The USFL’s second week saw expansion Jacksonville make a statement, Bobby Hebert once again own a defense, a resurgent LA offense, and a surprisingly stingy Washington defense. Attendance was down nearly 10,000 from week one as poor showings in Boston, Michigan and Oakland offset 51,000 in New Jersey and nearly 47,000 in Birmingham. SCORES WSH 13 BOS 10 Washington’s D holds Boston to only 210 total yards. JAX 27 BIR 17 Doug Williams’s 328 yard, 3 TD day stuns the Stallions. CHI 23 MGN 27 Another big day from Bobby Hebert in divisional win. LA 30 ARZ 19 Tony Boddie busts out for 132 yards in LA romp. DEN 20 OAK 27 Balanced attack leads Oakland to 4th quarter comeback. PIT 16 MEM 30 Four interceptions of Glen Carano provide easy win for Memphis BYES: Houston, Philadelphia GAME OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay Bandits 30 New Jersey Generals 27 Behind a strong game from RB Hershel Walker, New Jersey fought back from an early 13-0 deficit, taking the lead in the 4th quarter only to watch as John Reaves led a last minute drive that gave Tampa the victory with only seconds to spare. In a game that saw both running backs, Walker and Tampa's Gary Anderson slice up the opposing defenses (134 and 128 yards respectively), it was the QB play of John Reaves that once again made the difference. While Reaves failed to complete 40% of his passes, the vertical game of Tampa was once again too explosive for an opponent to handle. Brian Sipe played well, completing 24 of 38 for 228 and 2 scorses, but it was Reaves, hitting TE Lewis Gilbert and wideout Willie Gillespie on longballs that once again proved to be too much. It seems that having the offseason to decipher the Tampa long ball game has not yet proven to be enough time for USFL defenses, as Reaves and company continue to find openings behind the coverage for their vertical game. NEWS & NOTES Other noteworthy performances this week include Memphis CB Alex Clark (2 Int, including a return for score), Oakland RB Arthur Whittington (162 yards on 21 carries), Jacksonville WR Gary Clark (12 catches for 128 and a score), and Pittsburgh SS Dave Duerson (10 tackles, a forced fumble and recovery). Special kudos to the entire Washington D, which kept Boston QB Johnnie Walton to only 15 of 51 pass attempts (29.4% completion rate) in a game most expected to go for the homestanding Breakers. INJURIES Denver TE Bob Niziolek left the DEN-OAK game with a concussion, but may be able to play next week. Chicago’s Vince Evans was unable to go this week, as Blair Kiel took the helm, but should be back next week. Arizona’s Tim Spencer was also unable to play vs. LA due to his dislocated, and possibly fractured finger. X-rays were inconclusive, and Spencer hopes to return to action in Week 4, after the Wranglers Week 3 bye. LOOKING AHEAD Four teams take their bye in Week 3 (Arizona, Chicago, Memphis and Tampa), so it is a short slate, with 2 Saturday games (WSH @ NJ and OAK @ HOU), and 4 Sunday games. The biggest matchups to watch are Boston, trying to get on track at Philadelphia (they will play back to back games in a weird schedule quirk) and Birmingham seeking to knock off unbeaten Jacksonville.

Week One of the 1984 USFL Season saw big crowds (43,236 average), healthy TV ratings, and some good games. In a week where 2 quarterbacks each threw for 5 scores, and 10 different receivers went for more than 100 yards, it was a good week for offensive football and a good kickoff for year 2 of the USFL SCORES BOS 21 NJ 33 Brian Sipe throws for 319 yards in the win. MEM 16 BIR 30 Joe Cribbs runs wild for 120 yards and 3 scores. WSH 17 TBY 35 John Reaves throws for 5 TD’s, 3 to Eric Truvillion PIT 17 ARZ 35 Greg Landry silences critics with 384 yards and 5 scores. MGN 35 DEN 27 Michigan, with Hebert at the helm, avenges playoff loss at Denver. CHI 21 OAK 6 Chicago D smothers the Invaders. Vince Evans throws for 2 scores. HOU 10 JAX 31 Run & Shoot fizzles against Bulls. WR Gary Clark scores twice for Bulls. GAME OF THE WEEK: LA Express 28 Philadelphia Stars 31 Philly got a tougher than anticipated matchup against a revitalized LA Express. Led by rookie Steve Young, LA went back and forth with the highly-favored Stars, trailing 21-14 at half. Philadelphia scored 10 more in the third to pull out to a 17 point lead, but LA fought back in the 4th, with contributions from all 3 running backs, including a Broddie 4 yard TD run and a Kevin Mack score on a shovel pass from Young. Young finished 17 of 26 for 209 yards and 3 scores. For Philly, Chuck Fusina threw 4 TD passes on a day when the LA defense held Kelvin Bryant to only 31 yards rushing. It was enough, but just enough as Philadelphia held on for a 3 point win in front of 33,500 at Veteran’s Stadium. NEWS & NOTES It was a day for vets in the air, with Sipe, Landry and Reaves leading the way, but on the ground it was the young guns in charge with Joe Cribbs and Mike Rozier the week’s only 100 yard rushers. On defense Boston’s Buster Homer had 2 Ints against Brian Sipe and new Philly DE William Fuller scored his first sack to go with 5 tackles. INJURIES: No major injuries this week, though a dislocated finger might keep ARZ RB Tim Spencer out of next week’s game. Dings to QB’s Vince Evans and Doug Williams lead both to be listed as Questionable for week 2 action. LOOKING AHEAD Week two is highlighted by the Bandits visiting New Jersey, Chicago playing Michigan in divisional action, Pittsburgh facing off against fellow expansion Memphis, and all 4 Pacific teams in divisional matchups, LA @ ARZ and DEN @ OAK. Houston and Philadelphia have the first bye weeks of the 17 week season.

ABC Sports, March 2, 1984 The USFL kicks off this weekend with 8 games over 3 days, starting with tonight's matchup of Michigan and Denver, a rematch from the playoffs last year, but this time with Bobby Hebert healthy and ready to lead the Panthers. With 4 expansion teams added to the 12 founding franchises the league has added a lot of new talent, and some big names, to their rosters. As we look at the matchups for this week, let's focus on the potential stars for each team. Michigan @ Denver-- Friday, 8pm ABC Bobby Hebert returns for the Panthers and Denver lines up with a new QB in former Chiefs draft pick Bob Gagliano replaces Ken Johnson, who was signed by the NFL's Colts. Vegas places Michigan as a 7 point favorite in this playoff rematch. LA @ Philadelphia-- Saturday, 2pm ABC Steve Young, the athletic dual threat from BYU begins the year as the LA quarterback, hoping to add energy to the Express attack, while the Stars return the core of their '83 division winner. Rookie DE William Fuller has looked unstoppable in Stars camp and hopes to chase down Young in this one. Philadelphia is favored by 5 points. Pittsburgh @ Arizona-- Saturday, 7pm ESPN The expansion Maulers, led by former Cowboy Glen Carano and 1983 Heisman Winner Mike Rozier head out to the desert to face the "New" Wranglers, who look a lot like the old Chicago Blitz. Veteran Greg Landry will start for the Wranglers, and look for him to try to connect with wideouts Trumaine Johnson and rookie Louis Lipps. Vegas gives Arizona the home field edge, a 2 point favorite. Boston @ New Jersey-- Sunday, 2pm ABC Regional Johnnie Walton leads the Breakers into New Jersey to take on Hershel Walker and the Generals. New Jersey added NFL vets in QB Brian Sipe, S Gary Barbaro and Head Coach Walt Michaels to add leadership to an underperforming squad. Boston's top rookie, QB Tony Eason is not expected to play, but promising rookie RB Buford Jordan will share carries with Richard Crump for the Breakers. New Jersey is a 3 point favorite at home. Washington @ Tampa Bay-- Sunday, 2pm ABC Regional The defending champs host the team with the worst record in the league last year. The Federals have a new QB in former Stallion Reggie Collier, but the key will be their RB tandem of Craig and Bledsoe. For Tampa, the champs look much the same as we saw last year, with a few new pieces on defense, like FSU DT Alphonso Carreker. Tampa is a heavy 13 point favorite to start the season with a win. Houston @ Jacksonville-- Sunday, 5pm ABC Regional Two expansion teams clash in this late afternoon game. Houston has highly tauted Miami QB Jim Kelly and a trio of speedy wideouts, while Jacksonville will depend on the savvy of former Buccaneers QB Doug Williams. The game is a toss-up in Vegas. Chicago @ Oakland-- Sunday, 5pm ABC Regional Two underachievers from last season meet with an eye on redefining themselves. Fred Besana leads a largely unchanged Oakland offense, while former Bear Vince Evans gets the start at QB for Chicago. Oakland is a 4 point favorite at home. Memphis @ Birmingham-- Sunday, 9pm ESPN The expansion Showboats come into Birmingham with what looks like a solid defense, led by rookie DE Reggie White, and a new signing, having inked 1-year wonder from Oklahoma, RB Marcus Dupree. Dupree will not be eligible to play for 2 more weeks, so Memphis will depend on QB Walter Lewis against the Stalliions, who now boast former NFL vets Cliff Stoudt and Joe Cribbs to power their offense. Birmingham is an 8 point favorite. So, are you ready for football? Spring football and the USFL are back, bigger, better, and ready to battle. Let's get to the games!

PACIFIC DIVISION The last division in our preview edition is the Pacific, unchanged from last year, when there was serious doubt whether any team could finish over .500. Denver managed to scrape up to a 9 win season, and overcame a weakened Michigan squad to reach the USFL championship played in their own stadium. The whole league seems to be banking on a better Pacific Division in 1984, particularly with some big name rookie signings like LA’s Steve Young and Arizona’s Rick Neuheiseil. Having a division with no expansion franchises might equal more wins for some Pacific teams, but the real key will be if the 4 western clubs have found improvements to fix the issues that held them back last season. DENVER GOLD (9-7, Division Champ in 1983) Denver was the only club to actually turn a profit in 1983, thanks largely to a rabid fan base and a solid, but inexpensive roster. This year may be more of the same, as Denver largely avoided the costly talent war with the NFL, signing only an unproven backup QB in Bob Gagliano when the NFL scooped up last year’s starter, Ken Johnson. Denver was a well-coached team last year, but coach Red Miller, tired of constant haggling with owner Ron Blanding, headed off into the sunset. His OC, former Bronco QB Craig Morton will now take the reins of the franchise. Returning Stars: RB Harry Sidney, WR Vic James, TE Bob Niziolek, LB Putt Choate, DE Larry White, SS Dave Dumars. Departures: QB Ken Johnson (NFL), DE Francis Murphy (NFL) New Additions: QB Bob Gagliano (NFL), WR Brian Brennan (BC), DE Greg Townsend (TCU), DT Mike Taliferro (TCU) Projections: Denver is sort of like the tortoise that just never gives up. No flash, no sizzle, just solid, slow progress. Will that be enough this year? Well, they still have the same 3 clubs to face in the division, so it may just be. But it is possible that there is a hare in this division that is ready to burst out front. ARIZONA WRANGLERS (5-11, 2nd in Division) As we mentioned in our article about Chicago, this is not last year’s Wranglers. The club more closely resembles last year’s Chicago Blitz, complete with head coach George Allen and his vet-heavy roster. There are some new names on the club, the biggest of which is former UCLA quarterback Rick Neuheisel. Chicago had talent last year, and were expected to do a lot, but fell flat. Will another year under Allen be enough to meet the early expectations, or is Allen and his old-school approach too much at odds with the fast and furious youthful style of the USFL? Returning Stars (from CHI): QB Greg Landry, RB Tim Spencer, WR Trumaine Johnson, LB Stan White, LB John Farnhorst. Departures (From ARZ: Most of the roster, including QB Alan RIsher and WR Jackie Flowers. New Additions: DE Mike St. Clair (NFL), QB Rick Neuheisel (UCLA), RB Mike Cade (ASU), WR Louis Lipps (So Miss), LB Vernon Maxwell (ASU), G Dean Steinkuhler (Nebr) Projections: We like Arizona as a possible darkhorse this year, if, and only if, George Allen makes use of some of the talent he picked up in this year’s draft. Cade is likely not going to unseat Tim Spencer at RB, but is a good change of pace, and we think rookie wideout Louis Lipps has the potential to be this year’s Anthony Carter and provide Arizona with big play ability. OAKLAND INVADERS (5-11, 3rd in Division) Oakland is a team that just could not string good performances back to back. They would dazzle one week and fizzle the next. We like QB Fred Besana, a classic drop-back deep ball guy, and RB Arthur Whittington had a break out year, but this team needs to be more consistent. The LB’s are solid, but too much is asked of them. The addition of Clyde Glover, a promising rookie, at DT may help, but is it enough? Returning Stars: QB Fred Besana, RB Arthur Whittington, WR Gordon Banks, LB Gary Plummer, LB Frank Manumaleuga. Departures: WR Bob Metzger (NFL) New Additions: WR Henry Ellard (Fresno St), G Guy McIntyre (UGa), DT Clyde Glover (Fresno St), LB Ron Rivera (Cal) Projections: There is talent here, but we are not sure John Ralston has what he needs to turn that talent into a consistent performer. We anticipate an ’84 season much like ’83 with weeks when they can run with anyone followed by complete no-shows. LOS ANGELES EXPRESS (4-12, 4th in Division) Of all the teams in the USFL, none has made more of a transformation than the Express. They need to if they want any chance at building a fan base in Southern California. Moving to 45,000 seat Angel Stadium is a good start for a team that averaged under 20k per game in the LA Coliseum. Signing a projected #1 NFL Draft pick in QB Steve Young, is another. This is a team that has added star power, but also solid players across the roster. The Express have a chance to go from worst to first in a pretty balanced, and pretty weak, division. Returning Stars: RB Tony Boddie, WR Jo Jo Townsell, TE Ricky Ellis, DT Eddie Weaver, LB Danny Rich Departures: QB Tom Ramsey (NFL) New Additions: QB Steve Young (BYU), RB Kevin Mack (Clemson), G Gary Zimmerman (Oregon), LB Niko Noga (Hawaii), K Tony Zendejas (Nevada) Projections: We expect the 1984 edition of the Express to be more entertaining, more competitive, and more worthy of a bandwagon. Steve Young is an undeniable talent, and there is enough on this team to expect 8-8 or better as a realistic result.

CENTRAL DIVISION We turn now to the second “split” division coming out of the USFL expansion. The Western Conference’s Central Division has 1983 returnees Michigan and Chicago, and will be joined by newcomers Houston and Pittsburgh, forming their own “Black & Blue Norris Division” in the heartland. MICHIGAN PANTHERS (12-4, Wildcard in 1983) Michigan was looking like a serious championship contender in the Central Division last year, but a late season injury to their breakout star QB Bobby Hebert left them limping into the playoffs, where they were dispatched by the less-talented Denver Gold. This year, with their top two rivals now in a different division, the Panthers are primed to dominate what could be the weakest division in the league. Expect Hebert and the Panthers to rip through the division and possibly earn a trip to the Championship in 1984. Returning Stars: QB Bobby Hebert, RB John Williams, WR Anthony Carter, WR Derek Holloway, LB John Corker, LB Ray Bentley, and DE Ronnie Paggett. Departures: No players of note. New Additions: DB Keith Bostic (Mich), FS Evan Cooper (Mich), LB Rick Naylor (N Dame), C Tom Dixon (Mich) Projections: We see championship potential for the Panthers. Their offense is both consistent and explosive and they added some good new pieces to the league’s best defense. That is a winning combination in any league. CHICAGO BLITZ (5-11, 4th in Central—or in Pacific, really) When owners Ted Dietrich and Jim Joseph essentially swapped franchises this offseason, it meant that this year’s “New’ Blitz were not the 5-11 franchise from ’83, but were now basically the equally bad 5-11 Arizona Wranglers. Only a few players remain from the 1983 Blitz, but Chicago has also added some talent to a streaky Wranglers roster. The one downside is that instead of going from geriatric QB Greg Landry to the exciting gunslinger Alan Risher, Risher jetted off to the NFL, and Chicago once again found themselves searching for a QB. They are hoping that former Bear backup Vince Evans can find life with his new Windy City team. New Head Coach, former Chiefs leader, Marv Levy has a lot of “ifs” to deal with. Returning Stars (From AZ): RB Steve Howell, WR Jackie Flowers, TE Mark Keel, LB Sam Norris, DE Junior Ah You (CHI in ’83) Departures: Most of the CHI roster, including QB Greg Landry, RB Tim Spencer, WR Trumaine Johnson, and LBs Stan White and Jim Farnhorst. Coach George Allen New Additions: QB Vince Evans (NFL), QB Blair Kiel (N Dame), RB Mel Gray (Purdue), LB Ed Brady (Illinois) Projections: The roster has some talent, but it was talent that led to a 5-11 season last year in Arizona. We are not sure the addition of Vince Evans is enough to right the ship and help Chicago compete with Michigan. Honestly, there is likely a better chance they finish below one of the expansion clubs than that they overtake the Panthers for the Division title. HOUSTON GAMBLERS (Expansion Franchise) The Houston Gamblers are going to be fun to watch, that is for sure, but whether the new “Run & Shoot” offense being prepared by Head Coach Jack Pardee and his OC “Mouse” Davis will lead to high scoring aerial assaults or a potential injury trap for their star rookie, QB Jim Kelly is a big question out there. The franchise focused almost exclusively on offense with their draft and free agent acquisitions, the lone exception being the signing of outstanding U. of Texas LB Kiki DeAyala. This is a team that may fall flat on its face, or may revolutionize offensive football. Only time will tell. Potential Stars: QB Jim Kelly (Miami), WR Gerald McNeill (Baylor), WR Rick Sanders (Texas St.), LB Kiki DeAyala (Texas), S Donald Dykes (NFL) Projection: Of the four expansion clubs, Houston has the most buzz, largely due to their signing of Jim Kelly away from the NFL, but also because they are trying something new. We don’t know if a pass-happy 3-4 receiver offense will work at this level, but it has us interested. PITTSBURGH MAULERS (Expansion Franchise) Former Steelers and Philly Stars coach Joe Pendry has a tall order in front of him with the Maulers, but he has some talent on this squad, as well as some local names to draw in curious fans, especially if the Pirates slump this year. The biggest name on the roster is Heisman winner Mike Rozier out of Nebraska. Rozier likely had a better O-line in Lincoln than with the Maulers, so he will need help to continue running to daylight. At QB, the Maulers will likely start the season with former Cowboy Glen Carano at the helm, but we expect West Virginia’s elusive Jeff Hostetler to get a shot as well. The defense is largely no-name, but we like the early looks we have had of former Golden Domer Dave Duerson at Strong Safety. In what may be a long year in the Steel City, we think there may still be signs of hope for spring football at Three Rivers. Potential Stars: QB Jeff Hostetler (WV), RB Mike Rozier (Nebr), TE Mike Shaw (Va Tech), DB Dave Duerson (N Dame) Projection: This is a team where big name players may simply not be able to overcome the deficiencies on the rest of the roster. No wideouts of note, and lines on both sides which may have difficulty keeping pace with other USFL squads are not a great formula in a league that prides itself on big plays and explosive scoring. Pittsburgh may find itself falling short this year, but can they do enough to build interest for the future?

SOUTHERN DIVISION Our second of four preview stories focuses on the new Southern Division within the USFL’s Eastern Conference. With two strong returning franchises, including the 1983 USFL Champion Tampa Bay Bandits, and two expansion teams in Memphis and Jacksonville, this could be a bi-polar division. We expect Tampa to be a force again in 1984, and Birmingham is also a very solid team, but we like the aggressive postures taken by both the Houston Gamblers and Jacksonville Bulls in signing big name talent. In a division that may end up leading the league in attendance in hotbed SEC and ACC territory, the question is whether anyone has the tools to keep up with a Bandits squad that defined success in 1983. TAMPA BAY BANDITS (14-2, League Champions) Bandit Ball was all the rage last season, and the Bandits look loaded for bear again in 1984. Their additions are not as flashy as those of other teams, but they did not lack for much last year, with an explosive longball offense and a tenacious defense used to playing with a lead, the Bandits have all the pieces they need to compete again at the highest level. Returning Stars: QB John Reaves, RB Gary Anderson, WR Eric Truvillion, WR Willie Gillespie, LB Alonzo Johnson, DT Fred Nordgren Departures: No players of note. New Additions: LB James Harrell (NFL), RB Speedy Neal (Miami), DT Alphonso Carreker (FSU), SS John Bostic (Bethune C) Projection: We see Tampa as a strong candidate to repeat in ’84. They will face a challenge from an improved Birmingham team, but this squad has experienced leadership, solid coaching and a talented roster. We expect Bandit Ball to keep rolling this year. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (10-6, 3rd in Division) For much of the year Birmingham kept pace with the Bandits, and were solid on both sides of the ball, but their passing game could not match the strength of their rush game with now-departed Cornelius Quarles. The Stallions hope they have found a good replacement for the dynamic Quarles by signing disgruntled Buffalo Bills RB Joe Cribbs, but the most important addition may be that of former Steelers QB Cliff Stoudt. Stoudt never quite got his footing under him in Pittsburgh but hopes that a move to the Steel City of the South will help spark something. The Stallions are hoping that spark can lead the team into the playoffs this season. Returning Stars: HB Earl Gant, G Buddy Aydolette, WR Jim Smith, LB Rich D’Amico, DE Jackie Cline, CB Jeff Cox. Departures: HB Cornelius Quarles (NFL) New Additions: QB Cliff Stoudt (NFL), HB Joe Cribbs (NFL), HB Michael Haddix (Miss St), CB Dennis Woodberry (So Ark). Projection: Birmingham is not as flashy as Tampa Bay, but they have a solid core and coach Rollie Dotsch has their faith. We think this is a playoff team if not a championship contender in 1984, but a lot is depending on the meshing of new QB and RB talent in Stoudt and Cribbs. JACKSONVILLE BULLS (Expansion Franchise) Jacksonville was a surprise selection when the USFL announced their 4 new franchises for 1984, but since that announcement owner Fred Bullard has put together a solid franchise. Season ticket sales are among the best in the league, and some of the talent that Bullard and Head Coach Lindy Infante have brought to northern Florida might merit some excitement. Bullard was able to sign an NFL veteran at QB in Doug WIliams, taking advantage of poor negotiations with the NFL Buccaneers to snag his starter. But Williams is not the only talent on this team. Jacksonville has a chance to do some damage in their first year. Potential Stars: QB Doug Williams (NFL), RB Sidney Thornton (NFL), WR Gary Clark (JMU), DB Terry Kinard (Clemson), LB Vaughan Johnson (NC State), TE Trey Junkin (La Tech) Projections: Veteran leadership is the key. If Williams and Thornton can provide that, then the inventive offensive mind of Lindy Infante could find himself with a winning club. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (Expansion Franchise) Memphis is a great location for football, as the WFL’s Memphis Southmen proved, but unlike the WFL’s short-lived team, this Memphis squad did not raid NFL roster for Csonka-like talent. They were largely content with plying the waters of the collegiate draft, where they founds some gems in QB Walter Lewis, and the big fish, Tennessee DE Reggie White. Is it enough to begin their team as a winner in a tough division, we are not sure, but we expect free-wheeling Head Coach Pepper Rodgers to come up with some twists and surprises along the way. Potential Stars: QB Walter Lewis (Alabama), WR Mel Gray (NFL), WR Willie Gault (Tenn), DE Reggie White (Tenn), LB Eddie Simmons (Kansas), and K Efran Herrera (NFL) Projection: We think the Memphis D will be solid, if young, but scoring may be tough for the Showboats. 7-8 wins is possible if they can get any semblance of offense from this young squad.

Sporting News, February 26, 1984 We are just one week away from the start of the USFL’s second spring football league. In their first season the upstart spring football league surpassed all expectations, and over the courses of the offseason since the Tampa Bay Bandits won the first USFL Championship Trophy, the league has continued to astonish fans and shock the football establishment. The league will be bigger this year, with 4 expansion franchises joining the original 12, but also because the USFL has been aggressively recruiting and signing top talent, predominantly from the graduating college classes of 1983 and 1984, to take a chance on a new football league. The league that first broke news by signing the 1982 Heisman Winner, Hershel Walker, has now proven that it can attract top level talent to its high-flying, more exuberant, and less constrictive form of football. Much as the American Football League proved in the 1960’s the USFL has shown the world a dynamic and fun-loving version of pro-football and players seem eager to take part. The challenge for the league in its second year will be to harness this excitement and turn water cooler buzz into even greater attendance and television viewership, in hopes of renegotiating contracts and setting up more lucrative alliances and sponsorships after this season. As we look at the 16 teams that will be competing in the USFL’s sophomore season, we will focus on their successes and failures in 1983, the players lost and gained, and the prospects for a new season. We will complete this season preview in four parts, starting with the Atlantic Division and moving across the nation through the 4 divisions that make up the 1983 USFL. ATLANTIC DIVISION PHILADELPHIA STARS (12-4, Division Champions) The Stars were a revelation in 1983, led by a balanced offense and a hard-hitting defense, Philly came on at the end of the season to pull away from their divisional foes and win the Atlantic by a 2 game margin. The Stars have not lost much in the offseason, and have grown deeper in several key positions. The only question is whether other teams, with a more aggressive draft and free agent signings, have leapfrogged the ’83 division champs. Returning Stars: RB Kelvin Bryant, QB Chuck Fusina, WR Scott Fitzkee, MLB Sam Mills, K David Trout Departures: Backup QB Danny Hale, RB Brian Basil. New Additions: QB Jeff Hostetler (WVU), LB Scott Radecic (Penn St), RB Johnny Hector (Texas A&M) and DE William Fuller (UNC). Projection: We see Philly repeating as division champions, though 12 wins in a more competitive division may not be possible in 1984. BOSTON BREAKERS (10-6, 2nd in Division) Boston was a team that outplayed their pedigree in 1983. With a largely unknown roster, the Breakers were competitive through the season until a late spring slump moved them out of playoff contention in the season’s final weeks. In the offseason they added a couple of known commodities in former Bengal TE Dan Ross and promising rookie rusher Buford Jordan. They worked a trade with Chicago that also brought highly scouted Illinois QB Tony Eason to Boston (and not with the Patriots). Eason will likely back up veteran Johnnie Walton, but for how long? The other big move for Boston was a switch from tiny Nickerson Field on the campus of BU to slightly larger Harvard Stadium. The move ups the potential attendance from 22,000 up to 34,000, but even that may not be enough for the Breakers to turn a profit in their second year. Returning Stars: QB Johnnie Walton, WR Nolan Franz, LBs Marcus Marek & Ben Needham, and K Tim Mazzetti. Departures: No significant contributors. New Additions: QB Tony Eason (Illinois), TE Dan Ross (NFL) , RB Buford Jordan (McNeese St), CB Alex Clark (LSU) Projection: Boston added some talent on offense, but that was their strength last year anyway. The need to upgrade on defense did not appear to be met, and that may just be enough to cause Boston to slide a bit in 1984. We are picking them to be 3rd in the division this year. NEW JERSEY GENERALS (7-9, 3rd in Division) The Generals, now under new ownership, are hoping to turn a new page after a disappointing 1983 campaign. Hershel Walker was all that was promised and more, leading the league in rushing, but an aging Bobby Scott, and a porous defense, meant that New Jersey fell from the playoff chase too soon. With new ownership comes a new coach, former NY Jet HC Walt Michaels, and a new attitude. New Jersey was aggressive in pursuing NFL talent, landing leaders on both sides of the ball in former Browns QB Brian Sipe and All-NFL Safety Gary Barbaro. In the draft they went after wideouts, snagging two in the first two rounds, but their biggest draft coup may have been signing Boston College’s Steve DeOssie in the 5th round. Returning Stars: RB Hershel Wallker, RB Maurice Carthon, TE Sam Bowers, CB Terry Daniels, and LB Mike McKibben. Departures: Starting QB Bobby Scott (Retirement), WR Tom McConnaughey (NFL), K Dave Jacobs New Additions: QB Brian Sipe (NFL), S Gary Barbaro (NFL), WR Danny Knight (Miss St), WR Clarence Collins (IL State), LB Steve DeOssie (BC), and DE Blaise Winter (Syracuse) Projection: The addition of Sipe, Barbaro and some talented collegiate wideouts helps the Generals, but we still expect this to be the Hershel Show, and why not, he was the offensive player of the year last season on a losing team. If Walt Michaels can get more of a defensive performance from this squad, they could compete with Philly for the Division. WASHINGTON FEDERALS (3-13, 4th in Division) Last year the Federals were outgunned, undermanned, and outclassed week in and week out on their way to the worst record in the league. And yet, despite that, they had some talent on this team. The RB combo of Craig James and Curtis Bledsoe is talented and wideout Joey Walters showed some flashes. The defense was atrocious, despite the individual performance of SS Mike Guess, who finished the year with 116 tackles. But Guess has retired and Washington is counting on some new blood to revitalize the team under new coach Lee Corso. The Feds traded to get Birmingham backup QB Reggie Collier, a dual threat QB who may be a little raw but can add excitement to the team. In the collegiate draft we think they hit with the signing of J.D. Fuller, the thumping LB from South Carolina, but it just doesn’t look like enough was done to move beyond mediocrity this year. Returning Stars: RB Craig James, RB Curtis Bledsoe, WR Joey Walters, DT Bennie Smith Departures: QB Kim McQuilken (Retired), QB Joe Gilliam (Retired), SS Mike Guess (Retired) New Additions: QB Reggie Collier (BIR), QB Babe Laufenberg (IU), LB J.D. Fuller (So Car), K Nick Mike-Mayer (NFL), C Joel Hilgenberg (Iowa) Projection: Washington is again likely to find itself looking up at the rest of the Atlantic Division. They are better than a 3-win team, but we still cannot see them getting to .500 on the season.

Sporting News, January 15, 1984 The USFL continues to emphasize youth and big-name signings just 1 month after their 1984 Collegiate and Territorial Drafts. Just as they did following the 1983 NFL Draft, the USFL has opted to seek out big names and potential early round NFL talent to fill their rosters. Among those signed this past month include anticipated early round NFL picks such as QBs Walter Lewis of Alabama and Rick Neuheisel of UCLA, RBs Kevin Mack of Clemson and Mel Gray of Purdue, and WRs Gary Clark of James Madison and Danny Knight of Miss. State, but the three biggest are all players expected to be Top 10 Draft Picks in the NFL, including the anticipated #1 pick, QB Steve Young of BYU. The Los Angeles Express announced this week that they have signed Young to a multi-year contract worth over $40,000,000, a contract that will operate as an annuity, allowing the Express to pay out over 20 years. The Express, who struggled to attract fans in their first season, went big on name recognition, signing the mobile BYU quarterback to a deal that reconfigures the entire QB market in both the USFL and the NFL. Having signed three of the six NFL quarterbacks from the 1983 draft (Blackledge, Kelly and Eason), the USFL continues to put a high value on big name NCAA quarterbacks with the signing of Young. For the second year in a row the USFL has also targeted a Heisman winning running back, with the expansion Pittsburgh Maulers announcing the signing of Nebraska’s Mike Rozier. Rozier will join Herschel Walker as Heisman winners who passed up the chance to play in the NFL, though, unlike Walker who was a sophomore at the time, Rozier was fully eligible to be drafted by the NFL. And, on the defensive side, the Memphis Showboats have signed Tennessee’s game-disrupting DE, Reggie White. White, able to stay in the state of Tennessee, will join the USFL expansion franchise, where he will get to chase after longtime nemesis Alabama QB Walter Lewis in practice instead of in game action. While these three signings will certainly garner a lot of attention over the course of the upcoming USFL season, they are hardly alone. Below are just a few of the well-known collegiate stars who have opted to play in the spring with the upstart league: Arizona Wranglers: QB Rick Neuheisel, WR Louis Lipps Birmingham Stallions: WR Joey Jones, LB Milton Fields Boston Breakers: RB Buford Jordan, DE Leroy Howell Chicago Blitz: LB Mike Russell, RB Mel Gray Denver Gold: WR Brian Brennan, DT Mike Taliferro Houston Gamblers: RB/TE Todd Fowler, WR Gerald McNeil, WR Clarence Verdin Jacksonville Bulls: WR Gary Clark, WR Perry Kemp, LB Vaughan Johnson Los Angeles Express: QB Steve Young, G Gary Zimmerman, K Tony Zendejas Memphis Showboats: DE Reggie White, QB Walter Lewis, LB Eddie Simmons Michigan Panthers: LB Rick Naylor, DE Steve Hamilton New Jersey Generals: WR Clarence Collins, WR Danny Knight, TE Jeff Spek Oakland Invaders: DT Clyde Glover, LB Ron Rivera, LB Niko Noga Philadelphia Stars: DB Ron Porter, DE William Fuller Pittsburgh Maulers: RB Mike Rozier,QB Jeff Hostetler, TE Mike Shaw, T Dwayne Massey Tampa Bay Bandits: RB Speedy Neal, DT Alphonso Carreker Washington Federals: WR Duane Gunn, RB Kevin Mack (Traded to LA)

USA Today, June 22, 1984 The Roster Wars between the NFL and the upstart USFL have seen a lot of action over the past few weeks. Just as the NFL prepares to open camp for its 1983 fall season, the USFL has been signing veteran players in preparation for their second season in the spring of 1984. Likewise, the NFL has been signing away some of the USFL’s top players, those who had signed only 1 year contracts for the just completed 1983 season. The USFL will be seeking to replace some solid talent lost to the NFL this May and June, including several starting quarterbacks, such as Arizona’s Alan Risher, Los Angeles’s Tom Ramsey, and Denver’s Ken Johnson. Risher, who led the USFL in completion percentage is the newest quarterback to try to provide wins for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Ramsey will try to win a starting job in St. Louis and Johnson in Baltimore. The signing of Risher by the Bucs appears to be direct retaliation for the earlier signing of disgruntled Bucs starter Doug Williams by the USFL. Williams, who still has not selected which of the three USFL franchises which bid on his services (Jacksonville, Denver, and Arizona), left the NFL with a bitter taste in his mouth after negotiations with Tampa fell through. Williams was not the only NFL starting signal caller to defect to the USFL. Only days after New Jersey Generals 1983 starter Bobby Scott announced his retirement, the Generals announced the signing of long time Cleveland Brown Brian Sipe. Another AFC North QB, Pittsburgh’s Cliff Stoudt, signed with Birmingham of the USFL, as did former Buffalo Bill RB Joe Cribbs. The signing of Cribbs was yet another “swap” with the NFL, as the Stallions lost one of their brightest talents, RB Cornelius Quarles, who signed with the Houston Oilers. Other notable signees by the NFL include DE Francis Murphy (Denver Gold to the LA Rams), WR Tom McConnaughey (NJ Generals to the Miami Dolphins) and WR Bob Metzger (Oakland Invaders to the New Orleans Saints). Meanwhile the NFL to USFL veteran pipeline was made up mostly of backups and marginal players, but a few known names beyond Williams, Sipe and Stoudt made the jump. The biggest of these was the signing of KC All-Pro safety Gary Barbaro to the New Jersey Generals. Also of note were the following USFL signings: Arizona: DE Mike St. Clair Boston: TE Dan Ross Chicago: QB Vince Evans Denver: G George Yarno Houston: CB Donald Dykes Jacksonville: RB Sydney Thornton, QB Matt Robinson Memphis: K Efran Herrera, WR Mel Gray Michigan: DL Larry Bethea New Jersey: LB Jim LeClair Pittsburgh: QB Glen Carano Tampa Bay: LB James Harrell Washington: K Nick Mike-Meyer With the signing of these veterans, along with a good number of 1983 NFL draftees, and with the USFL scheduled to hold their own draft of collegiate talent in December, the battle for star players seems to be in full effect between the two leagues. The NFL has the clout and the money to outspend the USFL, however, as the signings of Sipe, Williams and Cribbs shows, the USFL also can do some damage. With each USFL team allowed 3 players exempt from their salary cap structure, the potential is limited, but with an emphasis on signing young stars such as RB Hershel Walker, and quarterbacks like Jim Kelly and Todd Blackledge, the reality of a player drain is becoming an uncomfortable one for the NFL. And, we can expect, as USFL contracts, most of which were for only 2 or 3 years, continue to expire, the NFL will come calling to bring the best and brightest back into the fold.

USA Today, Aug. 3, 1983 The USFL Championship was held only 3 weeks ago and yet, several significant offseason stories have occurred within the USFL in that short time. We summarize the top stories of the past month here as the USFL prepares for a second season in March of 1984 New Jersey Generals Sold Considered one of the flagship franchises of the league, and with its biggest star, RB Hershel Walker, the New Jersey Generals disappointed many this year, finishing a mediocre 7-9 and out of playoff contention. One of those disappointed was owner J. Walter Duncan. While most USFL owners anticipated significant losses for the league's first few seasons, it appears Duncan either underestimated the potential losses in a large market like NY-NJ, or simply decided that the league was not going where he hoped it would. This week Duncan sold the franchise to a new ownership group led by young NY real estate developer Donald J. Trump. Trump announced that the Generals would be overhauled and made into a winner immediately. He fired coach and minority owner (under Duncan) Chuck Fairbanks and almost immediately hired the recently let-go NY Jets coach Walt Michaels to lead the Generals. With solid ticket sales in 1983 and a superstar in Walker, it seems New Jersey is poised for big things under this new leadership. USFL Owners Decide to Swap Franchises In one of the more bizarre stories of the short-lived USFL, Ted Dietrich, owner of the Chicago Blitz and Jim Joseph, owner of the Arizona Wranglers, have agreed to swap franchises. While the team names, stadium contracts and equipment will remain with each city, most of the players, coaching staffs, and personnel of the two teams will relocate from Chicago to Arizona or vice versa. While a few players will remain with each city, most, including Ohio State RB Tim Spencer or WR Jackie Flowers will be playing in a new city next year. Coach George Allen of the Blitz is expected to stay on as the new Arizona Wranglers coach, while former Wranglers Coach George Shively has been let go, and the new Blitz will be seeking to replace Shively with an experienced head coach in the next few weeks. Head Coach carousel for USFL In addition to the position cited above in Chicago, several teams also looked into new coaches. The Washington Federals have signed former Louisville and Indiana head man Lee Corso to take over a team that went 3-13 in its first season. The expansion franchises in Jacksonville, Houston, and Pittsburgh have also signed their first coaches, following the Memphis franchise’s signing of Pepper Rodgers. Former Bears and Redskins coach Jack Pardee will run the show in Houston, Pittsburgh has signed Philly Stars’ OC Joe Pendry to move across the state and lead the Maulers, and Jacksonville has tabbed Cincinnati Bengals OC Lindy Infante to take the lead job for their team. The most surprising change was in Denver, where Red Miller, former Broncos’ head man, led the Gold to the 1983 USFL Championship, but was regularly butting heads with the team owner, Ron Blanding, over the purse strings which limited the Gold’s ability to put together a roster. Citing stylistic differences, Red Miller stepped down, and assistant, and former Broncos QB, Craig Morton was promoted to the Head Coach position. This leaves Chicago as the only USFL franchise without a leader, however talks are underway with three well-known coaches, and it is expected that one of these three will be signed. The contenders for the Blitz job are former Seahawks coach Jack Patera, former Chiefs HC Marv Levy, and recently fired Chicago Bears coach Neill Armstrong. NFL Draftees select their USFL squads In what appeared to be almost a reverse draft, 20 players who earlier this year signed USFL contracts rather than sign with the NFL teams which drafted them have now selected the teams they will play for in the USFL. Each USFL franchise was eligible to bid on 3 players, with expansion franchises given a 4th bid, and then players were able to meet with owners and coaches to determine which franchise they preferred. With some big names on the board, it was a scramble for teams to try to convince top talent to join them, while players got the rare opportunity to have a voice in their professional career starting point. For the USFL this is a chance to bolster rosters which many owners expect will get raided by the NFL over the next few weeks. With several USFL star players signed only to 1 year contracts for 1983, there is potential loss of some of the league's bigger names, and the addition of these fresh faces from college may just offset some of the anticipated losses. Of the players who opted out of NFL deals for the fledgling USFL, it was the three NFL 1st Round quarterbacks who were the biggest names, and the big newsmakers on the day. Former Nittany Lion and NFL #7 pick Todd Blackledge surprised many by choosing to sign with coach Jim Mora and the Philadelphia Stars over bids from expansion Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. With another Penn Stater, veteran Chuck Fusina, firmly at the helm of the Philadelphia offense, it seems unlikely that Mora will offer Blackledge a chance to start in 1984, but perhaps the young signal caller is looking ahead to 1985 for his big shot. U. of Miami’s Jim Kelly did not wish to wait, and also had no desire to play in Buffalo, where the NFL Bills picked him with the 14th pick in the NFL Draft. Citing the chance to play in a wide open offense and with coach Jack Pardee, Kelly opted to sign with the expansion Houston Gamblers. Kelly bring immediate star power to the Gamblers, who have only a few other players named to the team. The third NFL first round QB, Illinois’ Tony Eason, could have opted to stay in the region with the Chicago Blitz, but with no head coach yet in place, that was a tough sell. Eason, in a move that will certainly irk the NFL Patriots, who drafted him 15th in April’s draft, will sign on for the other New England franchise, the Boston Breakers. Eason is expected to challenge veteran Johnnie Walton for playing time almost immediately. Among other notable players who have chosen their USFL destinations we find the following: RB Michael Haddix, Mississippi State (1st round #8 PHI) to the Birmingham Stallions WR Terry Kinard, Clemson (1st round #10 NYG) to the expansion Jacksonville Bulls WR Willie Gault, Tennessee (1st round #18 CHI) to the expansion Memphis Showboats LB Vernon Maxwell, Arizona St. (2nd round #29 BAL) to the “New” Arizona Wranglers WR Henry Ellard, Fresno St. (2nd round #32 LARm) to the Oakland Invaders DB Keith Bostic, Michigan (2nd round #42 HOU) to the Michigan Panthers RB Johnny Hector, Texas A&M (2nd round #51 NYJ) to expansion Jacksonville RB Richard Williams, Memphis (2nd round #46 WSH) to expansion Memphis DB Dave Duerson, Notre Dame (3rd round #64 CHI) to expansion Pittsburgh TE Trey Junkin, La Tech (4th round #93 BUF) to expansion Memphis DE Greg Townsend, TCU (4h round #110 LARd) to the Denver Gold LB Kiki DeAyala, Texas (6th round, #152 CIN) to the expansion Houston Gamblers QB Babe Laufenberg (6th round, #168 WSH) to the Washington Federals