Britball - Elite Level US Quarterbacks

In The Eighties And Early Nineties, When Import Players Were Allowed, Britball Witnessed Some High Calibre Talent Coming Across The Atlantic To Lead Teams From The Quarterback Position. Here, We Remember Eight Of The Best To Ever Throw A Tight Spiral, Down A British Gridiron Field.

Mike Grossner – Nottingham Hoods – 1990 to 1992

Mike played his college football at division 3 Bethany. He stayed in Nottingham for three seasons, ultimately ending up as the all-time passing yards leader in the UK’s NDMA (senior league). He guided the Hoods from mid table mediocrity to a narrow play-off semi-final defeat against the Olympians. He returned to the States to coach, and runs a very successful programme at Baldwin University in Kansas.

Russ Jensen – Birmingham Bulls – 1988 and 1989

Russ came to the UK with pro level experience having been on the rosters of the LA Raiders and the San Diego Chargers 1987 strike team. His favourite target was fellow American, receiver Greg Harris. For two seasons they were unstoppable. The Cal Lutheran alumnus helped the Bulls become National Champions in 1988, but on the eve of the 1989 final Jensen attempted to re-negotiate his contract (unsuccessfully) and never played for Birmingham again.

Sean Payton – Leicester Panthers – 1988

Yes! That Sean Payton. He arrived in Leicester as one of the all-time leading division 3 passers, and led the Panthers to the play-off quarter finals before being tempted back to the States by a coaching offer. He featured for the Chicago “spare Bears” strike team in 1987. Subsequently, he worked his way up in the world of coaching, and is now head coach of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

Hazen Choates – Manchester Spartans – 1988

Hazen was a product of division 1 Boise State. Not big in stature, but he was a very elusive scrambler with quick feet, who could also throw an accurate deep ball. In the Championship winning Spartans side of 1990 he was the heartbeat of the team. He played both sides of the ball, doubling up as a ball hawking safety.

Pat Brennan – Fylde Falcons – 1987

He had an absolute cannon of an arm, so much so that he would knock receivers over with the strength of his passes! It was said you could hear the ball coming as it ripped through the air. A graduate of division 2 Franklin College, he was another ’87 NFL strike team player, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Steve Pisarkiewicz – Cardiff Tigers – 1986 and 1987

Drafted number 19 overall by the Cardinals in the 1977 NFL draft, he also spent time with the Green Bay Packers, having played his college football at Mizzou. He provided a serious upgrade to Cardiff’s level of play through both his quarterbacking and his coaching. He moved on to play in the European leagues, before returning to the States.

Bob Courtney – Nottingham Hoods – 1987

A former starter for division 1A powerhouse, Youngstown State. Tall and rangy, Bob was extremely accurate across the full range of passes. His laid-back personality appealed to his British teammates. He had the ability to throw across his body and could also keep plays alive with his feet.

Ron Roberts Jnr – London Ravens – 1986 and 1987

Ron happened across the Ravens training in Hyde Park, whilst he was studying in London. It didn’t take long before he was the starting quarterback and he led them to a National Title. Originally from Chicago, he was a product of the Lawrence University football programme in Wisconsin. He had trials with the Bears and the Steelers.