By Kevin Adler

As the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge becomes a fixture on the New York City/Long Island area sports scene, more and more former players are starring in the college and professional football ranks.

This year�s game welcomed back Melvin Fowler, an offensive lineman who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft. Folwer is the second Empire Challenge player to be drafted by the NFL, following Morlon Greenwood�s selection in 200 by the Miami Dolphins.

"This game was an important part of a very exciting time in my life," said Fowler, who went to Half Hollow Hills High School and played in the 1997 Empire Challenge. "I had finished high school and was going to start my life in college in just a few weeks. The Empire Challenge was a great experience."

Playing in the Empire Challenge helped introduce Folwer to competition he would face in Division I football. "The Empire Challenge players were big and strong, and I was a hard-fought game," he said. "Getting a tough week of practice and the game was a springboard for my college career. Playing well gave me a lot of confidence heading into Maryland."

At Maryland, Folwer was a four-year starter on the offensive line. A good college career turned exceptional in his senior year, as new coach Ralph Freidgen sparked the Terrapins to their first Atlantic Coast Conference title in 16 years and Fowler achieved All-American status.

At a Maryland football function after the Terps� season ended with an Orange Bowl appearance, Esiason approached Fowler and invited him to be an honorary captain at the Empire Challenge this year. In face, several NFL players were on hand at this year�s game, also showing their support for youth football and the fight against cystic fibrosis. Marco Battaglia (tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Sam Garnes (strong safety for the N.Y Jets), and Lloyd Harrison (Cornerback for the San Diego Chargers) were honorary captains for the 2002 Empire Challenge.