Ohio Glory

World League of American Football (1992)

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It’s a shame that this Columbus-based spring football team didn’t get more of a chance. The Glory drew decent crowds to Ohio Stadium as a new entry in the World League of American Football in the spring of ’92. But the team’s fate was sealed when NFL owners mothballed the entire league later that fall. 

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Background

The Ohio Glory were a one-year wonder in the NFL-sponsored World League of American Football (1991-1992).  WLAF officials introduced the franchise to the public in December 1991 as the tenth franchise for the league’s sophomore season, which would get underway in March 1992.  The Glory replaced the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks franchise, which failed to take flight either on the field or at the box office during the league’s debut season and was the only club not to return for season two.

According the The Associated Press, the Glory nickname won out over a list that included the Annihilators, Bulldogs, Explorers, Farmers, Innovators and Monsters.²ASSOCIATED PRESS. “New WLAF team has glorious name”. The Beacon-Journal (Akron, OH). December 17, 1991

Roster & Staff

Former Cleveland Browns General Manager and United States Football League Director of Operations Peter Hadhazy helmed the front office operations of the Glory. The club played at historic Ohio Stadium in Columbus, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Hadhazy toyed with a few signings to engage the Buckeyes fan base, even briefly considering the disgraced quarterback Art Schlichter, banned for years from the NFL for his crippling gambling addiction and toiling at the time in the Arena Football League.  In the end, Hadhazy signed long-time NFL back-up Babe Laufenberg as the Glory’s starting signal caller and inked former Buckeye Greg Frey as the third stringer.

Five-time NFL Pro Bowl offensive lineman Larry Little, a veteran of the Miami Dolphins famed 1972 undefeated Super Bowl championship team, served as Glory’s Head Coach.  It was the first (and only) pro coaching assignment for Little, who was also the only African-American Head Coach in the short history of the WLAF.

George Koonce & Tom Rouen

The Glory were a weak entry on the field, finishing the season with a 1-9 record.  The club’s only victory came in Week 7 with a 20-17 victory over the WLAF’s German franchise, the Frankfurt Galaxy, before a season-high throng of 41,853 at Ohio Stadium.  The crowds – that was the bright point.   Despite the team’s anemic output on the field, the Glory were the most popular box office draw among the WLAF’s six North American franchises.

The team also fulfilled its developmental mission, producing two players who would go on to long and productive NFL careers.  Rookie Linebacker George Koonce went on to start eight seasons for Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1999, winning a Super Bowl title after the 1996 season.  Punter Tom Rouen latched on with the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed a 13-year NFL career, earning All-Pro honors in 1994.  Rouen and Koonce faced each other in Super Bowl XXXII in January 1998, when Rouen’s Broncos defeated Koonce’s Packers 31-24.

Demise

Ultimately, despite the strong crowds in Columbus, the Glory fell victim to the WLAF’s economic troubles when the league ceased operations in September 1992.  The league derived its funding from the NFL owners (with the exception of the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, who declined to fund the WLAF from day one).  Although very popular in London, Frankfurt and Barcelona, the league’s American franchises (aside from the Glory) were met with disinterest. TV ratings on ABC and USA Network were weak.

The NFL re-booted the World League in the spring of 1995 with six Europe-only clubs. The WLAF, later re-branded NFL Europe in 1998, lasted thirteen more seasons before closing in 2007.

Trivia

Glory head coach Larry Little earned induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1993.

Ohio Glory Shop

WORLD LEAGUE MINI-HELMETS

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Ohio Glory Mini-Helmet

This World League of American Football Mini Helmet is available through Royal Retros.

• 15 oz. mini helmet

• Available in the classic helmet style by Schutt or modern style by Riddell (Riddell Speed model shown)

• Typically ships in 3-5 business days

• Fulfilled by 417 Helmets

 

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Ohio Glory Logo T-Shirt
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In Memoriam

Glory General Manager Peter Hadhazy passed away at age 62 in 2006.

Ohio Glory Video

The Glory visit the San Antonio Riders. ABC Sports broadcast from April 19th, 1992 (short clip).

Links

World League of American Football Media Guides

World League of American Football Programs

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