Ten Years is just a start for Compton
John Hoh
Thursday July 12, 2001
When you have an unfulfilled goal, you still look ahead. You acknowledge the greats of the game and your place among them, and you also note the difference that still separates you.
“Records are meant to be broken. I got this, but someone will get it later,” said Gary. “Just to be in that category with the greats, the [Barry] Wagners, the [Calvin] Shexnayder’s, is a great honor. But they all have a ring.”
 Gary Compton`s 10 years and resume` of records make him an AFL star Image courtesy of Drew Kennedy |
“The reason for playing this game is for the ring,” Gary confides.
But after 10 years, how much longer can an AFL two-way player last in this league? One would anticipate that fatigue and wear grinds a player down.
“Until I can’t catch touchdowns, I’ll play until I’m 40,” asserts Gary.
Gary Compton began his career in the AFL when the AFL was a mere five years old. His initial team was the Dallas Texans. When reminded that that team was the third incarnation using the moniker “Dallas Texans,” he wryly smiles and asks, “Really?” (To show hope burns eternal in the Lone Star State, the new Houston NFL expansion franchise will be the second Houston Texans. And whether it comes to fruition or not, there is a US Patent application for an AFL Dallas Fighting Texans).
At Dallas Gary would team up with quarterback Todd Hammel, who would throw him most of his TD catches for two years in Dallas, one year in Fort Worth, and Milwaukee for five years. While Dallas finished 5-5 both years and Fort Worth 5-7, Gary and Todd helped the second year Mustangs improve to 4-8 after an 0-12 inaugural season.
Gary became a fan favorite in Milwaukee with his blue-collar work ethic and hustle. The fact that he plays both ways also helps endear him to fans. Milwaukee had a tremendous turnout two years ago when Gary Compton beanie bears were handed out. Management made it a priority to re-sign Gary in the off-season.
Since the Mustangs were aiming for a division crown, the eight game losing streak to start the season has to be a let down for Gary. “You look back on the season, and you see all the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ And you know you’re not getting younger, you’re getting older and time is getting away.” But will he consider retirement at the end of the season? “Naw. I’ll still play. As long as I can still catch touchdown passes.”
Gary gets involved in all facets of the game and lifts his teammates’ spirits. Against the Grand Rapids Rampage four weeks ago, Gary caught a TD pass, he recovered a fumbled kickoff reception for a touchdown, and returned a Grand Rapids onside kick attempt into a TD return. Against Orlando he again recovered a muffed kickoff for a TD and was instrumental in getting Kalil Carter to recover another mishandled kick.
In his career Gary has rushed (29 times for 63 yards and 12 touchdowns), played good defense (135 tackles, 57 assists, 2 sacks, 7 recovered fumbles, 10 interceptions, and 4 touchdowns), as well as his career totals in receiving that have him perched among the all-time Arena leaders. Gary even kicked an extra point once for the Dallas Texans (he missed).
Gary also has his own web page where fans can keep tabs on this dynamic receiver. This graduate of East Texas State currently teaches in Milwaukee in the off-season, making him a role model in the Greek sense -— academics as well as athletics. He makes his home in West Allis with his three children.
The success Gary received as a receiver has come as a surprise. Going into college Gary was not a receiver. He recalls, “The funny thing about this story was that I was going in as a defensive back and never had played wide receiver.” Today he’s among the league leaders in Arena receiving!
Gary was signed by the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 1991 where he attended training camp. Gary was released just before the final pre-season game.
Gary latched on to the Dallas Texans in 1992. There he earned All-Arena honors in his rookie season as a WR/DB. Two years later he was the first pick of Fort Worth Cavalry in the 1994 AFL Expansion Draft. When the Fort Worth franchise’s attempt to relocate to Mexico City failed, Gary became a free agent and signed with Milwaukee.
Football is in the Compton blood. Gary’s uncle Dick Compton played NFL football with Houston, Pittsburgh, and Detroit from 1960-1968. Gary has outlasted his uncle, and played both ways to boot.
For immediate prospects, Gary still believes the Mustangs can make the playoffs. “Yeah, we figure 5-9 can get us in.” That is his immediate goal. His ultimate goal is to win an ArenaBowl championship so that he can be like the other Arena greats in that category as well as the records and achievements he has accomplished. Because to Gary Compton, that’s why you play the game.
John L. Hoh, Jr., is a free-lance writer from Milwaukee who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an avid Dolphins fan. He followed Arena Football since its inception, at one point watching tape-delayed games on low-powered WAV-TV in Waukesha. His happiest day was when Milwaukee was awarded the Mustangs franchise; his saddest when the Mustangs were contracted out of the league. John is married to his wife Maija (13+ years) and has a young son, Matthew. John pines for the return of the Arena Football League to Milwaukee.
