WORLD LEAGUE OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL (1991-1992)
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|---|---|---|
| BARCELONA | FRANKFURT | BIRMINGHAM |
| DRAGONS | GALAXY | FIRE |
| 1991 - 1992 | 1991 - 1992 | 1991 - 1992 |
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 |
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|---|---|---|
| MONTREAL | LONDON | NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY |
| MACHINE | MONARCHS | KNIGHTS |
| 1991 - 1992 | 1991 - 1992 | 1991 - 1992 |
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 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| OHIO | ORLANDO | RALEIGH-DURHAM |
| GLORY | THUNDER | SKYHAWKS |
| 1992 | 1991 - 1992 | 1991 |
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 |
|---|---|
| SACRAMENTO | SAN ANTONIO |
| SURGE | RIDERS |
| 1991 - 1992 | 1991 - 1992 |
COMMENTS
The World League of American Football, or WLAF, began in 1991 as a Spring farm league of sorts for the NFL. Teams were based in the US, Canada and Europe. The league was inspired in part by the success the NFL had in scheduling exhibition games overseas. They thought they could capitalize on the growing popularity of american football, as well as provide an opportunity for parent teams to develop talent.
NFL teams had the option of allocating players to WLAF teams. While all were strongly encouraged to do so, many teams refused to risk injury to players they were paying so much money. As a result, the players sent by NFL teams were largely unknowns deep on depth charts or practice squads. The balance of the WLAF players came from former NFL veterans trying to make comebacks, or overlooked and undrafted college players trying to get a break.
WLAF played two seasons in the Spring of 1991 and 1992, culminating in a World Bowl championship. The three European teams comprised one division and the North American teams were divided into eastern and western divisions.
Unfortunately for the NFL, the play on the field was erratic at best, and fan support lagged. The Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks folded after a single dismal season and were replaced by the Ohio Glory, who played in Columbus. The entire league was put on hold after the second season. There was enough support in the NFL to revive the concept as the NFL-Europe, an exclusively European league in 1995. All three European teams were brought back, and the balance of the teams were new franchises.
I believe this is the complete set of WLAF helmets. The league didn't last long enough for any variations. Any information, however, is greatly appreciated.