ArenaFan Interview - Les Barley
Joe Kauffman
Friday June 3, 2005
Barley played for five different teams during his AFL career, which began in 1992 with the Charlotte Rage. He was part of the 1993 Tampa Bay Storm team that won ArenaBowl VII over the Detroit Drive. Barley was named first team All-Arena FB/LB while playing with the Connecticut Coyotes in 1995 and named to the inaugural All-Ironman team and second team All-Arena as a FB/LB in 1998 while in his second stint with the Storm. He finished his career with the Grand Rapids Rampage in 2000 and the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2001.
Barley is currently working as a law firm office manager in Durham, N.C. He was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions about his experiences and involvement with arena football.
Joe Kauffman (JK): Where did you attend college and what position did you play?
Les Barley (LB): I attended Winston-Salem State University. I signed as a running back but played linebacker.
JK: How did you get started with the AFL?
LB: I got started after being in a PSFL camp in Cocoa Beach, Fla. As you know, it didn't get off the ground. I didn't really go through tryouts; I just ran a 40 at one of the camps and the rest was history. I think it was Coach Steve Patton who helped me get started in the AFL.
JK: What was your opinion of the AFL when you first started playing?
LB: I thought it was an easy league. Boy, was I wrong. My first game I was hit into the boards and I told myself not to get up and that this league was not for me. Just as I said that and tried to lay there, Danny Smith came over and grabbed me by my arm and said, 'Get up and let's play!' After that, I made it a point not to run into the boards anymore.
JK: Did any of your previous football experience prepare you for the AFL?
LB: No. And after 5-6 years of being there, I would tell the younger guys coming in not to compare what they did on the big field with what they think they can do on the small one, because everyone who comes into this league gets a big shock.
JK: What number(s) did you wear during your career and did they have any personal
significance?
LB: I wore 42, 46 and 43. They had no significance.
JK: What do you think 1,000 rushing yards in the AFL is equivalent to in other football leagues?
LB: When I was playing, I only knew what I heard. Coach Marcum would say things about how big it was to get 5 yards in the AFL. But it never hit me how big it was until later.
JK: Did you prefer playing on offense or defense in the AFL?
LB: Well, I played both in high school just like the rest of the football world. But I would rather run the ball.
JK: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in your AFL career?
LB: Winning an ArenaBowl game.
JK: Your biggest regret?
LB: No regrets. I had a ball in this league.
JK: Who was the best coach you played for during your AFL career?
LB: They were all great coaches, but I would put three on the top coach list: Tim Marcum, Doug Kay, Lary Kuharich.
JK: What was it like playing for Coach Marcum?
LB: He just allowed the players to use their football skills to get the job done. He would put you in a position to perform and left it up to you to get the job done. When I was in Tampa Bay under him we bumped heads a lot, but we both respected each other. He is a coach that knows how to get good players and how to make them play together as a team.
JK: Do you follow the AFL regularly?
LB: I look at a game here and there. I go to Tampa and watch them play Orlando. And I'll be in Vegas for the ArenaBowl.
JK: When you played, did you ever imagine the AFL getting this big? And what do you see for its future?
LB: I thought it would be this big, and I think it'll get bigger. It's a great stage to showcase your talent. I have some ideas to help make it bigger...that's a hint for someone to call me.
JK: How did the AFL change while you were playing, and how has it changed since you retired?
LB: Some of the guys could have played with dinosaurs like myself and some might not have gotten on the field. But overall the talent level is great and will get better as the years go on. There are great football players in this league. Some have played in other leagues and some have no professional experience. But to be a great player in the AFL, you have to give up a part of the dream to play in the NFL. I ma not saying to stop dreaming for your shot to play in the NFL, but to concentrate on the league you're in and make it work for you.
Since I left the game, they've made changes for the better for the league, the fans and most importantly the players. It's good to see the players getting something back for working so hard to get to this level of football.
The rules have changed a lot for the better, I guess.
JK: If you could change one AFL rule, what would it be?
LB:The linebacker box.
Joe Kauffman is President and Editor in Chief of Arenafan Online, having joined the staff in 2000. He graduated from Florida State University in 1998 with a degree in communications andbuilds ecommerce sites for a day job. Joe has enjoyed Arena Football since 1991 and has been a member of the Arena Football Internet community since 1995. Prior to Joining Arenafan, he was a co-founder and Technical Editor of the Storm Shelter, which covered the Tampa Bay Storm from 1996-99. Joe and his wife Erika live in Hackettstown, New Jersey with their two daughters.
