker room with a 15-3 lead. Attendance on a rainy night was listed as 15,781 at Giants Stadium.
XFL Week 7 San Francisco Demons vs Chicago Enforcers
LeShon Johnson ran for two touchdowns, and the Chicago Enforcers withstood San Francisco's second-half surge to beat the Demons 25-19. John Avery ran for 110 yards, and Kevin McDougal completed 11 of 14 for 175 yards and a score for Chicago (2-5) before an announced Soldier Field crowd of 11,428. San Francisco (3-4) trailing by 19 points in the second half and made a big comeback. But its final drive was stopped with less than a minute left on an interception by Dorian Brew. Charles Wiley's 1-yard plunge gave Chicago a 6-0 lead on its first possession.
The Demons tied the game when Andy Crosland's field goal try was blocked by Carl Hansen and picked up by Dwayne Harper, who ran 79 yards for a touchdown. On Chicago's next possession, Johnson squirted through for a 6-yard score, putting the Enforcers back ahead 13-6 with 11:36 left in half. Chicago blocked a punt, and two plays later Aaron Bailey caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from McDougal with 8:01 left in the half to make. They Enforcers made it 25-6 when Johnson ran around left end for a 3-yard TD with 6:03 left in the third period. Kelvin Anderson scored for San Francisco from a yard out with 1:55 left in the third period, and the Demons got their final score with 6:41 left on 3-yard pass from Mike Pawlawski to Jimmy Cunningham.
XFL Week 7: Birmingham Thunderbolts vs Las Vegas Outlaws
Week seven in the XFL saw the 2-4 Birmingham Bolts vs the Las Vegas Outlaws 3-3. With three weeks to go the Bolts amazingly still had a chance to make the playoffs. Unfortunately they would go on to lose the rest of their games finishing dead last in their division. Twenty two unanswered points ruined Jay Barker's first start in a 34-12 defeat before 23,538 at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. Brad Palazzo would score Birmingham's first and last points on a 37 yard field goal in the first and a 21 yard field goal in the third. Unable to score an offensive touchdown, Eric Sloan would score the Bolts lone touchdown in the second on a 70 yard interception return.
Turnovers would prove costly for the visitors resulting in three Vegas touchdowns. Outlaws head coach Jim Criner made some changes by keeping Rod Smart aka "He Hate Me" out of the game due to a sprained right knee injury. Ben Snell started in his place. He also benched defensive back Brandon Sanders for his lack of performance the prior weeks. The Outlaws decided to wear their all black uniforms because Criner thought it could provide some motivation. The Thunderbolts started former Crimson Tide QB Jay Barker in place of Casey Weldon. They went up against the top defenses in the XFL in the Outlaws despite having one of the worst offenses in the league mostly due to turn overs.
By now the ratings were so terrible (in the 1's) that NBC made sure their flagship weekend show "Saturday Night Live" went on time by not televising the last minute and seventeen seconds of the game. The game was well out of hand and the Outlaws won by more than 21 points.
XFL Week 7: Orlando Rage vs LA Xtreme
Week 7 of the XFL season saw the undefeated Orlando Rage take on the LA Xtreme. A day after NBC dropped to a new-low 2.1 overnight rating for an XFL telecast, the Los Angeles Xtreme drew a sparse crowd for what was billed as the XFL's "game of the year" at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The announced crowd was 20,382 -- that's tickets sold. There were maybe 14,000 people in the stands as the Xtreme beat the Orlando Rage, 31-6.
The Rage (6-1) came into the game as the most productive offense in the XFL. It did not score until the fourth quarter. The Xtreme improved to 5-2, retained its hold on first place in the XFL's West Division and appeared to be playing like the team that was the preseason favorite to win the XFL championship. Tommy Maddox completed 19-of-25 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns for Los Angeles. He also scored on a quarterback sneak. Orlando lost quarterback Jeff Brohm on the first play of the second quarter. He sustained a separated right shoulder when he was sacked by Xtreme linebacker Juan Long. Brohm completed five of 10 passes for 46 yards. Brian Kuklick replaced Brohm, completing 17 of 24 passes for 224 yards and was intercepted three times. He spoiled the shutout by running 3 yards for a touchdown with 10:17 left.
Jose Cortez added 29- and 31-yard field goals in the first half and Saladin McCullough ran 3 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown. Long punt returns by Damon Gibson set up both of the Xtreme's first-quarter scores. Cortez opened the scoring with a 29-yard field goal four plays after Gibson's 51-yard return gave Los Angeles the ball on Orlando's 20-yard line. Maddox scored on a quarterback sneak three plays after Gibson's 34-yard return put the ball on the Rage 12. The Xtreme increased its lead to 18-0 on Maddox's 6-yard touchdown pass to Darnell McDonald with 3:26 left in the first half. Maddox also threw an 8-yard scoring pass to McDonald after a 57-yard interception return by Leomont Evans with 1:05 left in the half.
Keyshawn Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who came to watch Xtreme linebacker Herrin Errick, his roommate for one year at USC, said he enjoyed the game.
XFL Week 6: NY/NJ Hitmen vs San Francisco Demons
Joe Aska, the former Oakland Raider, returned to the Bay Area as New York / New Jersey defeated San Francisco 20-12 at Pacific Bell Park. Joe Aska's return to the Bay Area was an overwhelming success. The former Oakland Raider put the finishing touches on his team's victory with a 2-yard touchdown dive late in the fourth quarter as the New York/New Jersey Hitmen defeated the San Francisco Demons 20-12 in the XFL before 33,522 fans Sunday at Pacific Bell Park. Aska added a conversion run and watched as the Hitmen recorded four sacks of the Demons' Pat Barnes. The victory was the second on the road for the Hitmen (2-4), while the Demons (3-3) failed to win their second straight for the third time.
San Francisco took a 6-0 lead on 63-yard punt return by former CFL standout Jimmy Cunningham with 12:31 left in the first quarter. On the next play from scrimmage, the Hitmen used a trick play to take the lead -- wide receiver Zola Davis threw a 74-yard pass to a wide open Kirby Dar Dar. The Hitmen went up 14-6 with 7:46 left in the second quarter on a 2-yard scoring pass from Richardson to running back Mike Archie. San Francisco closed to 14-12 with 11:24 remaining on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Barnes to Travis Moore, capping a 71-yard drive after the Hitmen's Leo Araguz missed a 37-yard field. San Francisco had just 112 yards of offense before the drive. New York/New Jersey put the game away on a 2-yard TD dive by Aska with 5:40 left.