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Rage's Shay just wants to play

After frustrating NFL experiences, the running back doesn't desire a return via the XFL at any cost.

By JOHN C. COTEY

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 3, 2001

Some things that aren't in the NFL that will be in the XFL: pyrotechnics, locker room cameras, scripted sideline reporters and a bigger role for cheerleaders.

And Brian Shay.

Say what you will about Vince McMahon's latest venture, but Shay says thanks. For NFL salary cap victims, players from small colleges and players looking for a second chance, the XFL may prove to be a haven for the fallen and, like Shay, the crestfallen.

"I just want to play football," said the running back, who will play for the Orlando Rage in its season opener tonight. "There are a lot of guys here that played in the NFL for several years, and for them this is the opportunity to play football again and try to make it back there. I'm just here to play football and have fun."

Not that Shay would turn down an opportunity. But it would have to be a good one.

Shay is unwilling to return to the NFL at all costs after two Kansas City Chiefs camps in which he believes he performed well enough to make the team and one campaign in NFL Europe, where he was the third-leading rusher with 460 yards.

"In some sense I would like to return, but I'm very happy here," said Shay, who for three months of work will earn a running backs salary of $45,000, plus bonuses for winning.

"The only way to go into NFL camp would be if the situation is right, where they have a need. I wouldn't go into a training camp just to go and be a practice body."

Shay was college football's rushing king for all divisions when he wrapped up his career at Division II Emporia State in 1998. In four seasons Shay rushed for 6,958 yards and had 15 200-yard rushing games, 9,301 all-purpose yards, 88 touchdowns and 544 points, all NCAA records (R.J. Bowers at Division III Grove City topped Shay's career rushing and points totals last season).

In Division II, Shay owns or shares 12 records, including most yards in a season, 2,265 his final year.

Matched up against Division I players in the 1999 Senior Bowl, Shay ran for 75 yards (more than Ricky Williams, Kevin Faulk and Autry Denson), took a fake punt 27 yards and recovered a fumble.

That kind of performance is what prompted then-Emporia State coach Manny Matsakis to say: "The question shouldn't be whether he can play in the NFL, but for how long."

But Shay went undrafted and signed with perhaps the worst team he could have: Kansas City. The Chiefs have always been known for their big backs, and in the '99 and '00 camps, Shay had to beat out vets Donnell Bennett, Bam Morris, Kimble Anders and Fred McAfee. The Chiefs also drafted Rashaan Shehee, Frank Moreau and Mike Cloud in that time.

Shay had a good camp his first year and appeared to have a chance to make the team. But when the Chiefs continued to draft running backs, Shay asked to be released. Kansas City said no, telling him he would be competing for a job. He appeared to have a good camp last year. But he played three minutes in the exhibition finale and was released Aug. 27.

"I really thought I (would make the team)," Shay said. "But they really believed Rashaan Shehee was the guy. They kept some guys that ended up not producing at all. Bigger guys (Shay is 5 feet 8, 213). I went in with the attitude to do everything I could to make the team, but there were factors I had no control over."

Moreau (6-0, 223) averaged 2.7 yards a carry. Cloud (5-10, 205) had 84 yards on 30 carries. Shehee was released the day Shay was and is now in the XFL with Shay.

Shay will not start for Orlando; Derrick Clark will. Shay hopes to make his mark on special teams, the carries he gets spelling Clark and any other opportunities that come his way.

Because unlike in the NFL, he's pretty sure some will.

"I think we will all get a legitimate opportunity here," Shay said. "I plan on making the most of mine, enjoying the game and enjoying life."

XFL season opener

WHO: Chicago Enforcers at Orlando Rage.

WHEN/WHERE: 8 tonight; Orlando Citrus Bowl.

TV: NBC (alternate game).

COACHES: Chicago -- Ron Meyer. Orlando -- Galen Hall.

NOTES: Based on curiousity alone, the Rage expects a large crowd. Hall is a former University of Florida coach who won two of the past three NFL Europe titles with the Rhein Fire. Hall has built this team around NFL Europe players. WR Mario Bailey is NFL Europe's all-time leading receiver (3,805 yards in six seasons with Frankfurt). RB Derrick Clark is the second-leading rusher. And Hall has brought over a lot of his former players. QB Jeff Brohm is a former Buccaneer and was signed by Cleveland for its last game of the season. He will start tonight. Chicago will rely on former NFL first-round draft pick (of Miami) John Avery, who has looked great in scrimmages, and NFL veterans Aaron Bailey (WR), Ryan Yarborough (WR), LeShon Johnson (RB) and Tyji Armstrong (TE), a former Buc. Western Michigan product Tim Lester likely will start at quarterback.

- Compiled by JOHN C. COTEY

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