USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Thursday, January 9, 2020

'85 Chronology-Cash & Condo

Event Date: June 22nd, 1985

Event Description: Rozier Tests Free Agency

Story: PFW-UPI

The agent for USFL running back Mike Rozier said the odds that Rozier will sign with the Houston Oilers have improved substantially after the NFL team's latest contract offer.

Art Wilkinson, who met Thursday with Oilers general manager Ladd Herzeg, said, “I'm impressed with the Oilers' offer, and from a cursory examination, I think the odds have improved to about 50-50,” Wilkinson said.

“The Oilers' offer means more cash now, while the Jacksonville Bulls' proposal is more suited for the future.” Rozier was the USFL's third leading rusher with 1,420 yards on 340 carries for Jacksonville.

Wilkinson said an offer that he believes is final from the Bulls includes a “cash-and-condo combo.” He showed that offer to Herzeg, who then gave him what he believes is the Oilers' final offer, Wilkinson said.

“Now that I have the final offers from both clubs, I can start evaluating them,” he said. “Then I'll sit down with Mike now that the Bulls' season is over.

Rozier originally signed with the Pittsburgh Maulers out of college, but the club traded him in the off-season due to a contract dispute. He then signed with Jacksonville, but has been talking with the Oilers off and on for about a year.


A NFL ruling could delay the Oilers' attempts to sign Rozier. The league issued instructions that NFL teams could not sign USFL players before August 1st, two weeks into the start of the Oilers' training camp. The start of U.S.F.L. free agency also begins on August 1st.


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