Stanley Sets All-Time Mark

Veteran RB becomes USAFL all-time leading rusher in victory over Dallas
By "Cole Winter"

Regular Season 2201 (Minneapolis, MN) - Minnesota RB Tim Stanley became the all-time leading rusher in USAFL history in spectacular fashion during the Vikings final regular season game against Dallas. Coming into the game, Stanley needed 219 yards to break the record held by Dan Cobb set in 2109.

It looked like the celebrations would need to wait until sometime early next season. Stanley started to show his age this season and was obviously not the dominant 4-time MVP we've been used to seeing. But for one night that man was back on stage. Stanley ripped off a season-high 282 yards and eclipsed the old mark of 21,699 yards late in the 3rd quarter.

The feat caught the team and fans off-guard as no one really expected the record breaking run to happen in this game. There was no confetti...no video highlight celebration. Stanley handed the ball to the ref, hugged a few teammates, and tipped his helmet to the crowd. Before you know it, the action was rolling once again and so was Stanley as he topped off his night with a 13-yard TD run late in the 4th quarter in an easy Vikings victory.

After the game, the accomplishment seemed to sink in a bit more on the team and the record-breaking man of the hour. Lost in all the hoopla was that the Vikes have to get ready to travel to dreaded Green Bay to take on the defending champs in a 1st round playoff matchup next week. When asked about his future Stanley simply stated, 'I think I've got a couple good years left in me.'

Back