1984 Houston Gamblers Season Recap

1984 Houston Gamblers: A Season of Triumph

In 1984, the Houston Gamblers embarked on a journey that would etch their name in the annals of football history. Led by a potent offense and a resilient defense, the Gamblers soared to new heights, culminating in a triumphant championship victory.

At the helm of the offense stood the dynamic duo of Jim Kelly and Richard Johnson. Kelly, with his precision passing and leadership on the field, orchestrated the Gamblers’ high-flying aerial attack. Completing nearly 65% of his passes for a staggering 5,775 yards and 55 touchdowns, Kelly’s performance was nothing short of legendary. His favorite target, Richard Johnson, electrified crowds with his acrobatic catches and explosive playmaking abilities. Johnson hauled in 126 receptions for 1,775 yards and 17 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier receivers.

In the backfield, Todd Fowler and Sam Harrell formed a formidable one-two punch on the ground. Fowler’s bruising running style led to 1,443 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Harrell provided a change of pace with 701 yards and 19 touchdowns of his own. Together, they spearheaded the Gamblers’ ground game, keeping defenses honest and opening up opportunities in the passing game.

On special teams, the Gamblers were equally dominant. Led by kick returner Clarence Verdin, whose explosive returns electrified the crowd and provided valuable field position, and kicker Tony Frisch, whose accuracy and clutch performances proved pivotal in close games, Houston’s special teams unit was a force to be reckoned with.

Defensively, the Gamblers were anchored by a relentless pass rush and a ball-hawking secondary. Led by defensive stalwarts like Mike Hawkins, Pete Catan, and Kiki DeAyala, Houston’s defense wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, tallying sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles at a blistering pace. With playmakers at every level of the defense, the Gamblers’ defense proved to be the perfect complement to their high-octane offense.

As the regular season unfolded, the Gamblers faced their fair share of adversity, battling injuries and adversity along the way. However, they remained undeterred, rallying together to overcome every obstacle in their path. With each victory, their confidence grew, and by season’s end, they had established themselves as the team to beat in the USFL.

In the playoffs, the Gamblers continued their dominant form, dispatching opponents with ease on their way to the championship game. In a thrilling showdown against the San Antonio Gunslingers, Houston showcased their trademark resilience and determination, emerging victorious to claim the USFL championship.

The 1984 season will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Houston Gamblers history. Through hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in one another, they achieved the ultimate goal, cementing their place among the greatest teams in football lore. As the confetti fell and the cheers echoed throughout the stadium, the Gamblers celebrated their hard-earned triumph, forever etching their name in the annals of football history.

1984 Houston Gamblers Team Roster

Quarterbacks

• Jim Kelly
• Dale Dillon

Running Backs

• Todd Fowler
• Sam Harrell
• Doug Clark
• Richard Williams

Wide Receivers

• Richard Johnson
• Gerald McNeil
• Clarence Verdin
• Scott McGee
• Ricky Sanders
• Ricky Moser
• Joey Jones
• Gary Clark
• Victor Harrison
• Troy Johnson
• Mark Barousse
• Tony Courville
• Phil Eason
• Mike Mitchell
• Clarence Verdin

Offensive Linemen

• Carl Allen
• Tom Kalli
• Don Kidd
• John Kehr
• Ken Boucher
• Larry Kiewel
• Irv Eatman
• Pete Walters
• Joel Williams

Defensive Ends

• Pete Catan
• Tony Fitzpatrick
• Mike Lewis
• Joe Jackson

Defensive Linemen

• Pete Catan
• Andy Hawkins
• Kiki DeAyala
• Mike Hawkins
• Andy Hawkins
• Mike Lewis
• Richard Johnson

Linebackers

• Kiki DeAyala
• Andy Hawkins
• Vencie Glenn
• Mike Hawkins
• Robert Young
• William Fuller
• Daryle Johnson

Cornerbacks

• Will Lewis
• Mike Mitchell
• Chuck Harris
• Luther Bradley
• Jonathan Sutton

Safeties

• Mike Mitchell
• Mike Reinfeldt
• Luther Bradley
• Steve Trimble

Special Teams

• Dale Walters (Punter)
• Tony Frisch (Kicker)