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Mon,
Sept 29 '03 "Ex-Claymore
Hall makes NFL history for Chiefs; Kitna leads Bengals to first win of 2003
season" Myk
Aussie
From NFL Europe media: SPECIAL teams ace DANTE HALL (Scotland 2001) made NFL
history on Sunday as he led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 17-10 victory over the
Baltimore Ravens.
The speedy Pro Bowler - who got his pro football break with the Claymores in
NFL Europe - scored the game-winning touchdown on a 97-yard kickoff return
with 5:08 remaining. It marked the first time in NFL history a player has
returned three kicks for touchdowns in three successive weeks.
Hall scored on a 100-yard kickoff return against the Pittsburgh Steelers in
Week 2 and added a 73-yard punt return for a score versus the Houston Texans
in Week 3 before completing a remarkable hat-trick against the Ravens.
Chiefs head coach DICK VERMEIL said: "It was a tough game and we had to
rely
on our defence and special teams. Dante Hall did another great job for us
today and he is a special player."
Linebacker MIKE MASLOWSKI (Barcelona 1999) led Kansas City's defence with 11
tackles, while fellow linebacker GARY STILLS (Frankfurt 2001) added a tackle
and a sack. Ravens defensive tackle KELLY GREGG (Rhein 2001) recorded 6
tackles and a quarterback sack.
In Cleveland, former Barcelona Dragons World Bowl-winning quarterback JON
KITNA led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 21-14 victory over the hometown
Browns, handing new head coach Marvin Lewis his first NFL win.
Kitna completed 23 of 31 attempts for 215 yards and three touchdowns,
hitting wide receiver Chad Johnson in the end zone from 3 and 55 yards out,
as well as tight end Reggie Kelly from a yard out.
Another quarterback leading his team to victory in Week 4 was JAKE DELHOMME
(Amsterdam 1998/Frankfurt 1999), who helped the Carolina Panthers improve to
3-0 on the year with a 23-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
In his second game as Carolina's starter, Delhomme completed 17 of 27 passes
for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Sunday's action saw welcome victories for the St. Louis Rams (2-2),
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) and Houston Texans (2-2); and NFL Europe League
veterans played key roles for those clubs.
Wide receiver DANE LOOKER (Berlin 2002) continued his impressive season for
the Rams by catching 4 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown, while kicker
DAVID AKERS (Berlin 1999) scored 11 points as the Eagles ran out 23-13
winners over the Buffalo Bills. The Pro Bowl kicker nailed 3 of 3 field
goals (26, 34 and 22 yards) and added a pair of conversions. Linebacker NATE
WAYNE (Barcelona 1999) made 3 tackles for the Eagles.
In Houston, the Texans picked up their second win of the year edging past
winless Jacksonville by a 24-20 scoreline. Kick returner J.J. MOSES
(Scotland 2002) ran back 4 kickoffs for 124 yards and 2 punt returns for 49
yards with a long of 40 yards.
Wide receiver MATTHEW HATCHETTE (Amsterdam 2002) caught 3 passes for 25
yards for the Jags, while running back DAVID ALLEN (Berlin 2002) ran back 3
kickoffs for 66 yards.
A pair of defensive backs with NFLEL experience played key roles for the
Denver Broncos as they improved to 4-0 with a 20-16 victory over the Detroit
Lions. Safety NICK FERGUSON (Rhein 1999-2000) made 6 tackles, while
cornerback KELLY HERNDON (Barcelona 2000) added 5 stops.
Other NFL Week 4 Results
New England Patriots 17 Washington Redskins 20; Tennessee Titans 30
Pittsburgh Steelers 13; San Diego Chargers 31 Oakland Raiders 34 (OT);
Dallas Cowboys 17 New York Jets 6; Indianapolis Colts 55 New Orleans Saints
21.
Also
from NFL Europe media. Margerum impressed by player standard in the UK; Athletes
tested in Scotland and England at weekend
SCOTTISH Claymores offensive coordinator KEN MARGERUM was delighted with the
talent level of home-grown players in the United Kingdom as the search for
national players to compete in the 2004 NFL Europe League season kicked off
in earnest at the weekend.
Running the rule over the cream of British talent at two separate tryouts
was Margerum - a former Super Bowl-winning wide receiver with the Chicago
Bears in 1985 - and Claymores national coach STEPHEN McCUSKER.
The hunt for national players - headed by NFL Europe Director of Game
Development TONY ALLEN - will cover every corner of Europe in the coming
weeks and months, as well as countries further afield such as Mexico and
Japan.
The first British tryout took place in Glasgow on Saturday before English
athletes were evaluated in Oxford on Sunday.
Margerum said: "I was very impressed with the talent level on display in
England and Scotland and that bodes well for the future of the national
player programme. I was pleased to see the determination and desire of the
players at the testing dates as they pursued their dream of playing
professional football.
"I thought there were some very good wide receivers working out this
weekend
and those guys could really push SCOTT COUPER as our national starter in
2004, as could returning tight end JEFF NICOLSON, who looked very good in
the Scottish tryout and a lot more comfortable in his second year in our
system."
Prospects were put through a series of conditioning skills including shuttle
runs, 40-yard sprints, vertical leaps and bench presses before moving onto
the football field to show their worth in game-type situations.
Among those taking part in the Oxford testing date were Scottish Claymores
linebacker ADEN DURDE, kicker ROB HART, Berlin Thunder English wide receiver
JAMES BRAZIER and London O's and former Team Europe wide receiver ANDREW
BOYLE, who impressed Margerum and onlooking scouts by running the 40-yard
dash in 4.4 seconds.
Successful athletes from the UK testing dates will advance to the National
Player combine being held in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 10-16. From
there, the top 60 prospects from Europe, Japan and Mexico will advance to
national player mini camp in Tampa, Florida.
The top 48 players from national player mini camp will then be assigned to
the rosters of the six NFL Europe League teams - eight per club - in time to
begin preparations for the 2004 season.
Thurs,
Sept 25 03 "NFL Europe League national player testing dates to take place
in the United Kingdom!" Myk Aussie
From Neil Reynolds Public Relations Manager NFL Europe
Search for NFL Europe League national players begins in earnest with testing
dates in the UK
THE search for home-grown European players to compete in the 2004 NFL Europe
League season begins in earnest this weekend with athlete testing dates
taking place in the United Kingdom.
Running the rule over the cream of British talent at two separate tryouts
will be Scottish Claymores offensive coordinator and former Super Bowl
winner KEN MARGERUM and Claymores national coach STEPHEN McCUSKER.
The hunt for national players - headed by NFL Europe Director of Game
Development TONY ALLEN - will cover every corner of Europe in the coming
weeks and months, as well as countries further afield such as Mexico and
Japan.
The first British tryout will take place on Saturday September 27 at
Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with
player registration.
Among those taking part in the Scottish testing date are legendary Claymores
wide receiver SCOTT COUPER and second-year tight end JEFF NICOLSON.
The English testing date takes place at the Oxford University Sports Complex
in Oxford on Sunday September 28, again beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Prospects will be put through a series of conditioning skills including
shuttle runs, 40-yard sprints, vertical leaps and bench presses before
moving onto the football field to show their worth in game-type situations.
Among those taking part in the Oxford testing date are Scottish Claymores
from the 2003 season in fullback STEPHEN HUTCHINSON and linebacker ADEN
DURDE, as well as Berlin Thunder wide receiver JAMES BRAZIER and London O's
running back WARREN KEEN, who has made it to the past two national player
camps in Tampa, Florida.
Margerum, who won a Super Bowl ring with the Chicago Bears in 1985, said:
"National player development is absolutely paramount to the NFL Europe
League and as more talent develops from this programme, more and more spots
will open up for national athletes on the rosters of NFL Europe League
teams.
"The only way to get these guys to get better is to give them the chance to
play. I want to get a good idea of the desire level among young athletes in
the United Kingdom this weekend."
McCusker added: "I am looking forward to evaluating all young players and
athletes who take part in the testing dates this weekend."
Athletes who are successful in the UK testing dates will advance to the
National Player combine being held in Frankfurt, Germany, from November
10-16. From there, the top 60 prospects from Europe, Japan and Mexico will
advance to national player mini camp in Tampa, Florida.
The top 48 players from national player mini camp will then be assigned to
the rosters of the six NFL Europe League teams - 8 per club - in time to
begin preparations for the 2004 season.
Mon,
Sept 22 03 "NFL Europe League players in NFL Week 3 action!" Myk
Aussie
From Neil Reynolds,
Public Relations Manager NFL Europe.
Holcomb's late heroics lead Browns to victory; NFLEL stars find end zone in NFL
Week 3 action
FORMER Barcelona Dragons quarterback KELLY HOLCOMB (1996) threw two fourth
quarter touchdown passes on Sunday to lead the Cleveland Browns to a 13-12
defeat of the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Week 3 action.
Holcomb - who won the Browns' starting quarterback job in the summer -
completed 25 of 38 passes for 222 yards and connected with wide receiver
Andre Davis on scoring plays of 2 and 11 yards - the second proving to be
the game-winner with just 29 seconds remaining.
Holcomb said: "We just hung in there and made plays when we had to make
them. It's just satisfying that when we had to do it, we stepped up."
Helping hold the 49ers to just 12 points was Browns defensive end MARK WORD
(Rhein 2001), who made 2 tackles and added his second sack of the 2003
campaign.
Other NFL Europe League veterans to find the end zone in Week 3 were Kansas
City Chiefs do-it-all star DANTE HALL (Scotland 2001) and wide receiver
MATTHEW HATCHETTE (Amsterdam 2003), of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hall, who scored on a 100-yard kickoff return in Week 2, helped the Chiefs
to a 42-14 defeat of the Houston Texans by scoring on a 73-yard punt return.
Hall also rushed 4 times for 33 yards, caught 2 passes for 17 yards and
returned 2 kickoffs for 51 yards. Linebackers MIKE MASLOWSKI (Barcelona
1999) and GARY STILLS (Frankfurt 2001) powered the Chiefs on defense,
recording 5 and 3 tackles respectively. J.J. MOSES (Scotland 2002) returned
7 kickoffs for 164 yards for the Texans.
Hatchette led the Jaguars with 4 receptions for 45 yards during a 23-13 loss
to the Indianapolis Colts and scored his second touchdown of the season on
an 8-yard strike from rookie quarterback Byron Leftwich.
After three games of the season, Hatchette leads all Jacksonville receivers
with 10 catches for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns. DAVID ALLEN (Berlin 2003)
returned 2 kickoffs for 84 yards during the loss with a long of 61 yards.
In Landover, Maryland, kicker MATT BRYANT (Frankfurt 2002) booted the New
York Giants to a 24-21 victory over the hometown Washington Redskins by
nailing a 29-yard effort in sudden-death overtime. The strong-legged kicker
also added 3 extra points.
Two other NFLEL veteran quarterbacks were victorious in Week 3 as BRAD
JOHNSON (London 1995) and JAY FIEDLER (Amsterdam 1997) led their teams to
big wins over division rivals.
Johnson completed 16 of 24 passes for 192 yards and threw touchdown passes
of 68 yards to Michael Pittman and 6 yards to Warren Sapp as the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers hammered the Atlanta Falcons 31-10 in NFC South action.
Fiedler hit on 16 of 28 attempts for 154 yards and fired a 12-yard scoring
strike to wide receiver Chris Chambers as the Dolphins recorded a 17-7
victory over the Buffalo Bills to move into a tie for first place in the AFC
East. Fiedler also rushed twice for 13 yards, while linebacker BRENDAN
AYANBADEJO (Amsterdam 2001) recorded 2 tackles on defense.
In New England, the hometown Patriots recorded a 23-16 victory over the New
York Jets in a game that saw ADAM VINATIERI (Amsterdam 1996) star on special
teams with field goals of 24, 22 and 47 yards, as well as 2 of 2 conversions
for a total of 11 points.
Defensive end BOBBY HAMILTON (Amsterdam 1995-96) recorded 4 tackles, while
safety CHRIS AKINS (Rhein 2000) made 1 stop.
Other NFL Week 3 Results
Minnesota Vikings 23 Detroit Lions 13; Pittsburgh Steelers 17 Cincinnati
Bengals 10; New Orleans Saints 12 Tennessee Titans 27; St. Louis Rams 23
Seattle Seahawks 24; Green Bay Packers 13 Arizona Cardinals 20; Baltimore
Ravens 24 San Diego Chargers 10.
Fri,
Sept 19 03 "NFL Week 3 action on European TV!" Myk Aussie
From Neil Reynolds, Public Relations Manager, NFL Europe
Division rivals clash on European TV screens; Three live games on offer in NFL
Week 3
THE 2003 NFL season is now in full swing and the exciting action continues
this weekend as three key divisional matchups are to be screened live across
Europe.
European NFL fans will have the chance to see the Super Bowl champion Tampa
Bay Buccaneers face the Michael Vick-less Atlanta Falcons, the Washington
Redskins host the New York Giants and the Monday Night Football encounter
between the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.
The Week 3 action begins at 6:00 p.m. UK time/7:00 p.m. CET on Sunday
September 21 as the Buccaneers head to Atlanta to take on a Falcons team
being led by backup quarterback DOUG JOHNSON, while superstar Vick recovers
from a broken leg. The game will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK,
Premiere World in Germany and Canal Deporte 2 in Spain.
Tampa QB BRAD JOHNSON (London 1995) is overcoming a groin injury and said:
"I feel good right now. I look forward to starting this weekend and moving
on."
Fans in UK, Germany and Spain will then be able to follow the NFC East
showdown between the Giants and the Redskins. Washington head into the game
full of confidence as leaders of the division with a 2-0 record. The game
kicks off from FedEx Field in Washington at 9:05 p.m. UK time (10:15 p.m. in
central Europe) and will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK, Premiere World in
Germany and Sportmania in Spain.
The Monday Night Football action sees AFC West counterparts Oakland and
Denver renew their bitter rivalry in front of a national television audience
in America. Fans in Germany can catch the action live on Premiere World,
while Spanish viewers can see all the game on Canal Deporte 2. The game
kicks off at 3:00 a.m. in the early hours of Tuesday September 23.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can see the game in full on Channel 5, from
midnight on Tuesday September 23. The terrestrial television station will
also show extensive highlights of the AFC East battle between the Buffalo
Bills and the Miami Dolphins.
The Bills head into that game as one of the hottest teams in the league with
a 2-0 record, while the Dolphins got back on an even keel with a victory in
New York against the Jets last week.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-1) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Extra (Live) 6:00 p.m. BST, Sunday
September 21
Germany: Premiere World (Live) 7:00 p.m. CET, Sunday
September 21
Spain: Canal Deporte 2 (Live) 7:00 p.m. CET, Sunday
September 21
BUCCANEERS: QB BRAD JOHNSON earned 1st career win as starter vs. Atl
(23-17, 9/8/96, w/Min). Seeks 4th consecutive win vs. Falcons &
posted
109.7 passer rating (55 of 88, 812 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs) in past 3 vs. Atl.
Has multiple TD passes in 8 of past 11 games, including playoffs. Had
career-high 61 attempts last week......RB MIKE ALSTOTT has career-long
47-yard run (TD) vs. Atl. (11/9/97)......WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON has 4 TDs vs.
Atl., most vs. NFC. Has 3,413 receiving yards with Bucs & needs
80 to pass
GERALD CARTER (3,443) & JAMES WILDER (3,492) in 4th in team annals. WR
KEENAN MC CARDELL had 2 TD catches in last meeting (14, 27)......Defense
aims to become 1st team since '34 Lions with 3 consecutive road shutouts.
Seek to hold Atlanta to 80 rushing yards or less for 5th consecutive game,
which ties for NFL's 2nd-longest active streak......DE SIMEON RICE has 32.5
sacks in past 28 games, including playoffs. DT WARREN SAPP has 72.0
career
sacks & needs 3.0 to become 7th active player with 75.0.
FALCONS: Head coach DAN REEVES has 199 career wins & needs win vs. Bucs to
become 6th coach to reach 200 all-time......QB DOUG JOHNSON seeks 3rd
consecutive game with multiple TD passes. Native of Gainesville, FL
& was
2nd-round draft choice of MLB's TB Devil Rays in '96......RB WARRICK DUNN
spent '97-01 with Bucs & ranks 2nd in TB history with 4,200 rushing yards.
Seeks 15th career 100-yard rushing game. RB T.J. DUCKETT tied
career-best
with 2 TDs vs. Wash......WR JIMMY FARRIS' 42-yard TD catch was 1st of
career......TE ALGE CRUMPLER has reception of 18+ yards in 5 of past 6 games
& leads NFL TEs with 148 yards receiving......CB RAY BUCHANAN has 29 career
INTs with club & needs 1 to tie SCOTT CASE (30) for 3rd-most in club
history.
NFL EUROPE LEAGUE NOTES
BUCCANEERS: QB BRAD JOHNSON (London 1995) completed 34 of 61 passes for 339
yards and a touchdown last week in loss to Carolina... RB AARON STECKER
(Scotland 2000) carried the ball 3 times for 6 yards last week, added 2
catches for 7 yards, 2 kickoff returns for 39 yards and a special teams
tackle.
FALCONS: LB ARTIE ULMER (Frankfurt 1998) has recorded 3 tackles on defense
for the Falcons in two games this season... P CHRIS MOHR (Montreal 1991)
punted six times last week for a 40.8-yard average with a long of 48
yards... WR BRIAN FINNERAN (Barcelona 1999) is missing from the starting
lineup for at least the next month after suffering a hand injury.
NEW YORK GIANTS (1-1) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-0)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Extra (Live) 9:05 p.m. BST,
Sunday September 21
Germany: Premiere World (Live) 10:05 p.m. CET, Sunday
September 21
Spain: Sportmania (Live) 10:05 p.m. CET, Sunday
September 21
GIANTS: QB KERRY COLLINS seeks 5th win in past 6 games as starter vs. NFC
East. Has 23,740 career passing yards & needs 260 for 24,000. Has
32-24
(.571) record as Giants starter......RB TIKI BARBER rushed for 96 yards & 1
TD in last meeting......WR AMANI TOOMER seeks TD catch in 4th consecutive
game vs. Redskins. Posted at least 7-receptions, 95 yards in 3 of
past 4
vs. Wash. Has 364 career receptions & needs 4 to pass FRANK
GIFFORD (367)
in 2nd-place in team history. Became franchise leader in receiving
yards
(5,533) following 126-yard effort vs. Cowboys. WR IKE HILLIARD has TD
catch
in 3 of past 5 vs. Wash......TE JEREMY SHOCKEY had career-high 11 receptions
& 1st career 100-yard receiving game vs. Redskins on 11/17/02......DE
MICHAEL STRAHAN is 4th among active players with 96.5 career sacks. Has
5.5
sacks in past 4 games vs. Wash......CB RALPH BROWN scored 1st career-TD on
29-yard INT return last week......PR BRIAN MITCHELL has 4,858 career PR
yards & needs 142 to become 1st player in NFL history with 5,000. Spent
1990-99 with Washington.
REDSKINS: Club seeks 1st 3-0 start since SB-winning season in
1991......QB
PATRICK RAMSEY seeks 5th consecutive win as starter. Had career-highs
356
yards & 25 completions last week, leading comeback from 17-point deficit.
Has 4 TDs & 2 INTs in past 3 games vs. NFC East......RB TRUNG CANIDATE
rushed for 89 yards vs. Atl, averaging 5.9 yards per carry......WRs
LAVERANUES COLES (180) & ROD GARDNER (118) each posted 100-yard receiving
games, 1st time Wash had 2 100-yard efforts in same game since 12/26/99
(MICHAEL WESTBROOK, 125; ALBERT CONNELL, 106). Coles' 11 catches
& 180
yards vs. Falcons were career highs. He seeks 3rd consecutive
100-yard
game......DE BRUCE SMITH has 195.5 career sacks & needs 3.0 to pass REGGIE
WHITE (198.0) for most in NFL history......LB JESSIE ARMSTEAD tied
career-best with 2.0 sacks last week, including safety. Spent '93-'01
with
Giants & was 5-time All-Star......S MATT BOWEN had 2nd-career INT last week.
NFL EUROPE LEAGUE NOTES
GIANTS: K MATT BRYANT (Frankfurt 2002) has connected on 4 of 4 field goals
and 6 of 6 PATs this season for a total of 18 points... QB JASON GARRETT
(San Antonio 1992) provides depth under center behind Kerry Collins... DE
RADELL LOCKHART (Scotland 2002-03) is on the Giants' practice squad.
REDSKINS: CB DAVID TERRELL (Rhein 1999) is a key member of the Redskins'
secondary... G LENNIE FRIEDMAN (Barcelona 2000) provides power and punch on
Washington's offensive line, while WR SCOTT CLOMAN (Rhein 2002) holds a
place on the Redskins' practice squad.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS
Germany: Premiere World (Live) 3:00 a.m. CET, Tuesday
September 23
Spain: Canal Deporte 2 (Live) 3:00 a.m. CET, Tuesday
September 23
United Kingdom: Channel 5 (Delay) 12 midnight BST, Tuesday September
23
RAIDERS: Have 36 MNF wins & need 1 to tie Miami for most
all-time.......Head coach BILL CALLAHAN has never lost to Broncos (2-0) &
club has won past 4 division games......QB RICH GANNON set NFL record in
last game at Denver, completing 21 consecutive passes in single game. In
past 4 vs. Broncos, Gannon has completed 112 of 147 passes (76.2 pct.) for
1,108 yards & 9 TDs vs. 2 INTs for 111.7 passer rating......In last meeting,
RB CHARLE GARNER had career-best 91 receiving yards on 8 receptions......WR
JERRY RICE is all-time MNF leader in TDs (35), scrimmage yards (3,680),
receptions (227), receiving yards (3,593) & receiving TDs (33). WR
TIM
BROWN has 13 career receiving TDs vs. Broncos, his 2nd-most (Seattle,
14)......S ROD WOODSON had INT in each of 2 games vs. Broncos last year,
including 98-yard INT-TD at Denver. Has 17-1 (.944) record on MNF -
best
individual record.
BRONCOS: Aim for 13th win in past 17 vs. Oakland & 8th win in
past 9 at
home against Raiders. Club is 26-6-1 (.803) in home openers since
1970...... Head coach MIKE SHANAHAN is 12-4 (.750) vs. Oakland & 7-1 (.875)
at home. Under Shanahan (since 1995), club is 50-7 (.877) when
producing
100-yard rusher......In 3 career meetings vs. Oakland (w/Ariz.), QB JAKE
PLUMMER has thrown 5 TDs......RB CLINTON PORTIS has rushed for 692 yards in
7 division games in career for 98.9 yards per game avg. Has rushed
for 17
TDs in 18 career games. Portis aims for 3rd consecutive game vs.
Raiders
with TD.....In past 4 vs. Raiders, WR ROD SMITH has 36 catches for 278 yards
& 3 TDs. WR ASHLEY LELIE's career-highs in receptions (8) &
yards (106)
have both come against Oakland......LB IAN GOLD aims for 4th consecutive
game vs. Oakland with sack.
NFL EUROPE LEAGUE NOTES
RAIDERS: T BARRY SIMS (Scotland 1999) anchors the all-important starting
left tackle position for the Raiders.
BRONCOS: CB KELLY HERNDON (Barcelona 2000) has recorded 10 tackles
and an
interception in the Broncos' opening two games of the year... The Broncos
have used NFL Europe to nurture and develop quality offensive linemen such
as T MATT LEPSIS (Barcelona 1998), C/G BEN HAMILTON (Berlin 2002) and G
STEVE HERNDON (Barcelona 2001)... QB JARIOUS JACKSON (Barcelona 2001)
provides depth behind starter Jake Plummer... S NICK FERGUSON (Rhein
1999-2000).
Thurs,
Sept 18 03 "Doug Quinn addresses Media on approval of NFLEL Business plan!
I had the pleasure of meeting Doug Quinn at the recent Super Bowl, at one of the
International media meetings and the International media party!" Myk
Aussie
From David Tossell,
Director of Public Relations NFL Europe
Doug Quinn, NFL Senior Vice-President of NFL International, spoke to European
media this afternoon about the decision of the NFL owners to approve the NFL
Europe League's business plan for two years, through the 2005 season.
Following is a summary of his comments:
(on whether the six current teams would be in place for the 2004 season) That is
the plan to date. As we go into the planning of the season we are looking at
number of things. We have to look at ways to improve and I will be having
conversations with each of the general managers next week in London and getting
a feel for how they think they can move ahead and what
the forecast is for the coming season.
(On whether there is a cut-off point for planning for next season) The cut-off
time has pretty much passed. We have pretty much locked and loaded. If there was
anything to change, something dramatic would have to happen.
(On whether he felt the pressure from the owners to improve NFLEL performance)
Yes. There is pressure for financial improvement and but fan improvement. The
number of people in the stands is the biggest thing. Money is not that big a
thing to the owners. Most important is having crowds that illustrate support by
the local market and show the US we are having success and that we have
significant fan support.
(On whether player development had been downgraded as priority) Player
development for US and national players has been upgraded in importance. Our
national player development plan is going to be a very significant part going
forward, including expanding the role of NFL clubs
in developing national payers. We have had national players on NFL rosters in
training camp and potentially expanding that throughout the whole regular season
is an option. We are also looking at additional scholarship programs and
developing academies at local colleges.
(on what the NFLEL needs to do to feel confident of continued support of the
NFL owners) In every business you have an annual budget and planning process.
Budgets
are reviewed every year and are a metric for progress. Number one measure for
the NFLEL is fans. As far as economics, we run our business right and have good
people managing it. We have an excellent operation. Getting the community, media
and, most important, fan support is the most important thing. Prior to the full
ownership's vote, we had two days with the Business Ventures Committee, who vote
and approve our budget. They asked us to
provide a 10-year view of how the league will look and how that develops our
business. Part of that included expansion of fans. They talked very positively
about the long term. In meantime we are going to have to show short- term
growth. They were almost unanimous in support and having us come back with a
10-year recommendation.
(on other discussion of international business) The NFLEL was for one of the
first time put into context and discussed as an integral part of the NFL's
international business, not a stand-alone
business.
(On whether it is up to the six franchises to prove over the next two years
that they have a future) I think we pretty much know what we have in individual
markets. We have got some strong letters of support from the Amsterdam
government and community
and we want to explore what that means for our future. The new president of FC
Barcelona talked about ways we can continue to build and succeed. Those are
things where we have to see concrete results in the next six to eight months and
even prior to kickoff to the season.
(On the owners' commitment to the NFLEL player allocation process) The quality
of players continues to get better and the number of players coming back to NFL
rosters has increased dramatically over the last three years. A lot of people
who had not been using it as well as they could have been have awakened to the
fact that there are a lot of clubs who use it
extremely well. It has opened the eyes to a number of clubs who were doing a
minimum in terms of using the NFL Europe League. I think you will see more
attention paid to it by teams and owners.
(on possible expansion) Expansion will be put into the context of a 10-year
plan. We are going to expand on the foundation of strength. We have some core
teams doing very well and some struggling along. We need to fix what we have
first. The first two years are about putting ourselves in a position of strength
and the 10-year plan that would build upon that.
(on the pending appointment of a Scottish Claymores head coach and announcement
of next season's World Bowl venue) Both will be very soon. Both have been
narrowed down to a very short list and we are solidifying those plans.
(on the FC Barcelona relationship) These are the kind of relationships that are
very valuable. They have to help us to continue to build and develop where we
are in the market place. Last year we made a positive move to the Mini Estadi
but that needs to be filled every week. The new president has the power to make
a difference and that is what we look forward to talking about.
(on Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's support for the league) What he did was make
it very clear the role the NFLEL plays in the NFL plans, how it fits into our
international planning and why that is a priority. A new development was
the discussion of the development of national players, making sure we are
building an infrastructure to develop and build young men into football players.
The most important thing is having local relevance and that starts with having
local players.
(on when the NFL owners want to see the NFLEL make a profit) With the benefits
the NFLEL provides on a number of levels, they are not looking for a profit. We
will show a path towards profitability over the next 10 years, but they are just
looking for improvement. The benefit, even at the current cost, is worthwhile.
The most important thing is paid fans in the stand.
(on how to get the owners who voted against the NFLEL's business plan to
support the league) Just because they voted 'no' doesn't mean they are trying to
shut down the league. They wanted their position to be made about what
improvements they want to see. If we make those improvements many of those wont
be voting 'no' any more. If they had thought the league would not get approved
some of those who voted 'no' would had turned into a 'yes'.
(on how the NFL can improve its support for the NFLEL) The Commissioner has said
that there will be an advisory board of owners and senior NFL management. There
will also be local advisory boards and we will be asking them to play more
active role in development of the league. The Commissioner wants to work more
closely with US business partners and
getting support out of US for local markets.
(on plans for NFLEL TV coverage in the US in 2004) It will very much the same as
last year, although it will be expanded to the NFL Network, which will be
launched in November. The very first live game on the NFL Network will be an
NFLEL game.
(on whether there could be a team in Madrid) It is definitely one of the
scenarios for the future. We have had a discussion with a number of people in
Madrid. For us to make a move and expand a team it is all going to be
based on making sure we are secure before we go somewhere else. We have a plan
and criteria for discussing expansion sites and have talked to several places.
We are close to understanding what is needed to make those moves and when the
time is right we are pretty much ready to go.
Wed,
Sept 17 03 "NFL
Statement on NFL Europe League! Moose looks like we will be at the World Bowl
next year!" Myk Aussie
From
David Tossell at NFL Europe FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON D.C. - NFL owners today approved the NFL Europe League's business
plan for the next two seasons, expiring in 2005 at the conclusion of the
NFL's existing TV contracts.
NFL owners continue to support the objectives of the league and recognize
the benefits of the league, both in growing American football and the NFL's
business in Europe and in developing and evaluating players for the NFL.
NFL Europe League teams are now planning for the 2004 season and full
details of the schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mon,
Sept 15 03 "NFL Europe League players in NFL Week 2 action!" Myk
Aussie
From Neil Reynolds, Public Relations Manager NFL Europe
NFL Europe League trio score touchdowns to help teams to victories in NFL Week 2
action
THREE former NFL Europe League stars scored touchdowns for their respective
NFL teams on Sunday, helping their clubs to victories in Week 2 of the 2003
season.
Kansas City Chiefs return specialist DANTE HALL (Scotland 2001), St. Louis
Rams wide receiver DANE LOOKER (Berlin 2002) and Miami Dolphins quarterback
JAY FIEDLER (Amsterdam 1997) all found the end zone at key times at the
weekend.
Pro Bowler Hall scored on a dazzling 100-yard kickoff return during Kansas
City's 41-20 demolition of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The do-it-all star ended
the day with 3 kickoff returns for 146 yards, 4 punt returns for 62 yards
(long 45), 2 rushes for 19 yards and a 2-yard reception.
Linebackers MIKE MASLOWSKI (Barcelona 1999) and GARY STILLS (Frankfurt 2001)
powered the Chiefs' defensive effort. Maslowski made 4 tackles, while Stills
added 3 tackles and a sack. Both won all-NFL Europe League honours during
their spells overseas.
Looker - MVP of World Bowl X in 2002 - caught 5 passes for 47 yards during
the Rams' 27-24 overtime defeat of the San Francisco 49ers, scoring on a
19-yard strike from backup quarterback Marc Bulger, who was subbing for the
injured KURT WARNER (Amsterdam 1998).
In New York, Fiedler completed 14 of 19 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown
- 8 yards to Randy McMichael - as the Dolphins ran out 21-10 winners against
the New York Jets.
Fiedler also rushed for 35 yards on five carries and scored on a 9-yard
scramble.
Linebacker BRENDAN AYANBADEJO (Amsterdam 2001) recorded 3 tackles on defense for
the Dolphins, while his brother, fullback OBAFEMI AYANBADEJO (England 1998),
added a special teams stop.
In his first start for the Carolina Panthers, quarterback JAKE DELHOMME
(Amsterdam 1998/Frankfurt 1999) found the going tough against the Super Bowl
champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers but did just enough to guide his team to a
12-9 overtime victory.
Delhomme completed 9 of 23 passes for 96 yards. Bucs quarterback BRAD
JOHNSON (London 1995) completed 34 of 61 attempts for 339 yards. He fired a
game-tying 6-yard touchdown pass to Keenan McCardell with no time left on
the clock, only to see the ensuing extra point attempt blocked, sending the
game into overtime. Running back AARON STECKER (Scotland 2000) rushed three
times for 6 yards, caught 2 passes for 7 yards, returned 2 kicks for 39
yards and added a special teams tackle.
In New Orleans, the hometown Saints brought the expansion Houston Texans -
winners against Miami on opening day - crashing back down to earth with a
31-10 hammering. Starring for the Saints was defensive end WILLIE WHITEHEAD
(Frankfurt 1999), who recorded 8 tackles and 2 sacks. Special teams star
J.J. MOSES (Scotland 2002) returned 2 kickoffs for 88 yards for the Texans
with a long of 70 yards.
Other NFL Europe League veterans in NFL Week 2 action
Buffalo Bills 38 Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Bills: P BRIAN MOORMAN (Berlin 2000-01) punted twice for a 48.5-yard average
with a long of 56 yards.
Jaguars: WR JIMMY REDMOND (Frankfurt 2002) caught a 29-yard pass and added a
21-yard kickoff return. WR MATTHEW HATCHETTE (Amsterdam 2002) caught 2
passes for 12 yards. DE PAUL SPICER (Frankfurt 2001) recorded 2 tackles.
Baltimore Ravens 33 Cleveland Browns 13
Ravens: WR MARCUS ROBINSON (Rhein 1998) caught 1 pass for 10 yards. DE
MARQUES DOUGLAS (Rhein 2000) recorded 2 tackles and a sack.
Browns: QB KELLY HOLCOMB (Barcelona 1996) completed 17 of 37 passes for 147
yards and a touchdown. DE MARK WORD (Rhein 2001) recorded 2 tackles, a sack
and a forced fumble.
Other NFL Week 2 Results
Indianapolis 33 Tennessee 7; Green Bay 31 Detroit 6; Washington 33 Atlanta
31; Seattle 38 Arizona 0; Denver 37 San Diego 13; New England 31
Philadelphia 10; Oakland 23 Cincinnati 20; Minnesota 24 Chicago 13.
Wed,
Sept 3 03 "Five NFL Week 1 games to be screened in full on United Kingdom
television! Great previews below!" Myk Aussie
Neil Reynolds, Public
Relations Manager NFL Europe
Three NFL games to be screened live on British TV; Additional two games from
Week 1 to be shown in full.
THE long wait is over. The NFL is back and fans in the United Kingdom are
being served up a treat in Week 1 as three live games and an additional two
tape-delay contests will be screened in full on SKY SPORTS and five.
The action begins on Thursday September 4 at midnight on Sky Sports 1 with
the NFL kickoff concert being screened live from Washington D.C. ahead of
the season-opening game between the hometown Washington Redskins and the New
York Jets.
The Jets were pillaged by the Redskins in the off-season, losing wide receiver
Laveranues Coles, offensive lineman Randy Thomas, kick returner Chad Morton and
kicker John Hall, making Thursday night's game a real grudge match between the
two teams.
Jets head coach HERMAN EDWARDS said: "That's how Washington wanted to do
their business. They were going to go out and get good players. We just
happened to have four players come up that we were trying to keep and we
couldn't get it done."
The live action continues on Sky Sports Extra at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
September 7 as the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings and the
Chicago Bears visit the San Francisco 49ers. Joining regular presenters
Kevin Cadle and Nick Halling in the studio will be former Kansas City Chiefs
running back Christian 'The Nigerian Nightmare' Okoye, who was a star in the
NFL in the 1990s.
Five will kick off their coverage of the 2003 season with their NFL Update
highlights show just after midnight on Monday September 8. On Tuesday
September 9, after midnight, they will show in full the clashes between the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders and
Tennessee Titans.
Both games being shown on five are rematches of last year's AFC and NFC
Championship showdowns as Mark Webster and Mike Carlson present the exciting
action from across the pond on the opening weekend of the 2003 campaign.
Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden expects the race to Super Bowl XXXVIII in
Houston on February 1 to be wide open, as he explained: "The NFL is the
greatest league. It's so competitive every Sunday. You see 32 teams fighting
for the playoffs and that makes life interesting. I love it."
WEEK 1 TV CAPSULES
NEW YORK JETS (0-0) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (0-0)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports 1 (Live) from midnight on Thursday
September 4
JETS: Under head coach HERMAN EDWARDS, Jets are 11-5 (.688) on road. Since
1970, team was 1st to win division after 2-5 start......QB VINNY TESTAVERDE
has passed for 39,558 yards in 16-year career & needs 442 yards to become
9th QB in NFL history with 40,000 pass yards......RB CURTIS MARTIN needs
1,000 yards to become 2nd player (BARRY SANDERS, 10) to rush for 1,000 yards
in each of 1st 9 seasons. In 2 career games vs. Wash., Martin has
rushed
for 249 yards (124.5 yards/gm) & 3 TDs......WR WAYNE CHREBET led team w/
career-best 9 TD receptions. Needs 11 catches to pass AL TOON (517)
for 2nd
in NYJ history..... DE JOHN ABRAHAM (team-high 10.0 sacks) became 1st Jet
since MARK GASTINEAU to post consecutive 10.0+ sack seasons.
REDSKINS: Head coach STEVE SPURRIER has 3-1 record vs.
AFC......Offense led
NFC with 59.1 redzone TD pct. (44 trips, 26 TDs) in '02......QB PATRICK
RAMSEY begins 1st full season as starter. Was only rookie QB (among
qualifiers) to throw more TDs (9) than INTs (8). RB TRUNG CANIDATE makes
Wash. debut after spending 2000-02 with Rams. Rushed for 195 yards
& 2 TDs
vs. Jets in 1st NFL start (10/21/01), most rushing yards in 1st start since
Falcons GERALD RIGGS' 202 (9/2/84, vs. NO). WR LAVERANUES COLES spent
2000-02 with NYJ. WR ROD GARDNER had first career 1,000-yard season
(1,006)
in '02......KR CHAD MORTON avgd. 26.0 yards per KR with NYJ in '02, 4th-best
in NFL......DE BRUCE SMITH has 195.0 career sacks & needs 3.5 to pass REGGIE
WHITE (198.0) for most all-time.... LB LAVAR ARRINGTON had 11.0 sacks in
'02, most among NFL LBs.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (0-0)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Extra (Live) 5:30 p.m. GMT,
Sunday September 7
VIKINGS: QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER has 65 career TD passes & needs 2 to pass WADE
WILSON (66) for 3rd most in club history. Has 9 career 300-yard
passing
games & needs 300 yards vs. Pack to tie WARREN MOON (10) for 2nd-most in
club history.... RB MOE WILLIAMS set club record with rushing TD in 7
consecutive games in '02......WR RANDY MOSS is only player in NFL history
with 1,000 yards receiving in each of 1st 5 seasons. Has 6 career
100-yard
games vs. GB, most vs. any foe & seeks 7th 100 vs. Pack in 11th game vs.
GB......WR D'WAYNE BATES had career highs with 50 catches & 689 yards in
'02......DT CHRIS HOVAN has played in every game since being drafted by club
in '00. Rookie first-rounder DE KEVIN WILLLIAMS (No. 9) could make
1st NFL
start.
PACKERS: Club seeks 7th win in past 8 home openers & opens
renovated
Lambeau Field......QB BRETT FAVRE has started 173 consecutive games, most
ever by QB & longest current streak for any player. Seeks 5th
consecutive
home win vs. Vikes & has thrown 5 TDs & 1 INT in past 4 vs. Min at
Lambeau......RB AHMAN GREEN has 14 career 100-yard rushing games with GB &
club is 14-0. Has 3,802 yards rushing with Pack & needs 136 to
pass CLARKE
HINKLE (3,860) & DORSEY LEVENS (3,937) in 4th in club history. Pack
17-2,
including 7-1 in 2002, when Green has 25-or-more touches......WR DONALD
DRIVER posted 70 receptions for 1,064 yards in 1st season as starter. His
1,000-yard season was 1st by Packer drafted in 7th round or lower......TE
BUBBA FRANKS vying to become 2nd GB TE with 3 consecutive Pro Bowl
selections... Defense led NFL with 45 takeaways in '02.
CHICAGO BEARS (0-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-0)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Extra (Live) 9:15 p.m. GMT, Sunday
September 7
BEARS: Offense ranked 2nd in NFC with 57.5 redzone TD pct. (40 trips,
23
TDs) in 2002, including TDs on 14 of last 21 trips......QB KORDELL STEWART
takes over as starter after 8 seasons with Steelers. Has .613 winning
pct.
(46-29), 4th-best in NFL (min. 75 starts). Seeks 3rd consecutive
season
with at least 60.0 comp. pct. & has 24-6 career record when completing at
least 60.0 pct. His 2,561 career rushing yards rank 2nd among active
QBs......RB ANTHONY THOMAS rushed for 127 yards, 1 TD in last
meeting......WR MARTY BOOKER needs 1,000 yards receiving to become first
Bear with 3 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His 20 catches of 20+
yards
tied for 2nd-most in NFC in '02... LB BRIAN URLACHER led club in tackles for
3rd consecutive year, 1st Bear to accomplish feat since MIKE SINGLETARY
(1988-92)...S MIKE BROWN has at least 1 TD in each of 1st 3 seasons.
49ERS: Head coach DENNIS ERICKSON makes 49ers debut......QB JEFF
GARCIA
begins 4th full season as starter & seeks 4th consecutive Pro Bowl bid.
Became 1st QB in team history with 300+ completions in 3 consecutive seasons
(328 in 2002). Has 95 career TD passes. Passed for 402 yards,
2nd-highest
career total, in last home game vs. Bears......RB GARRISON HEARST needs
1,000 yards rushing to pass ROGER CRAIG (3) for most 1,000-yard seasons by
49er.... WR TERRELL OWENS had career-highs with 20 receptions & 283 yards in
last meeting in SF. Owens' 42 TD since '00 are most in NFL.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
United Kingdom: five (delay) 12:40 a.m. GMT, Wednesday September 10
BUCCANEERS: QB BRAD JOHNSON has 51-28 (.646) record as starter, 2nd among
active QBs (min. 50 starts). Became 1st TB QB to lead NFC in passing
in '02
(92.9). Passed for Bucs record 22 TDs in '02......RB MICHAEL PITTMAN
rushed
for personal '02-high 124 yards in Super Bowl...... WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON
seeks 3rd consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. Has 253 career
receptions with Bucs & needs 7 to pass WARRICK DUNN (259) for 5th in team
annals.... WR JOE JUREVICIUS finished playoffs with team-leading 197 yards
receiving (8 catches)..... DE SIMEON RICE had 15.5 sacks last year,
2nd-highest total in club history & seeks 3rd 10-sack season in row. DT
WARREN SAPP seeks 7th consecutive Pro Bowl selection...... LB DERRICK BROOKS
named AP Defensive Player of Year in '02.
EAGLES: Head coach ANDY REID owns 9-0 record in primetime games & 31-7 mark
when leading at halftime......QB DONOVAN McNABB ranks tied for 3rd-best
among active starters (min. 45 starts) with .646 winning pct (31-17). Has
7-0 record in primetime with 12 TDs & 3 INTs. Has 9,835 career
passing
yards & needs 165 for 10,000......RB DUCE STALEY has 4,344 career yards
rushing & needs 139 to pass RANDALL CUNNINGHAM for third-most in club
history (4,482)......WR TODD PINKSTON had career highs with 60 receptions &
798 yards in '02...... DT DARWIN WALKER had career-high 7.5 sacks in '02,
tied for 2nd-most among NFL DTs......CB TROY VINCENT needs 1 INT for 40
career.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-0)
United Kingdom: five (Delay) following Buccaneers-Eagles game, Wednesday
September 10
RAIDERS: Outscored Tennessee 93-49 in 2 games last year. Head
coach BILL
CALLAHAN became 1st head coach to lead Raiders to Super Bowl in 1st full
season......QB RICH GANNON was named NFL MVP by AP. Had 126.4 passer
rating
vs. Titans last year (including playoff), completing 58 of 80 passes (72.5
pct.) for 667 yards with 7 TDs vs. 0 INTs......RB CHARLIE GARNER ranked 4th
in AFC with 1,903 total scrimmage yards (962 rush, 941 receiving)......WR
TIM BROWN has 6 TDs in 7 meetings......S ROD WOODSON tied for NFL lead with
8 INTs last year & needs 1 to be 3rd player with 70 career INTs. Had
3 INTs
in 2002 meeting, including 82-yard INT-TD. In past 4 vs. Titans QB
McNair,
defense has 8 INTs vs. 4 TDs. DT ROD COLEMAN ranked 3rd in AFC with
11.0
sacks & led NFL interior DL.
TITANS: Have won 10 of past 11 in regular season, outscoring
opponents
260-165. Head coach JEFF FISHER has won 3 of 4 career regular-season
games
vs. Raiders......QB STEVE MCNAIR is 3-1 (.750) vs. Oak. In 9/29/02
game,
McNair passed for career-best 398 yards. Needs 578 pass yards to
become 5th
QB in NFL history with 20,000 pass yards & 3,000 rush yards (19,422 pass,
3,034 rush)......In 4 games vs. Oak., RB EDDIE GEORGE has rushed for 464
yards (116.0 per game) & 4 TDs......WR-KR-PR DERRICK MASON led club with
1,012 yards in posting consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons for 1st time
in career.... Offensive line allowed fewest sacks in NFL (21)......Rush
defense ranked 2nd in NFL (89.0 yards per game). LB KEITH BULLUCK led
team
in tackles (177) & added 4 INTs & 7 passes defensed. DE KEVIN
CARTER was
4th in AFC with 10.0 sacks, 4th time in 5 years with 10+ sacks.
Tues,
Sept 2 03 "15 NFL Europe League quarterbacks open the 2003 season on NFL
rosters!" Myk Aussie
From Neil Reynolds, Public Relations Manager, NFL Europe
15 NFL Europe League quarterbacks open 2003 season on NFL rosters; five hold
starting positions
WHEN the 2003 NFL season kicks off on September 4 a total of 15 quarterbacks
with NFL Europe League experience will be on opening day rosters.
Heading the NFLEL quarterback group are five starters led by former Super Bowl
winners BRAD JOHNSON (London Monarchs 1995), of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and
St. Louis Rams signal-caller KURT WARNER (Amsterdam Admirals 1998).
Others who will open the season as starters are Miami Dolphins quarterback JAY
FIEDLER (Amsterdam Admirals 1997), KELLY HOLCOMB (Barcelona Dragons 1996), of
the Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals veteran JON KITNA (Barcelona
Dragons 1997).
Johnson led the Buccaneers to Super Bowl glory last season and is keen to build
on that success in 2003, as he explained: "Only eight quarterbacks have won
the Super Bowl twice. It's an elite class - you don't just fall into it. You
have to work extremely hard.
"I've got to be the ninth player in that group - that's what I'm playing
for this season. I want to win the Super Bowl even more this year because now I
know what it feels like. I know how bad I would feel if we didn't get to that
level again."
Warner, who won NFL and Super Bowl MVP honours after making a name for himself
in NFL Europe, appears back to his best after an injury-marred 2002 season. He
was in red-hot form during the NFL preseason and should help the Rams challenge
for honours in the NFC.
Rams head coach MIKE MARTZ said: "I know there are a lot of worry warts out
there but they need not worry. Kurt Warner is as good as he's ever been."
Fiedler enters his third season as a starter in south Florida and many experts
feel he and the Miami Dolphins could go all the way to the Super Bowl in 2003.
Fiedler has been a consistent winner with the Dolphins, recording a 29-13 mark
as an NFL starter (ranking second among active quarterbacks behind Warner).
Having seen off the training camp challenge of new arrival Brian Griese - who
had been a starter with the Denver Broncos - Fiedler is ready for action as the
Dolphins prepare to host the Houston Texans on Sunday September 7.
In Cleveland, Holcomb enjoyed a strong summer training camp and won the Browns'
starting job, replacing former first round draft pick Tim Couch under center.
Holcomb had already won the confidence of his team-mates when he threw for a
team record 429 yards during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers - it was
the third-highest single-game passing yardage total in NFL post-season history.
Holcomb said: "I always believed I could be an NFL starter. I know people
looked at me like I was crazy but I always knew in my heart that, given the
opportunity, I could show I can play.
"There were times when this hill seemed too big to climb but I never quit
and this makes it all worthwhile."
After opting for Holcomb over the higher-paid Couch, Browns head coach BUTCH
DAVIS said: "It's a gut feeling. I believe Kelly Holcomb should be given
the opportunity to start in the NFL."
Kitna, who won a World Bowl with the Dragons in 1997, will lead a Bengals team
that is likely to make vast improvements under new head coach Marvin Lewis. Even
though the Bengals have invested $50 million in rookie quarterback CARSON
PALMER, Kitna goes into the season as the undisputed number one.
Palmer said: "Jon Kitna is the starter. He's a veteran and I'm just a young
punk rookie who's just come in and joined the team. I will learn from Jon Kitna
by watching him play this season. He is a very good guy to learn from."
Others expected to challenge for significant playing time in 2003 are Carolina
Panthers passer JAKE DELHOMME (Amsterdam Admirals 1998/Frankfurt Galaxy 1999),
TODD BOUMAN (Barcelona 1999), of the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs
quarterback JONATHAN QUINN (Berlin Thunder 2001).
Delhomme was in outstanding form for the Panthers this summer but just lost out
in the starting quarterback battle to veteran Rodney Peete, although he is
expected to see some action throughout the 2003 campaign.
NFL Europe League quarterbacks on NFL rosters
Player NFL team NFLEL team
Jake Delhomme Carolina Panthers Amsterdam 1998/Frankfurt 1999
Jon Kitna Cincinnati Bengals Barcelona 1997
Kelly Holcomb Cleveland Browns Barcelona 1996
Craig Nall Green Bay Packers Scotland 2003
Doug Pederson Green Bay Packers NY/NJ 1992/Rhein 1995
Jonathan Quinn Kansas City Chiefs Berlin 2001
Jay Fiedler Miami Dolphins Amsterdam 1997
Clint Stoerner* Miami Dolphins Scotland 2001
Shaun Hill Minnesota Vikings Amsterdam 2003
Todd Bouman New Orleans Saints Barcelona 1999
Damon Huard New England Patriots Frankfurt 1998
Jason Garrett New York Giants San Antonio 1991
Jamie Martin New York Jets Amsterdam 1995
Kurt Warner St. Louis Rams Amsterdam 1998
Brad Johnson Tampa Bay Buccaneers London 1995
* Practice squad player
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