Event Date: August 5th, 1986
Event Description: Niners' Want Wideout
Source: Lakeland Ledger
USFL '86: The Season That Never Was
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
'86 Chronology-Foregone Conclusion?
Event Date: August 5th, 1986
Event Description: Kelly May Opt Out
Source: UPI
Jim Kelly, star of the Houston Gamblers who was one of Buffalo's two first-round picks in the 1983 draft, was given permission to talk with the Bills after the Gamblers announced upcoming changes to ownership.
Houston minority owner Jerry Argovitz has said that he is open to the idea of Kelly pursuing an NFL deal. Kelly has a guaranteed contract for $800,000 next season, but has indicated he wants to play in the NFL.
The Bills are in need of a quarterback, coming off their second straight 2-14 season. They would like to have Kelly signed by their Sept. 7 season-opener against the New York Jets.
Lustig met with Kelly Monday night and said the quarterback would like to meet Bills Coach Hank Bullough and his offensive assistants. The meeting will likely occur this weekend when Buffalo plays the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome Saturday night.
“It's a foregone conclusion that Jim Kelly will be the highest paid player in football. And with good reason,” Lustig said Monday night from his Akron, Ohio, office.
“Look at what he's going to mean to this franchise in terms of attendance and wins. We're aware of Buffalo's attendance problems.”
Lustig, who represents Bills running back Greg Bell, said contract negotiations could stall.
“Unless somebody is going to open up the vault and let me in, I really don't think the signing is going to happen quickly,” he said. “In my 10 years of negotiating with the Bills, I've never had an easy time of it.”
“Jim wants to play in the NFL. He has had nothing but success in Houston. He loves the city and the team, but at the same time he feels like he has already accomplished so much in the USFL. He just wants to find a situation where he'll have a chance to be a winner. We'll see how serious Buffalo is this week.”
Story-(UPI Modified)
Monday, December 28, 2020
'86 Chronology-Tumult
Event Date: August 5th, 1986
Event Description: USFL Owners Halt Meetings
Source: Football News
The U.S. Football League cut short an owners meeting with reports of ownership changes, mergers and indications that the league may look different next season.
The meeting, originally scheduled to last through Wednesday, ended abruptly a day early when New Jersey Generals owner Donald Trump shocked the owners when he announced that he was indeed selling the team and that he would consider “bidding out” the personal services contract of star running back Herschel Walker.
Commissioner Harry Usher emerged from the conference room to say the meetings had ceased and “several interesting things were discussed by the owners and an announcement would be made in the coming days”.
League sources already leaked word on the following;
—A move by Donald Trump to sell the Generals to Stephen Ross current majority owner of the Houston Gamblers;
—A move to merge, move or fold the poorly attended Los Angeles Express franchise;
—Chicago owner Eddie Einhorn has announced that he has no intention of fielding an expansion team in 1987 or 1988;
— A merger of the Michigan Panthers and Oakland Invaders with the team remaining in Oakland was discussed;
—A move by teams to allow some high salaried players the chance to move to the NFL or CFL;
—The league also received petitions for expansion franchises from a variety of cities including St. Louis, San Antonio, Las Vegas and Honolulu;
Friday, December 25, 2020
'86 Chronology-Break Down
Event Date: August 4th, 1986
Event Description: Canizaro Concerned
Source: Football News
New Orleans Breakers owner Joseph Canizaro has told fellow USFL team owners he was surprised by the recent call by Superdome officials to increase the teams’ rent for the 1987 season and beyond.
Several owners told the newspaper Canizaro's comments indicate “he wants to get out of town,” since he would need the owners' permission to move the team to another city.
“That was the impression I got,” one USFL owner said.
Canizaro recently hinted that he would try to move elsewhere Superdome officials follow through with their plan to modify the current lease.
The Times quoted one owner as saying Canizaro told the group:
“When I bought the team, I never thought that local officials would try and change the terms of our lease. But with the current economic problems in Louisiana, I guess they have decided that they will try and extort more revenue from us.”
The Breakers played in Boston during the 1983 season but moved to New Orleans due to the condition of Nickerson Field.
The team had previously considered a move to Portland or Sacramento before settling on the Crescent city where they have played for the past three seasons.
Story-(UPI Modified)
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
'86 Chronology-Turning Point
Event Date: August 4th, 1986
Event Description: USFL Owners Meeting
Source: Football News
The proposed sale of the New Jersey Generals to Houston Gamblers owner Stephen Ross is expected to be discussed when U.S.F.L. team owners meet at 5 p.m. EDT today in New York, a league source said.
Ross confirmed last week that he was interested in purchasing the Generals from Donald Trump who intends to turn his focus to building a new stadium in New York to replace Shea Stadium. Ross would like to own a USFL team in New York, which is where his business activities are based.
Trump on the other hand, is proposing to build a new stadium in New York which would in turn house the Generals. Trump was said to be displeased with the on field performance of the Generals this year.
But Houston minority owner Dr. Jerry Argovitz is expected to try and block the proposed sale until he is assured that he can find new investors for the Houston franchise.
Ross asked his attorneys to contact the other owners and inform them of the deal being negotiated with Trump. The asking price for the Generals is rumored to be somewhere between $9 and $15 million dollars.
In other league news;
Eddie Einhorn has decided that he no longer has any interest in bringing a USFL franchise back to Chicago.
With Trump seemingly on the way out and a move to fall play a lost cause, Einhorn has decided that the $12 million expansion fee is too high.
Story-(UPI Modified/Alternatehistory)
Monday, December 21, 2020
Saturday, December 19, 2020
'86 Chronology-Chick Magnet
Event Date: August 2nd, 1986
Event Description: Jackson Joins Chicks
Source: Daily Times
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
'86 Chronology-Corker Jumps Ship
Event Date: August 1st, 1986
Event Description: Dolphins Sign Pair
Source: Lakeland Ledger
Sunday, December 13, 2020
'86 Chronology-Stumped!
Event Date: July 23rd, 1986
Event Description: Mitchell Spurns Outlaws
Source: Lakeland Ledger
Thursday, December 10, 2020
'86 Chronology-Passing the Test
Event Date: July 21st, 1986
Event Description: Peace Seeks Chance
Source: Lakeland Ledger
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
'86 Chronology-USFLPA
Event Date: July 17th, 1986
Event Description: USFL Post Season Rosters
Source: UPI
Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by noon EDT Saturday.
Final rosters were expected to be released by the league Saturday afternoon.
Once the USFL rosters are set, the signing of that league's free agents by NFL teams is expected to escalate.
The NFL originally told its teams to wait until Aug. 1, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents. That deadline has been pushed back to after the NFL receives written notification from the USFL that the players in question are free.
Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by Friday.
The signing of USFL free agents by NFL teams was expected to escalate Thursday. The NFL told its teams to wait until Aug. 1, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents.
Final rosters, as well as team salary reports, were expected to be released by the league late Friday afternoon.
Story-(UPI Modified)
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Friday, December 4, 2020
Monday, November 30, 2020
'86 Chronology-Jackpot!
Event Date: June 29th, 1986
Event Description: Gamblers Win Championship
Source: Football News
Jim Kelly threw a pair of touchdown passes and Sam Harrell ran for two more Saturday to power the Houston Gamblers to a 41-35 overtime win over Birmingham in the fourth USFL championship.
Kelly completed 30 of 48 passes for 329 yards leading Houston to its second league championship in three years, with both wins coming against Birmingham.
The former Miami star hit wide-receiver Richard Johnson with a 16-yard touchdown with just 44 seconds remaining in regulation, and then followed that up with a 33-yard strike to Scott McGhee in overtime.
“It tastes real sweet,” Kelly said as he sipped champagne in the winning locker room. “The city of Houston has been very good to me, so I'm happy for the fans,” Kelly said.
“I'm glad I'm here, the USFL has been a great opportunity for me.”
Kelly has previously hinted that he may buy out the remainder of his USFL contract if the team were to win the championship.
“I know there have been some rumors about my contract circulating as of late. All I can say is I'd like to stay in Houston because I'm established in this league and I know that this team is committed to winning.” he said.
Birmingham quarterback Cliff Stoudt praised the new league champs.
“Their team has a great quarterback, a solid pass rush and phenomenal special teams'” he said. “They showed again today that they are the best team in the league.”
Birmingham opened the scoring with a 55-yard pass from Stoudt to wide receiver Greg Anderson at the 10:35 mark of the first quarter as the Stallions moved out to an early 7-0 lead.
The Gamblers responded with a pair of touchdown drives which were both capped by Sam Harrell touchdown runs. The first a seven-yard run near the end of the initial frame and the second a nine-yard run to start the second as Houston moved to a 14-7 lead.
In the second quarter, the Stallions took advantage of a pair of interceptions turning both into touchdowns.
The first came via an eight-yard touchdown run by star running back Bo Jackson which was then followed by a Stoudt to Joey Jones score pushing Birmingham out to a 21-14 lead.
Frank Corral rounded out the first half with a 25 yard field goal closing the gap to 21-17 at the intermission.
Second half scoring opened with a Paul Ott Carruth nine-yard touchdown run which capped a five-play, 36 yard drive, which was again set up by a Kelly interception.
Frank Corral again reduced the deficit with a 19-yard field goal at the end of the quarter.
At the start of the final frame, explosive return man Gerald McNeil took a return 80-yards for a score and Sam Harrell was successful on a two-point conversion as the Gamblers tied the contest at 28-28. McNeil was named the games' Most Valuable Player.
Bo Jackson broke the tie with a one-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining as Birmingham appeared to be on the verge of victory.
Richard Johnson then took a 16-yard pass from Kelly at the 0:44 mark to send the game into overtime.
The game was played in clear weather with temperatures in the low-80s and drew a crowd of 63,934.
Game Notes: Paul Ott Carruth led all rushers with 131 yards on 16 carries…Birmingham defensive back David Dumars finished with 12 tackles and one interception…the two teams combined for nine turnovers and 13 penalties.
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Friday, November 27, 2020
'86 Chronology-Championship Preview
Event Date: June 27th, 1986
Event Description: Championship Preview
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
'86 Chronology-TSN USFL Awards
Event Date: June 25th, 1986
Event Description: USFL Awards ‘86
Source: League Office
Memphis Showboats quarterback Walter Lewis was named U.S. Football League Most Valuable Player by the Sporting News on Tuesday.
Birmingham Stallions cornerback Chuck Clanton was named defensive MVP and the weekly newspaper also picked Orlando Renegades coach Lee Corso as USFL Coach of the Year. Gene Burrough of the Houston Gamblers was named Executive of the Year.
Lewis passed for a career high 3,599 yards this season, and led the league with a 106.3 quarterback rating. Lewis also finished with 34 touchdown passes and rushed for 918 yards and eight touchdowns.
Also joining Lewis on the 11-member all-star offense were New Jersey running back Herschel Walker, Baltimore running back Kelvin Bryant, Tampa tight end Marvin Harvey, Michigan wide receiver Derek Holloway, New Orleans wide receiver Jerry Gordon, Baltimore tackle Irv Eatman, Birmingham tackle Buddy Aydelette, Orlando guard Jerry Dornbrook, Tampa guard Rufus Brown and New Jersey center Kent Hull.
The 11 defensive selections included Memphis tackle Calvin Clark, Houston tackle Tony Fitzpatrick, New Orleans end Jearld Baylis, Arizona end Dave Tipton, Houston inside linebacker Kiki DeAyala, Michigan linebacker Marcus Marek, Birmingham linebacker Herbert Spencer, New Jersey defensive backs Jerry Holmes and Kerry Justin, Birmingham defensive back Chuck Clanton and Houston strong safety Luther Bradley.
The specialists chosen for the squad were Houston kickoff returner Clarence Verdin, Houston punt returner Gerald McNeil, Houston kicker Frank Corral and Orlando punter Greg Cater.
The player of the year and all-star awards were chosen by TSN's editors. The coach and executive of the year awards were chosen by peers around the league.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
'86 Chronology-Play It Again Sam
Event Date: June 23rd, 1986
Event Description: Championship Contest Set
Source: Football News
Three touchdown throws by Jim Kelly and a one-yard scoring run by Sam Harrell in the second half sent the Houston Gamblers cruising past the New Orleans Breakers, 34-10, and into the USFL championship for the second time in three years.
After leading 6-3 at the intermission, Houston took control in the second half thanks to a one-yard touchdown run by Sam Harrell, capping a nine-play, 73 yard drive, which was then followed by a 66-yard strike from Kelly to Clarence Verdin as the Gamblers moved out to a 20-3 lead.
The Breakers moved to within 20-10 after a Matt Robinson to Marcus Dupree 15-yard touchdown pass, but were shut out in the final quarter as Houston cruised to victory.
By winning against their conference rival, the Gamblers earned a trip to Jacksonville, where they will again meet the Birmingham Stallions for the league title. The teams met in 1984, with the Gamblers coming out on top by a score of 35-26.
Birmingham beat Jacksonville 44-27 behind a four-touchdown performance by quarterback Cliff Stoudt. The Stallions scored 24 unanswered points and finally broke free of Jacksonville in the fourth quarter after trailing 27-20 at the start of the final frame.
Stoudt and Bulls’quarterback Ed Luther both threw four touchdown passes as the Stallions and Bulls combined for over 500 passing yards. Perry Harrington led all rushers with 170 yards on 23 carries, while Bo Jackson paced Birmingham with 110 yards on ten touches.
Houston running back Sam Harrell had a career playoff high 131 yards rushing on 22 attempts.…Matt Robinson finished with 275 yards on 16-of-31 efficiency with three picks and three sacks…a report out of New Orleans over the weekend claimed that the Breakers may be forced to relocate due to the financial issues facing the Superdome.
more to come......
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Friday, November 20, 2020
'86 Chronology-Bryant Files Suit
Event Date: June 20th, 1986
Event Description: Bryant Files Suit
Source: UPI
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Kelvin Bryant, the second-leading rusher in U.S. Football League history, is suing the Baltimore Stars for breach of contract and interfering with his ability to negotiate with other teams.
In addition, Bryant, 25, is seeking a temporary injunction to allow him to negotiate with the NFL's Washington Redskins before the suit is settled. The Redskins own his NFL rights.
If the injunction is granted, Bryant could play with the Redskins for the 1986 season. Redskins General Manager Bobby Beathard and other team officials would not comment on the matter.
Washington used a seventh-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft on Bryant, a University of North Carolina product.
The Stars gave Bryant permission last month to contact the Redskins, but later took it back. The running back has one year remaining on his contract, worth $250,000 in 1987.
The Washington Times quoted Charles Holton, one of Bryant's lawyers, as saying the suit could be heard as early as this spring and that a decision on the injunction could come within three weeks.
The suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Greensboro, asserts that the Stars have failed to make payments on Bryant's contract and have changed his compensation. It also claims the team has a lack of adequate training facilities.
Named in the lawsuit are the USFL, the Stars, team owner Myles Tanenbaum, league Commissioner Harry Usher and several other defendants, court officials said.
“Our only comment at this point is that we have not yet been notified,” said Bob Rose, spokesman for the USFL in New York. “We haven't seen the suit and haven't had a chance to review it.”
Source: (UPI Modified)
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Monday, November 16, 2020
'86 Chronology-Playoff Roundup
Event Date: June 16th, 1986
Event Description: Wild Card Roundup
Source: Football News
Wide receiver Alton Alexis terrorized the Memphis secondary for 156 yards and two touchdown catches, vaulting the Jacksonville Bulls into the Eastern conference championship.
The Bulls, who improved to (10-7), will travel to Birmingham next week to take on the Stallions. Birmingham cruised to the final after their 34-13 win at Orlando.
With Jacksonville leading 6-3 early in the third quarter, Alexis, the Bulls' leading receiver during the regular season, opened the second half scoring with a 51-yard strike from Ed Luther.
Perry Harrington then moved Jacksonville ahead by a score of 20-3 at the 8:07 mark of the third frame with a one-yard touchdown plunge.
Memphis pulled to within 23-10 at the end of the quarter when Walter Lewis found Harry Sydney for a 17-yard score, finishing a 10-play, 80 yard drive.
In the final frame, the Bulls pulled away for good when Ed Luther tossed a pair of touchdowns, the first to Frank Lockett from 15 yards, and the second an eight-yard toss to Alexis as Jacksonville moved out to a 38-10 lead.
The Showboats rounded out the scoring with another Lewis to Sydney touchdown from 14-yards.
Game Notes: Walter Lewis was intercepted three times and sacked twice….John Banaszak finished with 14 tackles for Memphis…Jacksonville kicker Roger Ruzek connected on three fields and three extra points.
In other weekend playoff action;
In Michigan, Matt Robinson threw four touchdown passes as the Breakers staged a 24-point second half surge as New Orleans won a 45-34 shoot out against the Panthers.
Robinson and Michigan quarterback Bob Gagliano combined for seven touchdown passes and Panthers’ wideouts Eric Truvillion and Derek Holloway finished with 200 and 163 receiving yards respectively.
In Orlando, the visiting Stallions pounded the Renegades with Bo Jackson and their rushing attack on their way to a 34-13 victory. Jackson finished with 116 yards and the Stallions finished with 251 as a team.
Birmingham quarterback Cliff Stoudt tossed a pair of touchdowns to wide receiver Greg Anderson and Joey Jones hauled in seven receptions for 88 yards.
In Houston, Jim Kelly threw four touchdown passes and Sam Harrell rushed for 113 yards with one score as the Gamblers blew out Los Angeles by a score of 48-27.
more to come......
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Friday, November 13, 2020
Thursday, November 12, 2020
'86 Chronology-Breaking Away?
Event Date: June 13th, 1986
Event Description: Saints Need Incentives
Source: Lakeland Ledger
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
'86 Chronology-Playoffs!
Event Description: USFL Playoffs
Source: UPI
Tickets for the Orlando Renegades' first U.S. Football League playoff game went on sale Monday, the club announced.
Prices for the June 14th game against the Birmingham Stallions range from $12 to $18 for non-season ticket holders and $10 to $16 for season ticket holders, the team said.
The game is one of three USFL playoff contests set for next weekend.
Story-(UPI Modified)
Monday, November 9, 2020
Sunday, November 8, 2020
'86 Chronology-Round 1 Playoff Matchups
1986 United States Football League
Playoffs Round 1
Eastern Conference
(9-7) Jacksonville Bulls at (12-4) Memphis Showboats
(11-5) Birmingham Stallions at (11-5) Orlando Renegades
Western Conference
(7-9) Los Angeles at (13-3) Houston Gamblers
(7-9) New Orleans Breakers at (8-8) Michigan Panthers
'86 Chronology-Week #16 Roundup
Event Date: June 8th, 1986
Event Description: Week #16 Roundup
Source: Football News
The Baltimore Stars, battling for a USFL playoff spot, did their part after a 42-21 victory over the Denver Gold, but were utimately eliminated after the Jacksonville Bulls won on the road against hapless Oakland.
The Stars finished the season at a disappointing (8-8) while the Bulls improved to (9-7) and will travel to Memphis next week to take on the division leading Showboats. The other Eastern conference contest will see Birmingham travel to Orlando.
“The best thing about the win is we now control our own destiny,” Bulls coach Lindy Infante said. “It won't be easy because we have a very tough game ahead, but we don't have to depend on anyone winning or losing else.”
In the Western conference the Michigan Panthers secured a wild-card playoff berth after downing Memphis by a score of 24-14 behind a strong effort from Panthers’ pivot Bob Gagliano. Gagliano threw for 409 yards with a pair of touchdowns.
The Panthers will host the (7-9) New Orleans Breakers next week, while the (7-9) Los Angeles Express will visit (13-3) Houston.
The Express secured the final playoff spot despite losing to Tampa Bay 26-7 at Anaheim Stadium.
The other games saw Birmingham down Arizona 28-7, Houston edge New Jersey 12-6 meanwhile Orlando crushed the Breakers by a score of 31-10.
more to come......
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Monday, November 2, 2020
'86 Chronology-ABC on MNF
Event Date: June 5th, 1986
Event Description: ABC Seeks Relief
Source: Lakeland Ledger
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Saturday, October 31, 2020
'86 Chronology-Week #15 Wrap
Event Date: June 4th, 1986
Event Description: Wek #15 Wrap
Source: Football News
Joey Jones scored on a 34-yard pass play from Cliff Stoudt to highlight the Stallions 29-17 victory over Denver on Monday night.
The former Alabama star finished with five receptions for 153 yards and was named the player of the game. The win secured a wild card playoff berth for the Stallions.
Bo Jackson led all rushers with 87 yards with one touchdown and Joel Coles added another 75 yards with a touchdown of his own.
Birmingham quarterback Cliff Stoudt finished with 22 passing yards on 12-of-26 efficiency with one interception and one touchdown run.
The Denver run and shoot offense was held in check as quarterback Vince Evans was sacked six times to go along with three interceptions.
In other Week #15 action;
On Thursday, the Memphis Showboats downed Houston 27-17 in a battle of the leagues’ two best teams. Mike Kelley passed for 359 yards with three touchdowns in the win which featured both teams’ backup quarterbacks leading the way.
In Orlando, the (10-5) Renegades secured a wild card playoff berth behind the passing and running of Reggie Collier, after beating (7-8) Michigan by a score of 30-20.
In Jacksonville, the Los Angeles Express upset the Bulls 20-12 as both teams now sit at (8-7) with their playoff fates to be determined next week.
On Friday, the (6-9) New Jersey Generals downed winless Oakland 26-19 with Doug Flutie tossing a pair of touchdowns.
Staurday night witnessed the Bandits edge Arizona 38-35 as Tampa Bay remains on the edges of the playoff hunt.
Lastly, on Sunday the Baltimore Stars kept their slim playoff hopes alive after shutting down the Breakers 17-7 behind the combined rushing of Kelvin Bryant and Curtis Bledsoe.
more to come......
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Monday, October 26, 2020
'86 Chronology-Gold Seekers
Event Date: May 27th, 1985
Event Description: Honolulu Gold?
Source: UPI
A group of investors apparently is interested in buying either the Denver Gold or Houston Gamblers and moving the team to Hawaii, but the owner of the Gold denied an agreement has been reached.
A spokesman for the group said it has assets of $100 million with its principal partner worth $92 million, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday.
The group says atthe moment it has an “agreement in principle” with Denver owner Doug Spedding to move the Gold of the United States Football League to Hawaii for the 1987 season. Spedding owns the USFL rights to Honolulu.
“That's not true,” Spedding said. “They just said, 'This is what we'd like to do.” I said, “OK, but first I've got to do what I've got to do. If there's a way to keep the team in Denver, we're going to keep the team in Denver. I'll call them if I need them, but I might not ever need them.”
The spokesman for the group of Honolulu investors told the Chronicle any purchase agreement would state the league would host an all-star game this fall in Hawaii to introduce the USFL to the state.
“We are going to meet with Usher on this and have already talked about it, but without reaching agreement,” the spokesman said. “We think it's important to have some kind of promotion in Hawaii prior to putting a franchise there.”
The Honolulu group approached Usher through a certified letter mailed last Friday. The group wants to deal with him to expedite the potential purchase of a USFL club.
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