USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Saturday, July 4, 2020

'86 Chronology-Opportunity Knocks

Event Date: February 10th, 1986

Event Description: Schlichter Visits Bandits

Source: UPI

Quarterback Art Schlichter, looking for a spot in professional football, has worked out for the Tampa Bay Bandits.

Schlichter was quoted last week as saying he was confident he will be playing this year and has had tryouts with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Oilers before coming to Tampa.

But he said Sunday he was not discounting signing with a USFL team.

“I just want to get into a situation where I'll be comfortable,” he said after a 90-minute workout at the Bandits' training field. “I'm looking for a place where I can learn and be under somebody who is willing to work with me and give me the opportunity to improve.”

“He was very receptive to what we showed him and you don't always get that when a guy comes in for a tryout,” said Bandits coach Steve Spurrier. “He was open to any tip, and I think he might have gotten better as we went along.”

Schlichter, 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, was the first round draft pick of the Baltimore Colts in 1982 and was the fourth pick overall. His first season was shortened by the players' strike, and he was suspended for the 1984 season for his involvement in gambling.

He was the No. 1 quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts last season but suffered knee and thumb injuries and was waived after the fifth game.

Story-(UPI Modified)

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