Good morning, USFL Commish here breaking character to talk a little about the page. We went camping last week and there was no update. I have no excuses for the week before other than I completely forgot to update. I just put the games for the week and I’ll be back later to write post the weekly recap. Then, starting tomorrow, we’ll be back on track with week 4 to finish the season in time for 1986 in January.
1986 represents the first season that I’m going in completely blind. I updated the draft pool with some names from the times. I also figured out a way to make the schedule work better so it doesn’t look as slapdash as the one from 1985. Over the next few months, I need to draft for each team, play some preseason games, and finalize the rosters.
I’m in the process of putting together a plan to make sure all of that happens. Maybe I can put a to do list up on the page to help us keep track of everything and keep me on task. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
In a compelling second week of USFL action, the Jacksonville Bulls asserted their dominance with a resounding 34-13 victory over the New Orleans Breakers. Shawn Jones led the charge for the Bulls, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, complemented by two receptions for 57 yards. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals continued their strong start, edging out the Boston Breakers 13-6. Herschel Walker was the star for the Generals, amassing 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. The Denver Gold also secured a significant win, defeating the Las Vegas Posse 38-28, thanks to an impressive performance from quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 614 yards and four touchdowns.
Saturday’s games saw the Houston Gamblers overpower the Chicago Blitz with a 48-21 victory, highlighted by Kelly’s 377-yard, three-touchdown performance. The Arizona Outlaws bounced back from their opening loss to top the Los Angeles Express 21-10, with Allen Clark rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Bandits held off the Birmingham Stallions 23-16, with a key interception and 16 tackles from Bill Roe. In a tight defensive contest, the San Antonio Gunslingers edged the Oklahoma Outlaws 14-12, thanks to Crane’s eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
In other Sunday matchups, the Pittsburgh Maulers continued their unbeaten run with a 27-13 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, with Kirk Pendleton catching 10 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Memphis Showboats remained undefeated, beating the Michigan Panthers 38-27, powered by Harry Sydney’s three rushing touchdowns. Lastly, in a thrilling finish, the Oakland Invaders managed to fend off a fierce comeback from the Washington Federals, winning 37-31. This week’s games showcased the intense competition and standout individual performances that define the USFL, promising more exciting action in the weeks ahead.
Offense: Bob Gagliano, QB, Denver Gold. Gagliano eviscerated the expansion Las Vegas Ace defense to the tune of 45 for 80 passing with 614 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performance lifted the Gold to 1-1 with a 38-28 win over the Ace.
Defense: Bill Roe, LB, Birmingham Stallions. Roe racked up 16 tackles and an interception in the Stallions loss against the Tampa Bay Bandits.
Special Teams: Mark Tolbert, KR, Chicago Blitz. Houston kept Tolbert busy with 9 returns for 175 yards.
The opening week of the 1985 USFL season delivered an array of thrilling matchups, showcasing high-scoring affairs and standout individual performances across the league. Kicking off the action, the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a commanding 34-16 victory over the Washington Federals on Saturday. Eric Truvillion was the star for Tampa Bay, racking up 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The San Antonio Gunslingers also began their campaign with a 38-28 win against the New Orleans Breakers, with Jerry Parrish’s nine receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown making a significant impact.
Sunday’s games were highlighted by a dominating performance from the Philadelphia Stars, who cruised past the Las Vegas Outlaws 30-7. John Sutton’s interception return for a touchdown and five tackles spearheaded Philadelphia’s defensive dominance. In Jacksonville, the Bulls overwhelmed the Oklahoma Outlaws 44-28, thanks to Al Williams’ impressive 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Herschel Walker powered the New Jersey Generals to a 28-17 win over the Oakland Invaders, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 166 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Capping off the week, the Pittsburgh Maulers edged out the Michigan Panthers 27-20 in a Monday night thriller. Mike Rozier was instrumental in Pittsburgh’s victory, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown while adding 75 receiving yards. Other notable performances included Walter Lewis leading the Memphis Showboats to a 37-21 win over the Denver Gold with 308 passing yards and three touchdowns, and Steve Young guiding the Los Angeles Express to a 28-21 victory over the Birmingham Stallions with three touchdown passes and a rushing score. The Houston Gamblers also made a statement with a 45-17 triumph over the Arizona Wranglers, highlighted by Fowler’s 148 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.
Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. In a week of dynamic offensive performance, the reigning offensive MVP picked up where he left off last year. Kelly went 19 for 27 for 343 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 45-17 beatdown of the Arizona Gamblers.
Defense: John Sutton, CB, Philadelphia Stars. The entire Stars defense helped the team get off on a winning start. Sutton recorded 5 tackles and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown to help welcome the expansion Ace into the USFL.
Special Teams: Dennis Gentry, RB/Ret, Jacksonville Bulls. The Bulls performed an absolute theft in the offseason, grabbing former Chicago Bear Dennis Gentry. He rewarded them immediately with a touchdown run and also returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.
The first Sunday of the USFL season kicked off with a bang, featuring several close games and a few surprising upsets.
The Philadelphia Stars (1-0) wasted no time flexing their muscles, dismantling the Las Vegas Ace (0-1) by a score of 30-7. Veteran kicker David Trout connected on three field goals, while Kelvin Bryant rushed for two touchdowns to lead the way for Philadelphia.
Another dominant performance came from the Houston Gamblers (1-0) who routed the Arizona Wranglers (0-1) 45-17. Quarterback Jim Kelly threw for four touchdowns, while running back James Scott added another on the ground for Houston.
The New Jersey Generals (1-0) edged out the Oakland Invaders (0-1) in a defensive struggle by a score of 28-17. Doug Flutie threw for two touchdowns for the Generals, while Herschel Walker added another on the ground to secure the victory.
In a thrilling game that went down to the wire, the Los Angeles Express (1-0) edged out the Birmingham Stallions (0-1) 28-21. Quarterback Steve Young threw for three touchdowns, including the game-winner with just under 3 minutes remaining, to lead the Express to victory.
There were a couple of upsets on opening day. The Memphis Showboats (1-0) pulled off a convincing 37-21 win over the Denver Gold (0-1). The Jacksonville Bulls (1-0) also secured a surprising victory, defeating the Oklahoma Outlaws (0-1) by a score of 44-28. The New Orleans Brass (0-1) and the San Antonio Gunslingers (1-0) traded blows in a high-scoring affair, with San Antonio ultimately prevailing 38-28.
Week 1 saw a number of impressive performances, and with the season just getting underway, the USFL promises to be an exciting league to follow throughout the summer.
The USFL’s 1985 season opener on Saturday featured three electrifying games that set the tone for an exciting year of football.
The Memphis Showboats showcased their dominance with a convincing 37-21 victory over the Denver Gold. Walter Lewis was the standout performer, completing 22 of 17 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 35 rushing yards. Despite a valiant effort from Denver’s quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns, the Gold were plagued by turnovers and injuries, unable to match Memphis’ balanced offense and resilient defense.
In a high-scoring affair, the San Antonio Gunslingers outlasted the New Orleans Breakers 38-28. Jerry Parrish was the hero for San Antonio, recording 9 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. The game was a back-and-forth battle, but San Antonio’s explosive plays and relentless offense ultimately secured the win. New Orleans put up a strong fight, but their defense couldn’t contain Parrish and the Gunslingers’ potent attack.
The Tampa Bay Bandits kicked off their season with a 34-16 triumph over the Washington Federals. Eric Truvillion was unstoppable, hauling in 7 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, leading Tampa Bay’s aerial assault. Washington struggled to keep up with the Bandits’ high-powered offense, as Tampa Bay’s defense also stepped up, limiting the Federals’ scoring opportunities and forcing key turnovers to seal the victory.
These thrilling matchups highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the USFL, promising an action-packed season ahead.
Kelly Ramirez: Good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by a senior executive from the USFL, who has requested to remain anonymous. Thank you for speaking with me today.
Unnamed Executive: My pleasure, Kelly. Thank you for having me.
Kelly Ramirez: Let’s start with the recent challenges facing the USFL. There have been some inconsistencies in the league’s schedule and operations. Can you shed some light on what’s been going on?
Unnamed Executive: Certainly. Look, I’ll be frank. When we started this league, none of us really expected it to last this long. We approached it more as a passion project than a full-fledged business venture. As a result, there were times when our operations were not as tightly managed as they should have been.
Kelly Ramirez: So, you’re saying the USFL was initially run more like a hobby?
Unnamed Executive: Exactly. We were enthusiastic about football and saw an opportunity, but we didn’t always have the financial rigor or strategic planning you’d expect from a professional league.
Kelly Ramirez: Despite these challenges, the USFL has faced some significant legal battles from certain executives and prospective owners. How has that impacted the league?
Unnamed Executive: It’s been tough. We’ve had to divert valuable resources towards litigation that could have been better spent on improving our teams and infrastructure. It’s been a drain, both financially and emotionally.
Kelly Ramirez: Moving forward, the USFL has announced plans to elevate its professionalism starting in 1986. Can you elaborate on this shift in strategy?
Unnamed Executive: Absolutely. The incredible popularity and success we’ve seen in recent years have forced us to reevaluate our approach. We now understand that we owe it to our fans and players to operate at the highest standards of professionalism. Starting in 1986, you can expect to see improved organization, better communication, and a renewed commitment to excellence across all aspects of the league.
Kelly Ramirez: How do you plan to balance maintaining the league’s unique appeal with this newfound professionalism?
Unnamed Executive: It’s a delicate balance, no doubt. We want to preserve the excitement and innovation that have made the USFL so beloved while ensuring that our operations are transparent, efficient, and sustainable. Our goal is to match the enthusiasm of our fans with a league structure that they can trust and be proud of.
Kelly Ramirez: Thank you for your candid insights today. It sounds like the USFL is at a pivotal moment in its history.
Unnamed Executive: Indeed, Kelly. We’re optimistic about the future and excited to see where the next chapter takes us.
“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.
Las Vegas, NV – February 24, 1985 – The United States Football League (USFL) is thrilled to announce the arrival of the Vegas Ace, poised to make its mark on the gridiron in the upcoming 1985 season. Amidst a flurry of excitement and anticipation, the vibrant city of Las Vegas welcomes its newest sports franchise with open arms and eager anticipation.
The birth of the Vegas Ace represents a bold new chapter in Las Vegas sports history, fueled by the vision and determination of a community eager to embrace professional football. Led by esteemed coach Harvey Hyde, the Ace boasts a formidable lineup bolstered by the arrival of star quarterback Randall Cunningham, both familiar faces to fans of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Coach Hyde’s tenure at UNLV may have been cut short, but his return to the gridiron brings renewed energy and enthusiasm to the Vegas Ace. With Cunningham at the helm, the team is poised to electrify audiences and carve out its place among the league’s elite.
The Sam Boyd Silver Bowl will serve as the Ace’s home turf, providing a familiar and spirited backdrop for their inaugural season. Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, this iconic venue is poised to witness unforgettable gridiron showdowns that will captivate fans near and far.
While the road to success may be paved with challenges, the Vegas Ace remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence. As with any expansion team, patience and perseverance will be key as the Ace embarks on its journey to greatness.
As excitement builds and anticipation reaches a fever pitch, the Vegas Ace invites fans from across the region to join them on this thrilling ride. Together, let us embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering passion as we usher in a new era of football in the entertainment capital of the world.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations Contact: Sarah Johnson Director of Media Relations Vegas Ace Phone: (702) 555-7890 Email: media@vegasacefootball.com
For press inquiries, interviews, and media requests, please reach out to Sarah Johnson, Director of Media Relations, at the provided contact details.
For more information about the USFL and the Vegas Ace, please visit www.2guysgaming.net/usfldr.
New Orleans, LA – February 24, 1985 – The United States Football League (USFL) proudly announces the addition of the New Orleans Brass to its esteemed roster of teams for the upcoming 1985 season. Amidst speculation and anticipation, the vibrant city of New Orleans welcomes its newest sports franchise with open arms and high hopes.
The inception of the New Orleans Brass comes on the heels of a thrilling series of events that saw the city’s fervent football enthusiasts rally to thwart the relocation of the Boston Breakers to their beloved New Orleans. In a remarkable display of passion and dedication, Breakers fans banded together to acquire and preserve their team, transforming it into a cooperative venture rooted in the heart of Louisiana.
Leading the charge for the Brass is esteemed coach Sam Robertson, whose impressive tenure at Southwestern Louisiana has garnered him widespread acclaim. Eager to test his mettle in the professional arena, Robertson brings a wealth of experience and a winning spirit to the helm of the New Orleans franchise.
The Brass will call the iconic Superdome their home, adding to the storied legacy of this legendary venue. With its rich history and unrivaled atmosphere, the Superdome stands ready to host thrilling gridiron battles that will captivate fans far and wide.
Despite the challenges posed by a tumultuous offseason marked by league turmoil and a rushed expansion draft, the New Orleans Brass remain undaunted. While expectations may be tempered, there is no shortage of excitement surrounding this new chapter in New Orleans football history.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the New Orleans Brass invite fans across the region to join them on their journey. Together, let us embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering passion as we embark on a thrilling new era of football in the Big Easy.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations Contact: Jane Smith Director of Media Relations New Orleans Brass Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: media@neworleansbrass.com
For more information about the USFL and the New Orleans Brass, please visit www.2guysgaming.net/usfldr.
Duncan O’Connor (DO): Good evening, football enthusiasts. I’m Duncan O’Connor, and I’m honored to have a special guest with me today, a true visionary in the world of football, Mr. David Dixon, co-founder of the USFL. Welcome, Mr. Dixon.
David Dixon (DD): Thank you, Duncan. It’s a pleasure to be here.
DO: Today, we’re here to address recent challenges the league has faced. Mr. Dixon, can you shed some light on the situation involving the so-called “businessmen” who seem to be targeting the USFL?
DD: Absolutely, Duncan. Let me be clear—we’ve faced adversities before, and we’ll face them again. These challenges are a part of the journey, but they won’t define us. We are aware of certain individuals trying to undermine the league, but rest assured, we are taking the necessary steps to address the situation.
DO: Fans have been concerned after hearing about the league being “frozen.” Can you elaborate on what this means and what the league’s strategy is moving forward?
DD: The decision to “freeze” the league was a precautionary measure while we deal with these external challenges. It doesn’t mean we’re backing down or giving in. We’re taking a moment to assess, strategize, and protect the integrity of the USFL. Our legal team is actively working on resolving these issues.
DO: How would you reassure fans who might be worried about the league’s future?
DD: I want to speak directly to our passionate fans. Your concerns are valid, and we appreciate your unwavering support. The USFL has weathered storms before, and each time, we emerged stronger. We are committed to transparency and will keep you updated on the developments. We believe in the long-term success of the league, and we won’t let the actions of a few derail our vision.
DO: It’s clear that the league is facing a challenging moment. How do you intend to navigate through this and ensure the USFL’s resilience?
DD: The strength of the USFL lies in its foundation and the dedicated community of fans, players, and staff. We will stand united, face these challenges head-on, and come out on the other side stronger. Our focus remains on the long-term success of the league and providing a platform for exceptional football.
DO: Thank you, Mr. Dixon, for sharing your insights. We appreciate your time and your commitment to the USFL.
DD: My pleasure, Duncan. Let’s remember, the spirit of the USFL is unyielding. Together, we will overcome these challenges and continue to celebrate the game we all love.
DO: There you have it, folks—words of assurance and determination from Mr. David Dixon. Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate through this chapter in the USFL’s history. This is Duncan O’Connor, signing off.
