'85 Chronology-Exhibition Season Concludes

Event Date: February 17th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Exhibition Scores

Source: Pro Football Weekly

New Jersey's backup quarterback Ron Reeves led the Generals to a 14-13 exhibition victory over the Orlando Renegades Friday night behind a 61-yard touchdown pass to Clarence Collins

Doug Flutie, who signed a $7 million contract just days ago, prompting the trade of veteran quarterback Brian Sipe, did not see any action, but he has been named the starter for the season opener.

Fred McAllister ran back a fumble recovery 19 yards for the game's second score as the teams’ headed into the intermission tied at 7-7.

Jeff Brockhaus added a pair of second-half field goals giving the hosts a 13-7 lead midway through the final frame.

A Herschel Walker one-yard run with just under three minutes remaining securd the win for the Generals. Walker finished with 91 yards rushing on 25 totes.

In other Week #2 exhibition action, the Stars downed the Bandits 24-17, before a crowd of 20,00 fans in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Kelvin Bryant leading the way with a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Denver Gold crushed San Antonio 38-16, the Gamblers edged Birmingham 23-21, the Bulls downed Memphis 22-17, also the New Orleans Breakers dumped the Express 24-17 before a smallish crowd at Pierce College, in addition the Outlaws beat Oakland 27-17 and the Panthers pounded Pittsburgh 56-17.

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'85 Chronology-Stalemate

Event Date: February 15th, 1985

Event Description: Jefferson May Sit

Source: United Press International

Green Bay Packers wide receiver John Jefferson said Thursday he will sit out next football season if he is not traded or cannot make a deal with a U.S. Football League team.

A Packer official told the Milwaukee Sentinel Thursday 'nobody has called about him' and that the club can do well without him.

“We learned last year that Phil Epps can step right in and give us the same kind of production, if not more,” the unnamed official said.

Jefferson, who with the San Diego Chargers was one of the NFL's premier recievers, feels he has been ignored in Green Bay because of the compeitition with James Lofton.

Jefferson said from his Dallas home that he knows he might not be back with the Packers next season.

“When I got into this, of course I knew that was a possibility if it comes to that,” he said. “But this is still the very early stage. I expect we'll work out some kind of deal elsewhere.”

The Sentinel said the Packers are upset Jefferson and his agent, Howard Slusher, refused to consider what the club felt was a good contract offer before the 1984 season.

The Packers have protected their rights to Jefferson by offering him a contract for $350,000 which was what he made last year.

Jefferson said he has talked to the Arizona Outlaws of the USFL which is coached by Frank Kush, Jefferson's coach at Arizona State.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Debutant

Event Date: February 15th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Prep For Flutie

Source: United Press International

Doug Flutie makes his pro debut in nine days and Birmingham Stallions quarterback Cliff Stoudt says it shouldn't take long to see whether the Heisman Trophy winner is too short for pro football.

Birmingham hosts the New Jersey Generals Feb. 24 in the nationally televised USFL game. Flutie, the 5-foot-9 former Boston College star, became the Generals' starting quarterback a week ago when Brian Sipe was traded to Jacksonville.

“I think Flutie will do very well. He's the Heisman Trophy winner and a little guy and everybody likes that,” the 6-foot-4 Stoudt said. “But I got three passes knocked back in my face by our defense the other day, and I've got a few inches on Flutie.”

Stoudt said he would be looking forward to watching Flutie play when the Stallions don't have the ball, but he thinks New Jersey made a mistake trading Sipe to the Bulls.

“I think for Flutie's sake, a guy like Brian Sipe could really help him along,” Stoudt said.

Stallions Coach Rollie Dotsch said neither Flutie's height nor inexperience have him relishing the thought of facing a quarterback who can run as well as he can throw.

“It would normally be comforting to know you'll be up against a rookie quarterback in the first game of the season,” Dotsch said, “but when you say Doug Flutie you worry about a guy like that, who is real intelligent and is a scrambler. Most coaches worry about scramblers more. He can get inside containment or outside containment and make the big play.”

The Stallions were 16-5 last year in a season that ended with a loss to the Houston Gamblers in the league championship game.

“We're better than we were last year, but I don't know if that means anything,” Dotsch said, commenting on off-season acquisitions and trades. “Everybody is going to be better.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Bits and Pieces

Event Date: February 15th, 1985

Event Description: Assorted Notes

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Counted Out

Event Date: February 14th, 1985

Event Description: Bulls Dump LeCount

Source: February 14th, 1985

'85 Chronology-Flutie Ready

Event Date: February 14th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Debut

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Satisfaction

Event Date: February 13th, 1985

Event Description: Breakers Sign Pivot

Source: Eugene Register Guard

'85 Chronology-Substantive Agreement

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: USFLPA Seeks New CBA

Source: Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Striking Resolution

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: Martha Eyes Settlement

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Waiver Wire

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Waive Players

Source: Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Controversial Calls

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: Television Replay

Source: Eugene Register Guard

'85 Chronology-Quarterback Search

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: Breakers' QB Hunt

Source: Eugene Register Guard

'85 Chronology-Looming Crisis?

Event Date: February 11th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Strike Looms

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Original Concept

Event Date: February 11th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Free Agency

Source: Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Play By Play

Event Date: February 11th, 1985

Event Description: ESPN Presents Commentators

Source: United Press International

Jim Simpson and Paul Maguire will be joined by five commentators for ESPN's coverage of the U.S. Football League's 1985 schedule, it was announced Tuesday.

In addittion to Simpson, Roger Twibell of ESPN and Fred Manfra, who has worked the past two USFL seasons for ABC radio, will call play-by-play. Joining Maguire as analysts will be Mike Adamle who has covered pro football for both ABC and NBC; Marv Levy, former head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Blitz; and Ed Biles, former Huston Oilers head coach.

ESPN will televise an average of three games per week, every Saturday and Monday night under the direction of Bill Fitts.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Arbitration Situation

Event Date: February 11th, 1985

Event Description: Johnson Seeks Arbitration

Source: United Press International

Two-time all-USFL wide receiver Trumaine Johnson wants the league to act as an arbitrator and settle a contract dispute with the Arizona Outlaws.

Johnson walked out on the third day of preseason training camp January 23rd after the Outlaws reportedly failed to give him a $280,000 advance, to be used as a down payment on a 350-acre ranch in Mississippi for himself and his parents.

“I'm standing up for what I believe in,” said Johnson. “I would sit out the whole season. It's getting close to the beginning of the season and they have to decide if they want me to play for them or not. I hope we can get it settled in the next week or two. I feel bad about it.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Smooth Sailing

Event Date: February 10th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Exhibition Games

Source: PFW

Tim Spencer and Harry Sydney ran for touchdowns Saturday to lead the Memphis Showboats to a 35-16 USFL exhibition victory over the New Jersey Generals.

Spencer scored on a one-yard run on the Showboats second possession, and Sydney crashed in from 15-yards out midway through the second quarter as Memphis crusied to the win.

Memphis made it 28-6 with 1:21 left in the third frame on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Waler Lewis to Derrick Crawford.

Showboats starting quarterback Walter Lewis completed 6 of 10 passes for 113 yards and ran for 117 more on eleven carries.

The game was staged in Charlotte by businessman George Shinn, who is testing the city's response in his pursuit of a USFL franchise. A crowd of 11,667 sat through a light rain in the 24,500-seat Memorial Stadium.

Shinn said he was pleased with the crowd. He said he will reach a franchise decision sometime after a second USFL game in the city between thedefending league champion Philadelphia Stars and the Tampa Bay Bandits.

In other exhibition action; the Philadelphia Stars downed the new Orlando franchise by a score of 31-10 at Deland, Florida. Ex-Tampa Bay Bucs quarterback Jerry Golsteyn got the start for the Renegades throwing for 239 yards with three interceptions.

The new San Antonio Gunslingers squad got off to a good start with a 26-9 win over Birmingham with Rick Neuheisel tossing a 15-yard touchdown pass and veteran kicker Nick Mike-Mayer connecting on four field goals.

Meanwhile the Los Angeles Express downed Denver by a score of 19-15, the Arizona Outlaws outlasted Oakland 13-6, the Jacksonville Bulls beat defending champion Houston by a 29-20 count, the New Orleans Breakers defeated Michigan 37-28 and the Tampa Bay Bandits beat visiting Pittsburgh by a score of 21-14.

'85 Chronology-Once in a Lifetime

Event Date: February 9th, 1985

Event Description: Good Guy Flutie

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Quarterback Challenge

Event Date: February 9th, 1985

Event Description: Bandits Exhibition Game

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Shock Value

Event Date: February 8th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Shocked; Bulls Dump Pivots

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Sipe Traded

Event Date: February 7th, 1985

Event Description: Generals Trade Sipe

Source: Gadsden Times

'85 Chronology-Peace Talks

Event Date: February 7th, 1985

Event Description: Peace Traded

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Select A Seat Sale

Event Date: February 6th, 1985

Event Description: Renegades Ticket Sale

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-May Day

Event Date: February 5th, 1985

Event Description: May Considers Offer

Source: The Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Flutie Agrees

Event Date: February 4th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Finalizes Deal

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Game Breaker

Event Date: February 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Rozier Inks New Deal

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Paying Bills

Event Date: February 1st, 1985

Event Description: Mack Released

Source: United Press International

The finacially-troubled Los Angeles Express, looking to trim expenses, have released running back Kevin Mack, the U.S. Football League team announced Friday.

“We're trimming our payroll to more realistic numbers,” general manager DonKlosterman said following Thursday's announcement that his club is being supported by the USFL.

“Kevin Mack has been released by the Express and has cleared waivers thoughout the USFL. He's now a free agent. Kevin's a tremendous prospect and we wish him well.”

Mack, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound fullback from Clemson, appeared in 12 games for the Express last season. He started twice and rushed for 404 yards and three touchdowns on 94 carries.

The USFL announced Thursday in New York that the owners agreed to support the ailing Express franchise.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Paying Dividends

Event Date: February 1st, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Pact

Source: The Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Damaged Goods?

Event Date: February 1st, 1985

Event Description: Collinsworth Free

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Bandits' Scrimmage

Event Date: February 1st, 1985

Event Description: Bandit Bullets

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Rozier Talks

Event Date: January 30th, 1985

Event Description: Nothing Final

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Second Fiddle

Event Date: January 30th, 1985

Event Description: Peace Feels Left Out

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Rozier Seeks New Deal

Event Date: January 30th, 1985

Event Description: Rozier Nears Decision

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Time to Go

Event Date: January 30th, 1985

Event Description: Walton Retires

Source: Eugene Register-Guard

'85 Chronology-Quarterback Challenge

Event Date: January 29th, 1985

Event Description: Jordan vs. Reaves

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Italian Syndrome

Event Date: January 28th, 1985

Event Description: Williams Amazed

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Trade Winds

Event Date: January 28th, 1985

Event Description: Benson Traded

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Ticket Sales

Event Date: January 27th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Spurs Ticket Sales

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Opportunity Knocks

Event Date: January 27th, 1985

Event Description: Second Chances

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Pleased as Punch

Event Date: January 27th, 1985

Event Description: Marino Smiling

Source: Eugene-Register Guard

'85 Chronology-Small Ball

Event Date: January 26th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Heads to USFL

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Trump Card

Event Date: January 26th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Joins Generals

Source: Eugene Register Guard