USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Thursday, September 6, 2018

'84 Chronology-Pittsburgh Pride

Event Date: February 22nd, 1984

Event Description:  Woodley Traded

Source: United Press International

David Woodley was too good to be a third-string quarterback in Miami and has too much “pride” to play with the USFL, Dolphins coach Don Shula said Wednesday.

Woodley, who last year became the youngest quarterback ever to start a Super Bowl, was traded Wednesday to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-round draft choice and possible future considerations.

Woodley led the Dolphins to Super Bowl XVII -- a loss to Washington - in 1982 but then began fourth season as a disappointment and lost his starting position to rookie sensation Dan Marino in the fifth game.

“Our situation is that Marino came on strong and when we have to go to a relief man it'll be Don Strock, because he's proven his reliability and that's why we have him around,” Shula said.

“That means Woodley is No. 3 and he's just too good a quarterback to be in that capacity. I'm glad David is able to go to a team where he can be No. 1.”

Shula said he also was not surprised Woodley did not sign with a USFL club despite reports that at least two of them made offers.

“Woodley's got a lot of pride. He wants to play in the best league,” Shula said. 

An obviously delighted Woodley said in a telephone news conference with south Florida media that he and agent Howard Slusher had talked with two unnamed USFL clubs, but one didn't appear to be financially stable and the other contacted him after conversations with the Steelers had begun.

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