Wally's World

Richardson’s career finally lands back in Baltimore

If frequent flyer miles were one of the criteria for the NFL Hall of Fame, a sculptor would be chiseling a bust of former Penn State quarterback Wally Richardson in Canton, Ohio.

Richardson has traveled more in the last few years than many people travel in their lifetime.

Richardson, who was born and raised in Sumter, S.C., was the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions during the 1995 and 1996 seasons. Following his Lion career he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 1997 draft.

Richardson said he wouldn't have minded leaving for Europe if he had been given more time. But he realized the trip was in his best interest if he wanted to further his NFL career.

"I wasn't really happy at first," Richardson said.

Richardson's family felt the effects of his constant shuffling between cities, and then continents as well.

"Initially I had some concerns about it," said his father, Wally Richardson, Sr. "But the Ravens felt he needed to get that type of experience."

While football experience is what his father had in mind, the younger Richardson had to adapt to some cultural differences during his stay in London.

While most of the teams in the league stayed in hotels, Richardson and his teammates stayed in dormitories at the Crystal Palace National Sports Center.

He said this made the acclamation to his new country more difficult. He also said he didn't enjoy British food and often resorted to eating bread or french fries.

The housing situation, the food, and his status as a backup on the team did not make for a smooth transition into British life for Richardson.

"It wasn't the best situation to be in," he said. "It wasn't what your typical professional athlete is accustomed to.

While spending most of the season on the England bench, he tried to make the best of the situation, making friends with both his American and British teammates. Still, he felt the need to prove himself on the football field.

On June 7, Richardson got his chance.

Starting quarterback Josh LaRocca left the game against the Barcelona Dragons with a bruised pectoral muscle after only two offensive plays. Richardson took the controls and completed his first pass for a 31-yard touchdown to Monarch receiver Alan Allen. He added another touchdown in the third quarter, a 23-yard strike to receiver Shawn Turner.

Richardson finished the game 12 of 14 for 165 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Although it was the last game of the year for the Monarchs (3-7), Wally was pleased finally to get a chance to display his talents.

"I was glad to just get in and show people what I'm capable of," he said.

Richardson must now turn his attention to showing the Ravens what he's capable of, with training camp just two weeks away.

Jim Harbaugh, acquired in an offseason trade with the Indianapolis Colts, will be the Baltimore starter, while Eric Zeier will be the backup. Vinny Testaverde, who was the starter until he lost the job to Zeier in the latter stages of the season, has since been released.

That leaves Richardson and rookie Bill Ward, a free agent from Georgetown, to battle for the final quarterback spot on the roster.

While Richardson has two seasons of professional experience under his belt, he said he is not guaranteed a spot on the roster.

"That doesn't keep me from proving I belong here," he said.

As for his goals for the 1998 season, he first wants to make the team. If he does, he said he hopes to be the backup quarterback by season's end, and eventually the team's starter.

With a young team, Richardson said he is confident not only in his own abilities but also his teammates' abilities heading into the season. He said he feels the Ravens can improve on last year's 6-9-1 record.

And after traveling to England, Scotland, Germany, Holland, and Spain to gain some experience the Ravens were hoping for, he hopes to play a major part in Baltimore's resurgence.

Richardson said his time in Europe was productive and has made him a more confident player, but he plans on giving his passport a rest for a while.

His mother, Irene, agrees.

"He had fun," she said, "but there's no place like America."