'91 Chronology-The Bare Facts

Event Date: Wednesday, February 13th, 1991

Event Description: Generals Sign Ex-Patriots Kicker

Source: New York Post

Former All-Pro kicker Tony Franklin has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Generals of the U.S. Football League. Franklin, 34, led the NFL in scoring in 1986 with 140 total points while with the New England Patriots under then head coach Raymond Berry.

Franklin was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted in the third round in 1979. He has converted 177-of-264 field goal attempts during his ten year N.F.L. career. Franklin last played in 1988 with the Miami Dolphins, but was active for just five games.

Franklin is best known for his barefoot style of kicking and has been known as one of the most clutch kickers in the N.F.L. thorugh the mid-1980’s. Franklin will now re-join coach Raymond Berry in the hopes of resurrecting his pro career.

more to come..........

'91 Chronology-Get Back Jo Jo!

Event Date: Tuesday, February 12th, 1991

Event Description: Townsell Jumps Ship

Source: New York Daily News

Former New York Jets wide receiver-kick returner Jo Jo Townsell signed a three-year free agent tender, with the Los Angeles Express on Monday. He will earn $1.16 million over the course of the next three seasons.

Townsell, 30, has spent his entire N.F.L. career in New York, playing mostly special teams but emerging as more of a pass-catching threat over the past two seasons. Taking over as a starter halfway through the 1989 season, he finished the campaign with 45 catches for 787 yards and five touchdowns.

Upset that he had not received an offer for a long-term deal, the 5-9, 160-pound Townsell will now return to the team and city where he began his pro career and played his collegiate ball. The speedy wideout is slated to start for the Express this season.

more to come..........

'91 Chronology-Roster Reinforcements

Event Date: Monday, February 11th, 1991

Event Description: Signing Day

Source: Houston Chronicle

The Houston Gamblers completed their territorial draft signings on Thursday, and also signed a familiar free agent NFL kick returner.

Draft choices Chuck Weatherspoon, a fullback out of Houston, signed his first pro deal, and will join fellow draft picks, defensive lineman Kevin Harris (Texas Southern) and wide out Manny Hazard (Houston) at the Gamblers' rookie camp, which kicks off next Thursday.

Two other draft picks, wide receiver Reggie Barrett and running back Darren Lewis, have both decided to wait until the NFL draft in April to make their pro intentions known.

The Gamblers also signed free agent kick returner Gerald McNeil, who was released by the Houston Oilers at the end of the NFL regular season.

Over the past five NFL seasons, he racked up 3,569 yards on 282 returns, and went to the Pro Bowl after the 1987 season for the Cleveland Browns. McNeil also starred for the Gamblers from 1984-86 while part of the famed Mouseketeers receiving corps.

Event Description: Panthers add ex-Lion

Source: Detroit Free Press

Former Detroit Lions running back Garry James is headed to the U.S.F.L..

A little less than two years after being released by the Detroit Lions, James signed with the Michigan Panthers on Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

James was a second-round draft pick in 1986, and started 38 games over a three-year span with the Lions. The Lions released James during training camp in 1989 after it was clear that the new starter would be Barry Sanders. James rushed for 552 yards in 1988.

"My skill is still there," James said. "It's just a case of coming up there and learning the system." James will now compete with former Redskins’ running back Jamie Morris as well as Byron Sanders, the younger brother of Barry, for playing time this spring.

more to come..........

'91 Chronology-Eagle Has Landed

Event Date: Saturday, February 9th, 1991

Event Description: Stars Land Return Man

Source: Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Stars have been searching for a return man and they may have finally found one.

The club announced this morning that former N.F.L. wide receiver-kick returner Mike Bellamy has signed a three-year deal with the club. The second year player has experience as a return man and playing on special teams. The Stars had worked out a number of veteran returners in recent days.

Bellamy, an Illinois product, played in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990. Bellamy also had a contract offer from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the C.F.L. but opted for the Stars.

In other league news:

Event Description: Express sign backup tight end Green

Source: L.A. Times

The Los Angeles Express confirmed the signing of rookie quarterback Garrett Gabriel on Wednesday and also have added tight end Paul Green, a California native who played for USC.

To make room on the 42-man roster, the club released tight end Paul Bergmann and veteran quarterback Bruce Mathison.
Green is considered a one-dimensional tight end, putting his 6-foot-3, 235-pound body to use as "a powerful, technically sound run blocker. He shows great snap and strength at the point of attack," according to an assessment supplied by Pro Football Weekly draft guru Joel Buschbaum.

Green was an eighth-round draft choice by the Denver Broncos in 1989, but was released at the end of training camp in 1990. He will serve as the backup to Tim Wrightman, who finished second on the team with 36 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns.

more to come.......

'91 Chronology-Labor Peace

Event Date: Friday, February 8th, 1991

Event Description: USFL Players Accept New CBA

Source: Pro Football Weekly

It’s okay to root for the Chicago Blitz again, keeping in mind that the expansion franchise won’t play a down before 1993.

The U.S.F.L. and its players’ union ratified a new, four-year collective-bargaining agreement, which includes in-season drug testing; modest increases to the salary cap to a maximum of $6,500,000 in 1993; a bump in minimum salaries for each year of the contract; and the closing of a window which allowed players entering their option year to sign with either N.F.L., C.F.L. or Arena League teams. The USFL also withdrew a proposal which could have resulted in teams reducing the number of roster spots from 42 to 40.

The USFL’s new three-strikes-and-you’re out drug policy, which apparently received big thumbs up from both sides, actually eclipses anti-drug programs in other pro leagues.

“We might have been a little bit like the turtle and hare, but we caught up and we passed them,” said USFL commissioner Harry Usher during yesterday’s CBA ratification announcement in New York.

Random drug testing, which kicks in next season, will be conducted by the leagues’ medical staff. First-time offenders will be required to enter drug-education programs, while a repeat offender earns an automatic three-game suspension. Anyone testing positive a third time receives a one-year ban, and a fourth offence gets a lifetime ban.

Jeffrey Kestler, legal council for the USFLPA, said players were “virtually unanimous in their support for drug testing for two reasons: It’s good for their health and it creates a level playing field.”

While USFLPA boss Ray Pinney seemed satisfied with the new CBA, although it could be argued the players gave up more ground than they gained. Teams are now allowed to hold three-day mini-camps between Dec. 1 and Dec 30. While participation isn’t mandatory, it is probably a good idea to show up.

While yesterday was a good day for Usher on the labor front, so was news that the expansion committee has approved a preliminary application for the city of Chicago. The application approval is key to the decision the USFL returning to the windy city in 1993 or possibly 1994.

more to come....

'91 Chronology-Super Signing

Event Date: Wednesday, February 6th, 1991

Event Description: Outlaws Sign Timmy Smith

Source: Pro Football News

Timmy Smith has decided to walk away from the N.F.L. and will soon join the Oklahoma City Outlaws of the U.S. Football League, the team reported on Tuesday. Smith is set to take his physical and will be signing a two year contract, if and when he passes the examination. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Smith, 27, joined the Dallas Cowboys last season after spending two years with the Washington Redskins. Smith gained a record 204 yards rushing against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, but was left unprotected and sat out the 1989 season with a knee injury.

Smiths’ fortunes did not improve after signing with Dallas where he played in only one game, carrying the ball six times for six yards and no touchdowns. Smith had his best season in 1988 as he finished with 470 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Smith will now join ex-Washington teammate Doug Williams as he attempts to revitalize his pro career. Smith will be competing with U.S.F.L. veteran Ken Lacy and former C.F.L. standout Ray Crouse for the starting tailback position in Oklahoma.

The season is set to begin this March, with the Outlaws opening the season against league champion Houston.

In other USFL news;

The Birmingham Stallions have released the following transactions to the media: Signed OL Freddie Childress (Bengals camp ’89), RB Brent Fullwood (Browns-Packers ’90), QB Reggie Slack (Oilers camp ’90), DT Tracy Rocker (Redskins ’90), C-G Ben Tamburello (Eagles ’90), (KR-DB Simmie Carter* (S.Mississippi), WR Jerry Bouldin* (Mississippi St.), placed RB Joe Cribbs on the reserve-retired list, traded DB Dave Dumars to the New Orleans Breakers, released QB Clemente Gordon (WLAF), and WR-KR Ted Wilson (WLAF).

more to come..........

'91 Chronology-Brothers in Arms

Event Date: Monday, February 4th, 1991

Event Description: Ex-UCLA pivot joins Express

Source: L.A. Times

Former Arizona Wranglers quarterback Rick Neuheisel has joined the Los Angeles Express.

Neuheisel, who most recently was with the San Diego Chargers, has also played with the San Antonio Gunslingers (1985) and the Arizona Wranglers (1986-89). Last season, Neuheisel was an assistant coach with his alma mater the UCLA Bruins.

Neuheisel started fourteen games in 1989 for the Wranglers, guiding the team through the playoffs to the league championship. He completed 217 of 354 passes for 3,518 yards and 22 touchdowns. Neuheisel then joined the San Diego Chargers, but was released during training camp.

''He has worked under both Frank Kush, who demands discipline from his players, and [Chargers’ coach] Dan Henning, who is arguably one of the best offensive minds in the game,'' Express general manager Don Klosterman said.

''If you are going to be a great coach, you need to be a great teacher, and Rick is that. He will be an excellent addition to our team and will provide some quality insurance behind Tom (Ramsey). We're most happy with the quality of person that he is, and we are very happy that he has decided to resume his pro career here in Southern California.''

''I am excited about being given the opportunity to continue my coaching career while at the same time having the chance to return to professional football as a player,'' Neuheisel said in a release from the team. ''I am ready for the challenge that comes with learning the offense and getting acclimated to my new team and teammates. I just think it's a blessing to even have the opportunity to come back here to Los Angeles as a player. I am also excited about having the chance to continue to coach in the fall with the Bruins."

“Rick has a good rapport with Tom Ramsey and brings a lot of insight into the quarterback position, and we're hoping he can also help bring the younger quarterbacks, (Todd Santos and Garrett Gabriel), along and aid in their development," head coach Dick Coury said.

Neuheisel will start training camp behind incumbent starter Tom Ramsey, but could end up pushing the veteran for playing time once the regular season starts.

In other USFL news: The Arizona Wranglers announced today that offensive linemen John and George Yarno have been added to the active roster.

John Yarno, 6-5 251, last played in 1989 for the Wranglers, but retired after the season. Prior to his USFL experience, John played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks.

"John is one of those guys who was on the cusp of returning to the NFL when he retired two seasons ago," head coach Frank Kush explained. "This is an opportunity for John to remain relevant in football and we can help him get back to the level of football where he belongs."

George Yarno, 6-2 260, was signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during training camp but was released shortly before the start of the regular season. George Yarno played for ten years in the NFL with stops in Tampa, Atlanta and Houston.

The brothers have also played together before as they both started for the Denver Gold back in the mid-1980‘s.

more to come...........

'91 Chronology-Regularly Scheduled Programming

Event Date: Sunday, February 3rd, 1991

Event Description: U.S.F.L. Schedule Released

Source: New York Daily News

The United States Football League announced today its 14-week, 14-game 1991 regular season schedule. The season will kick off on Saturday, March 16, with a match up between the re-born Oklahoma Outlaws, led by quarterback Doug Williams, heading to Houston to play the defending champion Gamblers.

The league’s ninth season will be played again this spring and culminates in the United States Football League Championship Game on the weekend of July 6th to be held in New Orleans. Kick off times for all games will be available at a later date.

“With the announcement of this schedule we are thrilled to not only add two teams, Pittsburgh and Oklahoma City, but also to feature a match between our league champions and the Oklahoma City Outlaws led by Superbowl MVP Doug Williams”, said USFL Commissioner Harry Usher. “Our games will be primarily focused on bringing quality football to our fans and supporters.”

“We are growing steadily as a league with the introduction of a thirteenth and fourteenth team and are actively pursuing additional expansion teams for 1993 and beyond. A fourteen-team line up allows us to expand our fanbase while at the same setting the stage for a more competitive league.”

USFL television negotiator Chet Simmons said ESPN and possibly Turner networks will air live weekly games beginning March 16th until the championship game scheduled for July 4th weekend. The league lost its television deal with ABC after the network decided to back the newly formed World League of American Football. Terms of the new television deal were not released.

more to come........

'91 Chronology-Spencer Returns

Event Date: Saturday, February 2nd, 1991

Event Description: ‘Boats Buoyed By Spencer Signing

Source: Pro Football Action

A potential big name free agent is off the market.

Tim Spencer, starting full back for the San Diego Chargers, inked a two-contract with the Memphis Showboats of the U.S. Football League, a team that he had played for during the 1985 season. Financial terms were no disclosed.

Spencer played sparingly last season as he nursed a variety injuries throughout much of the campaign. Spencer finished with 521 yards rushing in 1989, his second highest yardage total in his N.F.L. career. The Ohio State product has been with four different teams over his ten-year career.

“Tim is happy to have the chance to play closer to his home in Ohio and we’re delighted to have him back in here in Memphis,” said Showboats head coach Pepper Rodgers. “He is out to prove that he can be one of the premier backs in the U.S. Football League and his overall production speaks for itself. He is the model of consistency and professionalism.”

Spencer generated a great deal of interest since the start of free agency with contacts coming from Arizona, New Jersey, Oakland, Los Angeles and Memphis. Spencer amassed 1,792 yards and 19 touchdowns while with the San Diego Chargers, and has over 2,000 yards rushing in the U.S.F.L..

more to come...............

'91 Chronology-Gamblers Sign Veteran QB

Event Date: Friday, February 1st, 1991

Event Description: Former Cowboys QB Pelluer signs with Gamblers

Source: Houston Star Tribune

The Houston Gamblers of the U.S. Football league of announced today that they have signed free agent quarterback Steve Pelluer to a two year deal. Terms of the agreement were not announced.

Pelluer played for the Kansas City Chiefs for the past two seasons but had his most productive seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Pelluer started at times for the Dallas Cowboys from 1984-1988 where he completed 520 passes for 6,555 yards with 28 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.

"My goal for this year is to get on the field and play football," Pelluer said in a team press release. "When the opportunity came for me to sign with the USFL and play for coach Gregg in Houston I could not resist. I have always loved living in Texas, and this will afford me the opporunity to do that again while at the same time pursuing a championship."

more to come..........

'91 Chronology-Native Son Finale

Event Date: Thursday, January 31st, 1991

Event Description: Breakers sign Hebert to one-year deal

Source: Times Picayune

Free agent Bobby Hebert, the former Saints’ quarterback whose Cajun French last name suggested he should be playing football nowhere else but Louisiana, signed last night with the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League.

Hebert, 30, was granted free agent status after a lengthy contract dispute with the Saints who reluctantly agreed to allow Hebert to play this spring, mostly to avoid continued legal difficulties.

"He's obviously a talented young man who can immediately step in and be our starter," Breakers coach June Jones told the Times Picayune.

"Those things (the contract dispute) happen in this business, and it's a chance for him to get a fresh start. We're getting a very smart player who has been productive going back to his rookie days with the Michigan Panthers."

Hebert made thirteen starts in 1989 before his season ended prematurely because of a knee injury and then looked on from the sidelines as John Fourcade led the Saints down the stretch. Ironically, the Breakers have also signed Fourcade who was given his release by the Saints at the end of last season. The 30-year-old Hebert will be the number one quarterback for the Breakers, in front of Fourcade and former Tulane star Terrence Jones.

The Breakers also released the following tranactions to the press;

Signed K Teddy Garcia (Houston ’90), WR Lonzell Hill (New Orleans ’90), OT Jim Boyle (Pittsburgh ’88), acquired DL Ron Paggett from the Michigan Panthers in exchange for WR Frank Lockett, DE Michael Simmons (New Orleans ’90), placed K Tim Mazzetti, QB Dave Wilson and LB Robert Pennywell on the reserve-retired list, released RB Paul Frazier (WLAF ’91) and DT Jeff Merrell.

more to come...........

'91 Chronology-Native Son Redux

Event Date: Wednesday, January 30th, 1991

Event Description: Stars Sign Redskin's Kelvin Bryant

Source: Baltimore Sun Times

Baltimore — Kelvin Bryant, the United States Football League's second all-time leading rusher, signed a three-year contract Wednesday with the Baltimore Stars. The contract reportedly is worth $3 million.

Stars owner Myles Tanenbaum said the running back is the "link in the chain to the past glory of the Stars franchise, and will hopefully help return the team to the league championship."

Bryant, 30, led the Philadelphia-Baltimore Stars to two USFL titles while establishing himself as a premier all-purpose back. Bryant passed his physical with the Stars on Tuesday and will be ready for the teams’ mini camp which starts next month.

The veteran saw limited action last season as he battled injuries thorughout the year, but appears to be healthy again as he returns to spring football.

Bryant will also not be expected to be the workhorse that he was earlier in his career as the team has also signed veteran running back Anthony Toney. Toney has spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and will be used as both a fullback and halfback to compliment Bryant.

more to come...........

'91 Chronology-Native Son

Event Date: Monday, January 28th, 1991

Event Description: Bandits sign Simmons

Source: Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Bay Bandits have signed veteran defensive end Ron Simmons to the active roster.

Simmons has played 8 pro seasons, one in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, and another seven with the Tampa Bay Bandits and Memphis Showboats of the U.S. Football League. Simmons also was a star player for the Florida State Seminoles before turning pro.

Simmons recorded 10 sacks last season with the Showboats but was hampered by leg and shoulder injuries throughout the campaign. Simmons was released during the off-season after the team signed Tennessee native LaMont Jeffers as a pass rush specialist.

Tuesday night on his off-season radio show, head coach Jim Stanley addressed the teams decision to pick up Simmons.

"We worked Ron out a week or so ago and were very impressed with the workout," Stanley said. "He's in very good shape, he's an experienced defensive lineman, and an excellent pass rusher coming off the edge.  He's got a very high motor. We just felt like it would be a good fit.  You just cannot have enough quality defensive pass rushers.  We also wanted to give Ron a shot at finishing his career here in Florida, while at the same time moving our team closer to their goal of winning a championship”.

In other Bandits news: The Bandits also announced that they agreed to terms with three of their draft picks from the recenlty concluded territorial draft.

Those players are wide out Kirk Kirpatrick who was a three starter at Florida, and two former Florida State Seminoles’ linebacker Anthony Moss and offensive guard Hayward Haynes. Contract terms were not disclosed.

more to come.........