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NFL Films “Lost Treasures of NFL Films” location shoot In March of 2000, a crew from NFL Films came to Alabama to do work for an upcoming segment in ESPN series “The Lost Treasures of NFL Films”. This segment was about the WFL. I had been contacted by NFL Films and they set up a time to travel to the south to see what WFL “lost treasures” they could find. We met in Birmingham on day 1 and went to Legion Field to begin. There they met with former Birmingham play-by-play announcer Larry Matson, former Birmingham PR director Mike Merrill, and Legion Field General Manager Walter Garrett. The interviews were filmed in Legion Field’s boardroom and conducted by NFL Films producer Dave Petrelius. Afterward, the scene shifted inside Legion Field for an interview with former players Larry Willingham and John Matlock. After these were concluded, we traveled to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for a look at the World Bowl trophy. ASHOF Executive Director Bill Legg was a gracious host and he & I actually got a little bit of camera time while discussing the World Bowl trophy. On day 2 the NFL Films crew made the trip to my home in Hanceville to film an interview with Tony Walls from Ft. Payne and myself. Dave Petrelius and Phil Tuckett were the guys asking the questions this day. We had several items to “show and tell”, including items sent by good friends Richie Franklin, Mark Hayne, and Mike Friedman, along with items from Tony’s & my collection. We got some camera time this day too, and we treated the NFL Films crew to some southern BBQ from Luna’s in Hanceville and my wife’s homemade banana pudding, which went over quite well with the visitors from New Jersey. My children had fun watching the crew set up and watch while their dad was interviewed. I must admit I had loads of fun too. Afterwards the NFL Films crew loaded up and headed for Carlisle’s BBQ to interview Ron Slovensky, the former Vulcans kicker, former assistant ticket manager Bob Lochamy, and Joe Fuller, the president of the Americans & Vulcans Booster club. Later they came back to Alabama to interview former cameraman Lewis Bice. All in all, it was more enjoyable than I could have imagined, and the NFL Films folks were true professionals, making us all feel at ease and making the whole thing a very memorable 2 days.
Dave Petrelius discusses the WFL with Mike Merrill, Larry Matson, and Walter Garrett
Larry Willingham & John Matlock inside Legion Field
I just had to sneak a picture holding the World Bowl Trophy at The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
The NFL Films crew turns the dining room into a WFL studio
Dave Petrelius looks over some of the WFL items, while Phil Tucket prepares in the background
The cameraman getting things just right
NFL Films crew with Greg (center) & Tony (far right)
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