Offensive Line

Mark Hopkins

A really good, technically-strong offensive lineman who was a tremendous pass blocker. Hopkins had spells at many clubs from 1984 onwards with the Swindon Steelers, and then onto the Cotswold Bears, Gloucester Boars, Birmingham Bulls, Severn Vale Royals, Manchester Spartans, Milton Keynes Pioneers, Leicester Panthers (1996) and now as Head Coach at the Bristol Aztecs. 

He signed pro for Coach Jim Criner in 1990 in the I.L.A.F. (International League of American Football). As the NFL announced the World League was to start in 1991 so all the money dropped out of the ILAF before it started.  With the advent of the World League of American Football in 1991 and 1992 he played for the Sacramento Surge as part of Operation Discovery, and the GB Spartans between 1993 and 1995.

Hopkins also played various times for the GB Lions from 85 through 91, then again in 2000. 




Tony MacKenzie

At 6 foot 6 inches and 380lbs, Tony MacKenzie is an imposing figure. He came second in the poll for top offensive linement, but is also recognised as one of Britain's finest defensive linemen as well. 

After starting his career at the Bournemouth Renegades, he rounded off a stunning Youth career by starring for the GB Crusaders Youth team. He attended Hastings College in Nebraska for four seasons between 1991 and 1995, and on his return to the UK MacKenzie won a national title with the Winchester Rifles, before joining the London Monarchs and started nine games at left guard in his rookie 1996 season. Returned to the Monarchs for the 1997 and 1998 seasons, and also played for the GB Lions in 1997.

MacKenzie moved onto play for the Southern Sundevils, and then then onto the PA Knights where he led the team in tackles in 2003. In 2004 he won a national championship with the Knights and reached a european final with the same team. Moved to the Coventry Jets in 2007 reaching the national final again, before returning to the Knights in 2008 wherehe won defensive player of the season.

"Probably the best Offensive Linemen to have played in the UK. A massive presence on the field, and quick on his feet. Great pass protector and good on sweeps and traps."

"A big, very talented offensive linemen who was as nice a guy as I have ever met, and who was a tremendous long-snapper"

No photo - if you have one of Tony then we'd like to put it here.

Nick Crowe

Having started playing football at the age of about 11, Nick briefly played peewee football at the Sabres (c. 1985). He moved to the Sabres junior team in '91 the year before they won back to back championships, and played his first kitted game against the London Capitals. He was out of football again for about 4 years and rejoined the Sabres as part of the teams 10 year reunion in 1995, at that time Jim Messenger was still the Head Coach and despite the team having limited numbers they managed to be reasonably successful, making the playoffs in 95, 98, and 99. He played in the Allstar game of 1997 and was invited to a Monarchs development player session where he trained with fellow Allstar Tony Mackenzie and Tom Tovo. 

Following this he got involved with the GB Lions and made the squad for EC qualifier against France in 1998 at the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes. In 2000 he joined the London Olympians and has since played a part in 6 National Championship seasons, the Eurobowl and EFAF Cup competitions and a further 5 games for Great Britain (where in won the Euro Pool B championship in 2004). He is currently in his fifth year of coaching Offensive Line in the BCAFL (two years at Hertfordshire under Jim Messenger and three years with Greenwich).

No photo - if you have one of Nick then we'd like to put it here.

Cameron Dundas

The hard-nosed leader of the Spartans offensive line who led by example. Cornerstone of the great Manchester Spartans team of the early 1990s. Cameron starred for GB Lions in their 1989 European Nations Championship win in Germany. Won two national titles with the Spartans and a European club title in 1990. Went onto play for the Stoke Spitfires.

Les Tuitt

Superbly consistent offensive linemen for both club (Silverbacks, Manchester Spartans and London Olympians) and country (he played in the 1989 GB Lions European championship winning side).

Here are quotes from two of his previous coaches,

"A big, very talented offensive linemen who was as nice a guy as I have ever met, and who was a tremendous long-snapper"

Steve Moon

"Probably the best Offensive Linemen to have played in the UK. A massive presence on the field, and quick on his feet. Great pass protector and good on sweeps and traps."

Terry Smith

No photo - if you have one of Les then we'd like to put it here.

Gary Mills

Mills, a stalwart of the Birmingham Bulls, also played 7 times for GB Lions. Massive bulk and good technique provided the Bulls with a rock solid core to their O-Line for many years. Mills played in both the GB Lions 1989 and 1991 European Championship winning teams and was also selected in the 1991 All-Europe team


Mills at center in the 1991 European Championships

Barry Driver

Driver is a true Britball legend who played in the UK across 3 decades. Starting his career at the Leicester Panthers, he joined the Birmingham Bulls in 1991.


Driver in 2001 for the Bulls

A national champion with the Bulls in 91 and 95, he was also in the GB Lions setup from 1991 to 2000 picking up the European Championship in 1991. Selected for the All-Europe 1991 team.


Driver (#65) playing for the GB Lions in 1991
Jo Richardson

A big, dominant offensive tackle who could dominate a game. Played for the Silverbacks, along with Tuitt, then moved onto the London Olympians, Manchester Spartans (winning the 1990 title) and then for the Birmingham Bulls. Was called up for the GB Lions on 8 occasions in a career that started for them in 1987 and encompassed 2 European Championship titles. Selected for the All-Europe 1991 team.

No photo - if you have one of Jo then we'd like to put it here.

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