“Gridiron Glory in London: Philadelphia Stars Shine at Wembley”
By Nigel Somerset-Smith, BBC Sport Correspondent
Saturday, July 21, 1984
In a rare transatlantic showdown, the 1984 USFL exhibition game between the Philadelphia Stars and the Tampa Bay Bandits unfolded under the historic arches of Wembley Stadium. The spectacle, witnessed by an eager British audience, unfolded with a sense of anticipation, as American football, with its helmets and pads, graced the venerable turf typically reserved for the beautiful game.
The weather at Wembley, a mild 71 degrees with a gentle breeze, set the stage for an engaging clash between two formidable teams. The Philadelphia Stars, led by the poised and efficient Chuck Fusina, faced off against the Tampa Bay Bandits, led by the determined John Reaves. The matchup promised an intriguing blend of American flair and British enthusiasm.
From the first kick, the game pulsated with energy. Tampa Bay drew first blood with a field goal from Donald Andrusyshy, showcasing their early offensive prowess. However, Philadelphia responded swiftly as Fusina orchestrated a 72-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Folsom. The Stars took the lead, but the Bandits weren’t ones to be left behind.
The second quarter saw Tampa Bay’s Andrusyshy adding another field goal, while Reaves connected with Harvey for a touchdown, swinging the momentum in their favor. As the halftime whistle echoed through Wembley, the Bandits held a 13-6 lead, setting the stage for a riveting second half.
The Stars, undeterred by the Bandits’ lead, staged a comeback in the third quarter. Fusina showcased his passing prowess with a 14-yard touchdown to Collier, leveling the score at 13 apiece. The game hung in the balance as both teams vied for supremacy.
The final quarter belonged to Philadelphia, with kicker Trout sealing the deal with a crucial field goal. The Stars’ defense then delivered the coup de grâce, as Lush intercepted a pass and returned it for a 43-yard touchdown. The Bandits’ hopes dwindled, and the Stars emerged victorious with a final score of 23-13.
Despite the Bandits’ valiant effort, the Stars’ combination of Fusina’s precision and a resolute defense proved insurmountable. The British crowd, perhaps unfamiliar with the intricacies of American football, undoubtedly appreciated the spectacle unfolding before them at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
In the aftermath, injuries dotted the field, with players from both sides facing a week or more on the sidelines. The physicality of American football had left its mark on the English turf.
As the sun set over Wembley, American football had left an indelible mark on British soil. Nigel Somerset-Smith, ever the ardent enthusiast of the gridiron, undoubtedly found joy in the collision of American and British sporting cultures. The echoes of that game lingered, reminding Londoners that, on that day, Wembley witnessed not just a clash of teams, but a convergence of two sporting worlds.