For Bernard Blosser, the Tacoma Cobras offered a redemptive opportunity to fulfill his untapped potential on the football field.
Just over a decade ago, Blosser was considered one of the top receivers to come out of the South Sound, and had offers to play Division I football after his senior season at Clover Park High.
However, poor decision-making during his time in high school led to lost chances.
But after years of taking care of his obligations off the field, Blosser, 30, is in his second year playing for the Cobras in the Professional Developmental Football League. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder led the league in receiving in its inaugural season. Blosser earned receiver-of-the-year honors, finishing with 47 receptions for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns in six games.
“I took some time off from football to get my finances together and get my life together and get situated that way,” Blosser said. “With me, it’s more or less I love the game, and if I can contribute to winning, I’ll do it. I’m not one of the guys out here looking to move up. I love my life out here in Tacoma, and my family and my job. I’m just out here to help these guys and lead by example.”
Blosser has worked the past five years in sales for OrePac Building Products, a Tacoma wholesale wood products company. After his playing days are over, he hopes to continue to contribute on the field by coaching.
“My goal is to show these younger guys, watch what I do and don’t make bad choices,” Blosser said. “And focus on a program and try to make it somewhere. I want to get into coaching. And one thing with this team is I still have a lot of people that remember me from back then and know that I was a good baller.”
The Cobras begin their second season against the NW Terminators out of Oregon at 7 p.m. today at Curtis High. Tacoma will play its home games at Curtis’ Viking Stadium after playing at Franklin Pierce High last season.
The Cobras host the Pierce County Bengals next Saturday before beginning league play at Portland on June 12. There are four teams again in the league, with Everett dropping back to semipro level and being replaced by a team from Boise, joining Tacoma, Portland and Bellingham.
Cobras general manager Theo Hall said the league is working to become a consistent player in minor-league football, with the goal of helping players reach the next level – whether it means playing in Europe, arena football, the CFL or the UFL.
Hall said the Cobras had several players move on to other teams after the 2009 season, including quarterback Adam Kruse playing in Finland, linebacker Alverno Middleton playing in Europe and Travis Dunn playing in arena football locally for the Kent Predators.
Kenny Jackson is expected to fill in at quarterback until Kruse returns, and also will play safety. Marcus Reed will take on a more prominent role at running back with Dunn gone. And newcomer Ke’Andre Magee will replace Middleton at middle linebacker. Nick Caraballo is a talented tight end who played at Pacific Lutheran University last season.
Head coach Dave McEachern said the Cobras hope to build on last season, when they finished with a 6-1 record and a league title.
“They’re out here because they want to be out here,” McEachern said. “There’s no money involved, so it’s not for the money. We run a strict team. It’s not fly-by-night. We’re disciplined. We hold them accountable just like we would anyone else, because they have to understand at the next level that’s the way it’s going to be.”
That’s a lesson Blosser already has learned.
“I’ve got friends in the NFL and they’re like, ‘Yeah, you’re supposed to be here with us, too.’” Blosser said. “But that was a dream that I had back then, and I made some poor choices. And I’m just happy my family is all good and safe. … I got us on our feet, and I came back to play just because I love the game.”
eric.williams@thenewstribune.com
Tacoma Cobras 2010 Schedule
(Home games at Curtis High School)
TodayNW Terminators 7 p.m.
May 22Pierce County Bengals7 p.m.
June 5at Snohomish County6 p.m.
June 12at Portland1:30 p.m.
June 19Bellingham6:30 p.m.
June 26Boise6:30 p.m.
July 10at Boise6:30 p.m.
July 17Portland6:30 p.m.
July 24at Bellingham6:30 p.m.
For more information on the Tacoma Cobras go to www.tacomacobras.com
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