FORT COLLINS — A week ahead of pro football’s ultimate stage, nearly two dozen would-be Kurt Warners plunked down $55 each for the lottery equivalent of a first step toward an NFL dream.
With the Arena Football League’s hiatus, the Colorado Ice provides the only pro football in the area until the Broncos start training camp in July. The arena league produced Warner, who is preparing to play Sunday in his third Super Bowl. The Indoor Football League, playing in smaller cities and venues, also has sent a few alums to the NFL, including tight end and lineman Chad Mustard, who has played for the Broncos, and Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson.
“There’s a potential for this league to take off and be something,” Ice coach and general manager Collins Sanders said.
There are 19 teams in the IFL, with two more scheduled to join the league in 2010.
After cricket players left the OD’s Sports Crossing multipurpose facility, Ice coaches, returning players and 22 hopefuls took over. Four of the 22 were offered contracts after an NFL combine-style workout.
“They figured out how competitive it is,” Sanders said. “They are not going to throw $55 away if they don’t have a legitimate chance.”
Cory Sleeth, a former Northglenn wide receiver via Northern Colorado and Nebraska-Kearney, was one of the lucky ones. “I wasn’t done with football, so I thought I’d give it a shot up here,” he said.
NFL aspirations aren’t the only driving force.Two returnees from last year’s roster, quarterback Garrett Mehl and wide receiver Justin Gallas, came to help with workouts. As Colorado Mines graduates, they have perfectly goòd day jobs as engineers. And coming out of NCAA Division II football, they have more motivation.
“There’s a ton of Division II players who always wonder, ‘What if I could play for the bigger schools?’ ” said Gallas, son of former Northglenn coach Scott Gallas. “We play for fun and to have the competitive edge you’ve grown up with. It’s a blast to be around the other players and coaches. It’s a family atmosphere.”
The Indoor Football League, like the arena league, is an eight-man version played on a 50-yard field. Sanders said there is more of a running game in his league and few players play offense and defense. Some contract issues must be worked out before the Ice can sign any former arena league players, Sanders said.
The Ice plays a 14-game schedule March 28 through June 27, with home games at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. Travel is by bus — except to Alaska, where IFL teams are located in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Among those looking to gain experience for the next level is former Manual star John Collins, a defensive back on last year’s roster who played for Weber State. He has talked to some NFL clubs but said, “They say I need more film.”
Before Sunday the Ice had 35 players under contract, including some, like former Colorado State offensive tackle Dane Stratton, who are coming straight from school. Former CSU teammate George Hill followed that route last year, then had a tryout with the Chicago Bears. Now he’s back on the Ice roster as a wide receiver.
John Cunningham, who bought the franchise last spring, emphasizes community involvement by the players. It’s no coincidence the roster has been stocked with players with area college or high school connections.
Mehl will have to fend off a bid by former CSU quarterback Justin Holland.
“We need the best talent. But I tell Collins if it’s a tie, take the local guy,” Cunningham said.
Now the quest is to get local recognition, even close to the home of the players.
Mehl said when his 5-year-old son watches NFL games on television, “He asks, ‘Why don’t you play there, Daddy?’ ”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
