'83 Chronology-Rocky Mountain High

Event Date: May 5th, 1983

Event Description: Ralston Eyed Elway

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Blockbuster Deal

Event Date: May 4th, 1983

Event Description: Broncos Acquire Elway

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Bandits Sign Ox

Event Date: May 4th, 1983

Event Description: Bandits Sign Lineman

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Injury Bug

Event Date: May 3rd, 1983

Event Description: Bandits Seek Back

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Name The Team

Event Date: May 3rd, 1983

Event Description: Name The Team Contest

Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette

'83 Chronology-Week #9 Roundup

Event Date: May 2nd, 1983

Event Description: Stallions Stomp Federals

Source: United Press International

Bob Lane threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns Sunday to help the Birmingham Stallions to a 35-9 rout of Washington, handing the Federals their fourth USFL defeat.

Lane, playing in place of the injured Reggie Collier, completed 19-of-22 passes, including touchdown throws of 24, 9 and 18 yards.

Lane, a second-year pro from Northeast Louisiana, pushed the Stallions to a comfortable 21-6 halftime lead with a nine-yard scoring pass to veteran Jim Smith.

Following a 34-yard field goal by Washington's Dale Castro, Ken Talton pushed Birmingham's lead to 28-9 with a four-yard touchdown run. The play capped a 23-yard, four-play drive and sent many of the Washington fans home.

Birmingham's final touchdown of the day came on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Lane to Greg Anderson.

In other games, Denver kept New Jersey winless after a 24-20 victory, Boston topped Michigan 24-14 and Chicago beat Los Angeles 17-7. Philadelphia downed Tampa Bay 30-3 on Saturday night.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'83 Chronology-Pieces of Eight?

Event Date: April 29th, 1983

Event Description: Pittsburgh Awarded Franchise

Source: The Victoria Advocate

'83 Chronology-Panther Power

Event Date: April 29th, 1983

Event Description: Panthers Sign Pinney

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

'83 Chronology-Week #9 Preview

Event Date: April 29th, 1983

Event Description: Week #9 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #9 USFL Preview

Saturday, April 30th

 (8-0) Philadelphia Stars at  (2-6) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Stars -4)   

Television Coverage: ESPN-National

Sunday, May 1st

 (6-2) Michigan Panthers at (5-3) Boston Breakers

Latest Line: (Breakers -3)

Television Coverage: ABC Regional

  (6-2) Birmingham Stallions at (5-3) Washington Federals

Latest Line: (Stallions -1)

Television Coverage: Local

(0-8) New Jersey Generals at  (3-5) Denver Gold

Latest Line: (Gold -3)

Television Coverage: ABC National

  

(7-1) Chicago Blitz at (4-4) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Blitz -3)

Television Coverage: Local

Monday, May 2nd

(1-7) Arizona Wranglers at (1-7) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Invaders -3)

Television Coverage: ESPN-National 

'83 Chronology-Pittsburgh Preparations

Event Date: April 28th, 1983

Event Description:  Simmons Visits Steel City

Source: United Press International

U.S. Football League Commissioner Chet Simmons said he would make an announcement Thursday about the league's future in Pittsburgh and hinted it could be the awarding of a franchise to the city.

“I will have something to say (Thursday) ... about all that's been written and talked about, about a USFL franchise in the city of Pittsburgh,” Simmons said Wednesday at a cocktail party in his honor.

“Pittsburgh probably was the No. 1 city in all our surveys as we looked at possible expansion markets ... and we will have a team in the city of Pittsburgh.”

Pressed if that's what he will announce Thursday, Simmons said, “You asked me to give you a clue. You didn't tell me to tell you what I'm going to say.” Top league officials had said previously that a major announcement about a Pittsburgh franchise was pending.

Simmons defended the new league, which has been the target of critics who cite a dropoff in attendance and the number of television viewers from the start of the season.

“The state of the league is quite healthy, thank you,” he said. “I think people expected an awful lot of something that literally was announced just about a year ago in May.”

Simmons said USFL attendance is averaging about 25,000, and the league has already surpassed the one million mark in attendance. In both instances, he said, the USFL is ahead of the old American Football League in its inaugural season.

He also said that although the television ratings have fallen greatly from the first week, they are two or three points ahead of what was expected. “I think we'll maintain those kind of numbers through the rest of the year,” he said.

Source-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-Federal Case

Event Date: April 28th, 1983

Event Description: Brock Wants Out

Source: United Press International 

Dieter Brock, twice selected the CFL's outstanding player, said Thursday he would strongly consider playing football for the Washington Federals of the USFL, but his Canadian bosses were in no mood to let him go.

Brock has informed his CFL club, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he plans to retire unless the club agrees to tear up his $1.1 million, five-year contract so he can finish his career with a team in his native United States.

The nine-year CFL veteran, who has set a flock of league passing records, said a move to Washington was a promising prospect since it would reunite him with Ray Jauch, his coach at Winnipeg through the end of last season. He has also expressed interest in the Stallions of his native Birmingham.

Brock conceded he might be forced to remain in Winnipeg, but warned the Bombers to consider the prospect of being led by a quarterback who simply does not want to play in Canada anymore.

“I've thought about that and they could, if they want, force me to come back to Winnipeg if I want to continue playing football,” he said. “I hope it doesn't come down to that. It wouldn't be fair to the fans, to the club or to me.”

“I wouldn't say it's the most viable, but the interest is there ... with coach Jauch being there and, as I have been saying throughout, if I can work out something with the Winnipeg football club,” said Brock from his home in Birmingham. I'm interested in going to a club that has some interest in me. I definitely would look into them (the Federals) very close, but I wouldn't make a commitment to the Federals or any team at this point.”

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-Invader Territory

Event Date: April 28th, 1983

Event Description: Invaders Seek Elway Talks

Source: United Press International

The Oakland Invaders, whose draft territory includes Stanford University, said Tuesday they would talk with John Elway's agent about the possibility of the star quarterback joining the USFL club.

An Invaders spokesman, told about Elway's announcement earlier in the day of tentative plans to play baseball for the New York Yankees, said he could not disclose the terms of an offer that Oakland might make to the Stanford star, but added, “It would be something worth his while.”

Invaders coach John Ralston said recently that playing football for two years with Oakland would give Elway professional experience that would help him in later years.

USFL teams have an agreement specifying a number of colleges and universities in the general area of each team as first choice for 25 picks. Stanford is part of the Invader territory.

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-Elway Weighs Options

Event Date: April 28th, 1983

Event Description: Colts Fans Divided

Source: The Spokesman Review

'83 Chronology-Surprise Package

Event Date: April 26th, 1983

Event Description: Jets Draft Quarterback

Source: United Press International

California-Davis quarterback Ken O'Brien is probably the most surprised football player in America today.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, who threw for 6,563 yards for the Division II school, was selected by the New York Jets in today's NFL draft as the No. 24 overall pick

“When the Jets called me this morning I had just woken up and I was sort of in a state of shock,” said O'Brien, the fifth of a record six quarterbacks taken in the draft's opening round. “I'm really thrilled to be going to a contender. It's the best situation that could have happened to me.”

New York's director of player personnel Mike Hickey scouted him and according to O'Brien, the Jets' top talent evaluator was impressed.

“Hickey told me that (new coach Joe) Walton would be happy to have me if the chance came to draft me,” said O'Brien. “I talked to Walton and he told me we'd be spending a lot of time together.”

The Oakland Invaders of the USFL also own the rights to O'Brien, but the quarterback said he hadn't talked to them in over a month. 

However, O'Brien's lawyer, Lee Steinberg, who also represents Illinois' Tony Eason, said he was keeping his client's options open. “The Invaders and the British Columbia Lions of the CFL also have the rights to Ken,” said Steinberg. “Obviously, he'd rather play in the NFL, but we'll talk with all three teams.”

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-San Diego Sooners?

Event Date: April 26th, 1983

Event Description: USFL Expansion Looms

Source: United Press International

The United States Football League will soon award a San Diego franchise to a San Diego partnership, it was reported Tuesday.

Bill Tatham Jr., lawyer for his father, Fresno businessman Bill Tatham Sr., told the San Diego Union that the league was prepared to expand to San Diego next spring after a few details pertaining to a stadium lease were ironed out.

Tatham said his father would be the majority owner of the team and would run the team along with San Diego political consultant Kenneth Rietz.

The elder Tatham, 48, is a real estate investor in the San Joaquin Valley and is a minority owner of the Utah Jazz of the NBA.

Rietz said it would not take long to put together a final lease agreement for San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, home of the NFL Chargers. "I think it will be only a few days to reach a basic agreement," Rietz said. "The problems are not monumental."

City officials stressed that the proposed club would have to arrange a schedule around the San Diego Padres and Sockers, the stadium's other tenants during the spring and summer.

Tatham Jr. said there was also concern that football during the rainy spring months could damage the natural turf, but he was confident it was a problem that could be resolved. San Diego had a USFL franchise, but it was moved to Los Angeles before the fledgling league began its first season.

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-Looking to the Future

Event Date: April 26th, 1983

Event Description: NFL Draft

Source: UPI

Several National Football League teams, including the Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins, used middle and late-round draft choices Tuesday to select players already competing in the new United States Football League.

The Redskins were the fourth team to go for a USFL player under contract, choosing North Carolina running back Kelvin Bryant, now playing for the Philadelphia Stars. Bryant, the USFL's leading rusher, was the final pick in the seventh round but would have been a first-round choice had he not opted to play for the Stars.

The first NFL team to draft a USFL player was San Diego, which went for Grambling wide receiver Trumaine Johnson, now playing for the Chicago Blitz. Johnson was the first choice in the sixth round but he also would have been a first-round choice.

Other current USFL players drafted were Southern Mississippi quarterback Reggie Collier (Birmingham) by Dallas in the sixth round; Southern Methodist running back Craig James (Washington) by New England in the seventh round; UCLA tackle Irv Eatman (Philadelphia) by Kansas City in the eighth round; and Wisconsin defensive back David Greenwood (Chicago) by the New Orleans Saints in the eighth round.

Dallas Coach Tom Landry said the Cowboys simply were going to see if history would repeat itself.

“You remember we took Roger Staubach in the draft when he was going into the Navy,” said Landry. “This is just something for the future. He might choose to play with us somewhere down the line or the league might go under, too.”

Also, the Chicago Bears may have erred in selecting Notre Dame center Tom Thayer in the fourth round. Earlier in the day, the Chicago Blitz announced that they had signed Thayer to a contract.

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-No Way Elway

Event Date: April 26th, 1983

Event Description: NFL Draft Coverage

Source: The Evening Independent

'83 Chronology-Snake Stabler

Event Date: April 25th, 1983

Event Description: Snake Excited

Source: Times Daily

'83 Chronology-Critical Phase

Event Date: April 25th, 1983

Event Description:  USFL Roundup

Source: United Press International

Even when they win, the Philadelphia Stars are their own biggest critics.

The Stars' 38-31 victory over the Boston Breakers Sunday at home increased their record to a league-leading 8-0. Still, Philadelphia wasn't happy that its 38-17 lead nearly vanished in the fourth quarter.

“We cracked but we didn't bend,” Philadelphia Coach Jim Mora said. “I thought the defense played extremely well. One of our goals defensively was not to allow the big play. We played too conservative in the final minutes and gave them a chance to get back in the game.”

The Stars nearly beat themselves by allowing a late touchdown pass, then an onside kick, and then another Johnny Walton touchdown pass. “We started our momentum too late,” Walton said. “They were blowing us out. We came back and had a chance to win but the clock ran out.”

In other games Sunday, Tampa Bay shut out Washington 19-0 and Birmingham dumped Oakland 23-0. On Saturday night, Michigan topped Los Angeles 30-14 and Denver downed Arizona 23-16. Chicago hosts New Jersey tonight. 

Story-(Modified UPI)

'83 Chronology-Week #8 Preview

Event Date: April 23rd, 1983

Event Description: Week #8 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #8 USFL Preview

Saturday, April 23rd

(4-3) Los Angeles Express  at (5-2) Michigan Panthers 

Latest Line: (Panthers -2)   

Television Coverage: ESPN-National

(2-5) Denver Gold at (1-6) Arizona Wranglers

Latest Line: (Gold -3)

Television Coverage: Local

Sunday, April 24th

(5-2) Boston Breakers at (7-0) Philadelphia Stars

Latest Line: (Stars -6)

Television Coverage: Local

(1-6) Oakland Invaders  at (5-2) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Stallions -3)

Television Coverage: Local

  

(1-6) Tampa Bay Bandits at (5-2) Washington Federals

Latest Line: (Federals -4)

Television Coverage: Local

Monday, April 25th

(0-7) New Jersey Generals at (6-1) Chicago Blitz

Latest Line: (Blitz -8)

Television Coverage: ESPN-National 

'83 Chronology-Making A List

Event Date: April 23rd, 1983

Event Description: Dickerson Lists Options

Source: The Victoria Advocate

'83 Chronology-Football Fun

Event Date: April 23rd, 1983

Event Description: Besana is Back

Source: The Gadsden Times

'83 Chronology-Losing Bid

Event Date: April 22nd, 1983

Event Description: Thompson Stays

Source: The Spokesman Review

'83 Chronology-Under Pressure

Event Date: April 21st, 1983

Event Description: USFL News

Source: The Reading Eagle

'83 Chronology-Sooner Rather Than Later

Event Date: April 21st, 1983

Event Description: Overstreet Signs

Source: The Reading Eagle

'83 Chronology-Fever Pitch

Event Date: April 20th, 1983

Event Description: Miller Exhausted; Stanley Excited

Source: The Reading Eagle

'83 Chronology-Head Games

Event Date: April 20th, 1983

Event Description: Invader Retires

Source: Lawrence Journal

'83 Chronology-Personal Services

Event Date: April 20th, 1983

Event Description: USFL Clause

Source: The Victoria Advocate

'83 Chronology-Panthers Ink Ex-Steeler

Event Date: April 19th, 1983

Event Description: Banaszak is Back

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Stallions Strike Gold

Event Date: April 18th, 1983

Event Description: USFL Roundup

Source: United Press International

Bob Lane threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes as the Birmingham Stallions handed Denver its fifth loss of the season, beating the Gold 27-20 in Sunday USFL action.

The win before a crowd of 26,250 boosted the Stallions to 5-2, now just one game behind division leader Chicago.

Lane tossed a 12-yard pass to Ken Talton and a 64-yarder to Greg Anderson. Talton also paced the Stallions’ run game by racking up 89 yards on 20 carries. Scott Norwood connected on four field goals in the win.

Denver quarterback Alvin White, who left the game due to injury in the second quarter, tossed a five-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter to Vic James. Harry Sydney scored the other Denver touchdown on a second-quarter two-yard run.

In other Sunday action; the Chicago Blitz suffered their first defeat of the season, falling to Michigan 17-14; meanwhile Washington edged New Jersey 14-7, and Boston pounded Arizona 24-3.

On Saturday, Allen Harvin scored via a 70-yard run and David Trout nailed three field goals, to power the Philadelphia Stars to a 23-14 win over the Invaders at the Oakland Coliseum. The Stars' win gives them a perfect 7-0 record, while Oakland has now fallen to (1-6).

Story-(Modified UPI)

'83 Chronology-Agent Argovitz

Event Date: April 17th, 1983

Event Description: Steelers Sign Gary

Source: United Press International

Defensive lineman Keith Gary signed a multi-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday -- two years after he rejected their first-round draft and contract offer to play with Montreal in the Canadian Football League.

“It's a little late, but we're really glad he's with us,” Steelers' President Dan Rooney said at an impromptu news conference.

“I've always meant to play in the NFL someday, and here I am,” said Gary, 23, a native of Washington, D.C. Terms of the multi-year pact were not disclosed. 

Rooney said team traveling secretary Jim Boston negotiated Friday with Gary's agent Jerry Argovitz and finalized talks Saturday. 

Gary indicated he had received offers from the new United States Football League before signing with the Steelers, but said his heart was set on the NFL. “We knew we had options, that's all I can say on that,” said Gary, who said he had “no regrets whatsoever” about his two years in the CFL. 

Argovitz assistant Gene Burroughs called the signing a fairy tale ending. “Not only did Keith always want to play in the NFL, he always wanted to play with the Steelers, so it's a dream come true,” said Burroughs.

Story-(UPI)

'83 Chronology-Under Consideration

Event Date: April 16th, 1983

Event Description: Saldi Wants Out

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'83 Chronology-Week #7 Preview

Event Date: April 15th, 1983

Event Description: Week #7 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #7 USFL Preview

Saturday, April 16th

(6-0) Philadelphia Stars  at  (1-5) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Stars -4)   

Television Coverage: ESPN-National

Sunday, April 17th

 (4-2) Washington Federals at (0-6) New Jersey Generals

Latest Line: (Federals -1)

Television Coverage: ABC National

   (6-0) Chicago Blitz at (4-2) Michigan Panthers

Latest Line: (Blitz -3)

Television Coverage: ABC Regional

  (2-4) Denver Gold at  (4-2) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Stallions -3)

Television Coverage: Local

(4-2) Boston Breakers at  (1-5) Arizona Wranglers

Latest Line: (Breakers -2)

Television Coverage: Local

Monday, April 18th

(3-3) Los Angeles Express at  (1-5) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Bandits -2)

Television Coverage: ESPN-National