Losman hopes Locomotives gig offers quick route back to NFL

J.P. Losman waited and waited for the telephone to ring.

When no NFL teams invited the former first-round draft pick to training camp, Losman called the fledgling United Football League.

The Las Vegas Locomotives needed a quarterback and signed the former Buffalo Bills starter on July 21.

Losman, 28, hopes the arrangement doesn't last for long.

"It's an opportunity for me to get back to the NFL," he said of his decision to play for the Locos, who will kick off the UFL's inaugural season against the California Redwoods on Thursday at Sam Boyd Stadium. "I'm definitely looking for some answers. But no doubt it's a risky move."

Losman risks making himself even less attractive to NFL teams if he fails to perform at a high level in the UFL, and there's the risk of serious injury if his new teammates can't adequately protect him.

"I'm going to a league that's subpar to the NFL on every level," Losman said. "I'm hoping it's going to be a good quality of football. But my agent (Gary Wichard) and I think this is the best way for me to get back" to the NFL.

Losman, who will make about $1 million this season, has been working closely with Locomotives coach Jim Fassel. Fassel, a longtime NFL offensive coordinator who was the coach of the New York Giants from 1997 to 2003, has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. He likes what he has seen from Losman.

"J.P. is so smart," Fassel said. "He grasps things so quickly. And he's got a great work ethic. He's always studying, always asking questions. There's no doubt in my mind he has the skills to play in the NFL. I want to see him get back there, too."

Losman likes what Fassel has to offer.

"He doesn't have an ego like a lot of coaches. He's eager to learn from me, just like I've been eager to learn from him. We exchange ideas, and there's a lot of give and take. He's going to let me play my style of football, run around and make plays."

Losman passed for 6,211 yards with a 59.3 completion percentage and 33 touchdowns in five NFL seasons, making 33 starts. He also threw 34 interceptions, which might explain why NFL teams that desperately needed a backup quarterback shied away from him.

"It was frustrating to not have any serious offers," Losman said. "I know I can still play. But it's been tough watching every week and not being out there."

As the face of the Locomotives franchise and the best-known player in the UFL, Losman figures to attract plenty of attention. The league, of course, hopes it's favorable attention.

"No question his presence is critical to the growth of our league," UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue said. "In J.P., we think we have the perfect person to sell to our fans. He has been successful. He's well-spoken. He has never had any problems off the field. We think he can be a huge success story and get our league off to a great start."

Losman said he's comfortable with the new role.

"I do want to be part of something that's a success," he said. "If I'm back in the NFL next year starting and it all worked out, great."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.