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VETERANS RETURN
Familiar names from the past return as several athletes, who previously wore the Royal and Scarlet, are
reactivated for the rest of the 2008 season. Leading the way on the list are two of the team's best
offensive linemen in Mike Potter and Archie Wickham. The roster will be finalized Sunday, August 17, for
2008.
Though reactivated, some of the players may not be available for all 5 of the remaining regular season
games. North American Football League (NAFL) require its teams to finalize their rosters after week six.
With only a few days left before the free agent signing cut off, the Patriots moved fast to shore up their
team for the coming weeks.
Mike Potter played for the Patriots during four seasons, being selected to one All Star game. Oddly
enough, the 6'7, 340 pound lineman originally played professional baseball in the Minors as a pitcher. He
played along side such athletes as Bo Jackson and Michael Jordan.
Archie Wickham was a Patriot for two seasons, and during those games that he played he held the team's
highest blocking percentage. Prior to his days with the Patriots he played his college ball at Olivet
Nazarene University.
One benefit of reactivating former players is the staff already knows what to expect. Bringing in first year
Minor League athletes doesn't offer the team any security to know what they have in a player, only what
the numbers show during their individual or small group work outs before being signed. With free agents
you have a better idea but no hands on experience with that individual. Plus, much like in Minor League
Hockey or Basketball, you cannot be 100% sure that the signed player will fully commit themselves to the
team in short notice. Often times this is due to their location.
Though activated, Potter and Wickham are not expected to travel with the team for this upcoming week's
contest with the Tri City Thunder.
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