So at the end of last season I was talking to old Todd Rietman and Eric Christiansen. Both guys have been around for a LONG time. Speaking of long time my 1st season was 1999. I was a senior in high school. I remember playing in the State Championship on Friday and playing an RMFL playoff game the next day. Its my 15th season ( I think) but I am still younger than alot of guys. Obviously I will skip someone or maybe a little off. But in my conversation with those two old dudes we created a list of Best RMFLers of All time.
Our criteria were simple. They had to be RMFLers. Not just former NFL or college guys. Those guys may have been better players in their careers, good for them, but this list is for RMFL careers. These G.O.A.T needed to have played a long time, maybe retired here or there and came back, you know the guys who could never seem to hang up the cleats. AA/AAA doesn’t really matter.
Greatest RMFL QB.
The simplest pick by far. Dave Stireman Rhino Raiders. Won multiple RMFL championships. He was almost unbeatable. He could get rid of it in 3 steps faster than anyone who has played in the league. Very accurate and more mobile at 41 then most guys are now. He had great players around him, but he made them better. He should get most if not all the credit for Utah having so many teams. Many former Rhino-Raiders still play. He should be renamed the "Godfather"
Honorable Mentions.
--None. There were and are some damn good qbs. But they can’t get on this list just yet. Win a fistfull rings over the age of 40.. then you can.
Greatest RMFL RB
Oh man. There sure have been some good RBs. But they can’t be an RB that was good for 1 year or so. On this list are a couple guys you probably never heard of. Manzo Hoge, Hollis Huggins, Justin Nixon, the OZ, Ramos, Marcus Whalen. The Dixie teams have had guys just as good or better, but they didn’t do it for 10 years. This guy did..
But our award would go to Travis Boden. Played for the Snake River Rebels, Idaho Falls Mustangs, and Pocatello Predators. Guy played alot of games. ALOT. All Time league leader in most major rushing categories. I wish we still had the records to verify. Had breakaway speed and power and could make you miss. Can you imagine the beating this dude took over 10 years or so? (got a broken neck to prove it). The young RBs need to be thankful they are not getting wacked by the YOUNG Levine Tupe, young Misi Tupe, all the young Fiefeas. But he kept on trucking.
Greatest RMFL WR
Another category that there are probably too many great players to list. And I am sure I am missing some. How many hits to the head have I had??? Matt Thorten, Joe Mapson, Mouser, Javon Lincoln, Sean Powell, Brock Gunter, Lang, Haynes. The list good go on and on. All these guys were and are extremely talented. Some of the new guys like Jerry Smith or Sam Thomas could take over this list. But they need to play for a long time. Like too long, long enough for someone to say, did that old son of a b*tch with grey hair just catch another one on us?? Yes he did. That’s Norvell Young.
He played for the Treasure Valley Cowboys (I think), Rhino Raiders, I want to say with Bitteroot as well and Cache Valley Bears. Would have to be tops on most WR records. And a fist full of RMFL championship rings.
Greatest RMFL OL.
This is really starting to get tough. There have lots of good ones. I remember the Cache Valley Bears had a guy that played for the Ravens, he was probably the best. But he doesn’t qualify in my book cause he only had a couple years. I think is where I lack some knowledge. You just don’t remember O-line guys names. All the work and none of the glory. I think I have played well over 120 games. But if I had to say a guy has played WAY more than me and still plays….
Eric Christiansen. 6’7 330. Size helps. Played for Snake River Rebels and won a championship. Played for the Rhinos and won multiple. Has suited up for Idaho Falls Mustangs and Arco Anarchy. Was ALWAYS chosen for All Star Game. One thing to remember is the Rhinos traveled all over the Western states to play some small colleges and other semi pro teams. And the “Godfather” always made sure Big E was there. He could easily have played the most semipro games and would start for any team in the league today.
Greatest RMFL Athlete.
For GOAT athlete, they player needed to play offense, defense, and special teams and be the best player on the field at all times. The two names that come to my mind would be Harold Ragin and Trevor Bell. Harold Ragin is the ageless player. He was old 10 years ago when he was playing with Nate Cone. He has won multiple championships. And single handily won the AAA championship a couple years ago with a field goal return in overtime.
What about Bishop Bell? With the Rhinos run he was defiantly a main contributor on offense and defense. And when he wasn’t getting INTs and wrecking ball carriers he was running back kicks and catching tds. And then after he kicked your ass, he but on his glasses, showed his bald head and prayed for everyone.
Got to go with a CO Greatest Athlete-- Ragin and Bell.
Will do a Greatest Defense of ALL Time list soon. Agree or Disagree with the list..Lets here it
I've played against everyone on your list, except Ragin and Bell but I saw both of those guys play. While I could add some names to your discussion and honorable mention list (O'Hearn was a load on both sides of the line, and Crawford/Shawver/Boden, the 3 headed Snake River monster was unstoppable, but T-Bo stood the test of time longest), I think those you have singled out is pretty much spot on.
My early picks for defensive GOAT's:
D-line- V. Fiefia (sorry if misspelled, but everyone knows who we're talking about here. From what I've heard, Walter also deserves some recognition, I'm just fortunate I haven't had to play against him!)
LB- Levine (another person I'm glad I never had to be hit by)
DB- Ragin (more pick 6's than most RMFLers have INT's total)
I'm curious too what those who have been around the league long enough to see most who have played think about this...
