NFL EUROPE: TURNING OUT SUPER QBs
To gauge the impact the NFL EUROPE LEAGUE has had on the NFL, look no further than the signature event in all of sports – the Super Bowl.
For three consecutive years, a starting quarterback in the ultimate game has first plied his trade abroad, gaining valuable playing experience in Europe before putting that knowledge to good use back home. The latest success story is Carolina Panthers starter JAKE DELHOMME.
Allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals in 1998 by the New Orleans Saints, Delhomme saw limited action, serving as the No. 2 quarterback behind another future Super Bowl standout – KURT WARNER. Sent back to NFL Europe by the Saints the following spring, Delhomme excelled with the Frankfurt Galaxy, leading the league with a 67.3 (136 of 202) completion percentage, ranking second with a 96.8 passer rating and tossing 12 touchdowns against only five interceptions.
He concluded his NFL Europe career by helping the Galaxy win a championship, as they defeated the Barcelona Dragons 38-24 to win World Bowl VII.
“I will always appreciate NFL Europe for the opportunity it afforded me to hone my skills,” says Delhomme, who followed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback BRAD JOHNSON and Warner as Europe Leaguers to start in the Super Bowl the past three seasons. “I was able to get on the field and play in the games. You can’t teach that in practice, especially at quarterback. We were able to play for and win a championship with the Galaxy, and that is something I am extremely proud of.”
Players all over the field have benefited from the game experience provided by NFL Europe, as 237 players with European experience were on NFL rosters last season, including four All-Stars – Cowboys defensive tackle LA’ROI GLOVER, Chiefs return specialist DANTE HALL, Packers guard MARCO RIVERA and Chiefs defensive end GARY STILLS.
But perhaps the success is most obvious at quarterback, where in 2003, 25 percent (eight of 32) of NFL teams started a former Europe League quarterback in at least one game. Twenty-six quarterbacks in all have started in the NFL after first playing in Europe.
A look at five quarterbacks who have gone from NFL Europe to the NFL with outstanding results:
PLAYER NFL TEAM NFL EUROPE TEAM NFL SUCCESS Jake Delhomme Carolina Amsterdam, 1998 Led Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII in first season with club. Frankfurt, 1999 Jay Fiedler Miami Amsterdam, 1997 Guided Dolphins to playoffs in two of four years as starter. Brad Johnson Tampa Bay London, 1995 Two-time All-Star, led Bucs to franchise’s first Super Bowl win. Jon Kitna Cincinnati Barcelona, 1997 ‘03 Comeback Player of Year, as Bengals returned to playoff race. Kurt Warner NY Giants Amsterdam, 1998 Two-time MVP, led Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXIV.
The 2004 NFL Europe quarterback class boasted some impressive members, continuing to bolster the league’s reputation as a breeding ground for future NFL passers.
Leading the way this season was ROHAN DAVEY of the New England Patriots, who earned Offensive Most Valuable Player honors. He guided the Berlin Thunder to a 9-1 record and a 30-24 win over the Galaxy in World Bowl XII.
Davey, who is expected to compete for the Patriots’ No. 2 job behind starter TOM BRADY, finished as NFL Europe’s top passer, posting a 105.6 passer rating and a league-leading 19 touchdown passes.
“I wouldn’t trade my experience in NFL Europe for anything,” says Davey. “There’s no substitute for making decisions under pressure, with the game on the line. You can’t duplicate that in practice or in training camp. I know that my time in NFL Europe has made me a better player.”
FOX-TV analyst BRIAN BALDINGER agrees with Davey’s assessment.
“However long Rohan has to be in practice or in a film room, he’ll do what it takes to get the job done,” Baldinger says. “I don’t know why he can’t be not only a starting quarterback, but a top quarterback in the NFL.”
A closer look at three of NFL Europe’s top quarterback prospects:
PLAYER NFL TEAM NFLEL TEAM NFLEL SUCCESS Rohan Davey New England Berlin Led Thunder to World Bowl win. Led league in rating (105.6) & TDs (19). J.T. O’Sullivan New Orleans Frankfurt Guided Galaxy to 7-3 record, finishing with 91.9 passer rating. Ryan Van Dyke NY Giants Amsterdam Led NFL Europe in passing yards (2,003), finishing No. 2 in TDs (16). 20