You can imagine how excited I was back in 1983 to discover that in addition to the National Football League, (American) football would now be played in the spring and summer months. The United States Football League (USFL) was the brainchild of David Dixon, a New Orleans art and antiques dealer, who figured that as long as he didn’t try to compete directly with the NFL, he could run a successful alternative league.
The problem was that the league set itself up initially in 12 markets where NFL teams were already flourishing, and after the novelty wore off, teams found they faced higher-than-anticipated player salaries, and that they were sometimes denied stadium leases. As a result, teams moved frequently, making it hard to establish a fanbase. Despite filing an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, and planning a move to a fall schedule in 1986, the league folded after only three short seasons.
Despite that, the influence of the USFL has been significant. The league was the first to allow two-point conversions in professional football, and also pioneered the use of instant-replay technology to challenge officials’ rulings on the field. Both innovations have since been adopted by the NFL. In addition, the owners of the new franchises (including Donald Trump, who owned the New Jersey Generals) were willing to take chances on young players, and as a result, some of the USFL’s superstars went on to illustrious careers in the NFL. These included Herschel Walker, Doug Flutie, Jim Kelly, Reggie White, Steve Young and Bobby Hebert. Many NFL coaches also got their first chance to coach professionally in the USFL, including Jim Mora, Steve Spurrier, and Lindy Infante. As well, veteran NFL coaches like George Allen and Marv Levy (who also coached in the Canadian Football League) were attracted by the new league.
Another notable coach was Darrel “Mouse” Davis, the “father” of the run-and-shoot offence, who went on to coach in both the NFL and the Arena Football League, which itself was founded by former USFL executive Jim Foster. Come to think of it, Arena Football would make a great subject of a future entry.
My favourite team was the Philadelphia Stars, coached by a young Jim Mora. The Stars made the championship final every year the league existed, even after moving to Baltimore in 1985, and won it the final two years, making it the most successful USFL franchise.
Wikipedia entry: United States Football League
Comprehensive Fan Site: This Is The USFL
History and Memorabilia: Our Sports Central: USFL
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An entry on Sportsfilter reminds us that the league would have celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. It links to a great article by Jon Gonzalez. If you’re finding your way here from either of these places, or from Google, what are your memories of the USFL on its silver anniversary?
To whom it may concern,
My name is Jake Rogal and I am a student at the University of Delaware. I am doing a massive report on the USFL and its fans. Any USFL fans with information, funny stories, whatever, please help me out and email me some cool stuff. Jrogal@udel.edu. Thanks a lot guys, your help would really be appreciated.
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