'83 Chronology-Lets Get Blitzed!

Event Date: July 18th, 1983

Event Description: Blitz Take Title!

Source: UPI

Wide receiver Trumaine Johnson ran through the Stars’ secondary for 107 yards and one touchdown catch, to give Chicago claim to the first United States Football League championship with a 17-14 upset victory over the Philadelphia Stars.

“Now I have something to brag about this summer,” said the former Grambling star who was named the MVP of the contest.

The Stars missed a chance to tie the game in the final quarter when kicker David Trout missed a late field goal. 

“We tried to come back,” Philadelphia Coach Jim Mora said, “but just ran out of time. We played well but Chicago played better. We got off to a slow start and it's tougher to come back as the teams get better. But our guys never quit.”

The Stars spotted Chicago a 17-7 lead heading into the final quarter of the title game but quarterback Chuck Fusina promptly rallied his team for a score with 7:26 remaining closing the gap to 17-14 after a Scott Fitzkee touchdown reception.

Chicago then quickly turned the ball back over to Philadelphia after a quick three and out. The Stars then drove 46 yards via a ten-play drive, only to be stymied by the missed field goal.

“I'm disappointed,” Fusina said. “I came up short in the Sugar Bowl (1978 with Penn State) and again here tonight. Hopefully the third time will be the charm. This is a good experience for us. We'll come back next year even hungrier.”

Fusina was16-of-33 for 160 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown. His counterpart Greg Landry finished 10-of-20 for 158 yards with one interception and two touchdowns.

League MVP Kelvin Bryant led all rushers with 95 yards on 17 carries with one score. Mack Boatner led the Chicago ground attack with 60 yards on ten carries. Tim Spencer was held to just 43 yards on 12 attempts.

“They outplayed us and deserved to win,” said Philadelphia tackle Irv Eatman, who shunned a high draft from the NFL to sign with the Stars. “They took advantage of our mistakes. But we took it down to the wire, never gave up fighting. I'm proud of this team.”

Game Notes: The Stars finished with four turnovers as compared to only two for Chicago...Don Fielder led the Stars defense with 12 tackles and three runs stuffs...Jim Fahnhorst was awarded a game ball by Chicago head coach George Allen after posting seven tackles, one sack, two deflections, one forced fumble and one interception.

(Story-Modifeid UPI)