'85 Chronology-Top Flight

Event Date: May 6th, 1985

Event Description: Sunday Wrap

Source: PFW

Jim Kelly threw three touchdown passes and Calvin Eason returned an interception 47 yards for another to lead the Houston Gamblers to a 34-3 rout of the Tampa Bay Bandits.

Kelly passed for 231 yards on 25-of-31 efficiency with no interceptions. Richard Johnson led all receivers with 83 yards on seven receptions with three scores and Todd Fowler piled up 92 yards rushing on 25 totes.

Tampa head coach Steve Spurrier tried two quarterbacks, starter Jimmy Jordan and Ron Salley, but both were unimpressive, completing only 23-of-46 passes for 1 yards with three interceptions between them.

Houston, 10-1, is in first place in the Central division, tied with the Michigan Panthers for the league's best record.

The Bandits, 7-4, are in first place in the Southern division ahead of both Memphis and Jacksonville who stand at 5-6.

In the other Sunday contest, the Philadelphia Stars’ defense shut down one of the leagues’ most explosive offenses as the Stars downed Denver by a score of 17-7. 

Kelvin Bryant scored a pair of touchdowns and the Stars defense sacked Denver pivot Vince Evans seven times enroute to their eight win of the season, while the Gold stand at (8-3) as well.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Machine Gun Kelly

'85 Chronology-Backup Roles

Event Date: May 5th, 1985

Event Description: Backup Plans

Source: PFW

Mike Kelley passed for two touchdowns and Harry Sydney ran for two more to lead the Memphis Showboats to a 31-7 rout of the San Antonio Gunslingers.

It was the Showboats' first victory against San Antonio, now 3-8, and it boosted Memphis to 5-6.

The Boats got off to a quick start, moving 77 yards in five plays and grabbed an early 7-0 lead when Kelley tossed a 26-yard touchdown pass to Greg Moser.

Early in the second period, the Showboats moved 66 yards and Harry Sydney put Memphis ahead 14-0 with a seven-yard touchdown run.

The Boats went up 21-0 on a second touchdown run from Sydney, this time from five-yards out, which capped a 13-play, 71-yard drive.

Another Mike Kelley touchdown pass with just 51 seconds remaining in the half put the game out of reach as Memphis led 28-0 at the intermission.

Rick Neuheisel threw his first touchdown pass early in the fourth period when he found Sammy Greene from eleven yards out.

Neuheisel finished the with just 54 yards on 8-of-16 passing with two interceptions. Kelley finished at 18-of-25 for 284 yards with no interceptions and two sacks.

The other Saturday game saw Los Angeles down Orlando by a score of 44-28 as Frank Seurer passed for 276 yards with a pair of scores as he filled in for starter Steve Young.

'85 Chronology-Week #11 Preview

Event Date: May 3rd, 1985

Event Description: Week #11 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #11 USFL Preview

Friday, May 3rd

(5-5) Jacksonville Bulls at (9-1) Michigan Panthers

Latest Line: (Panthers -13)

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: Larry Munson & Mel Arthur

(2-7-1) Pittsburgh Maulers at (2-8) Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (No Line)

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Gary Bender & John Moynihan

Saturday, May 4th

(4-6) Memphis Showboats at (3-7) San Antonio Gunslingers

Latest Line: (Gunslingers -4)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: John Ward & Paul Hartiage

(3-7) Orlando Renegades at (5-5) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Renegades -1)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Tom Kelly & Rich Marotta

Sunday, May 5th

(7-3) Philadelphia Stars at (8-2) Denver Gold

Latest Line: (Gold -4)   

Television: ABC Regional: Tim Brandt & Lee Grosscup 

ESPN Radio:  Mike Nolan & Irv Brown

(9-1) Houston Gamblers at (7-3) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Gamblers -1)

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

ABC Radio: Bob Buck & Dick Butkus

Monday, May 6th

(5-5) New Orleans Breakers at (2-7-1) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Breakers -5)   

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Jim Fyffe & Dick James

(6-4) New Jersey Generals (2-8) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Generals -6)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul Maguire

Radio: ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Dave Herman

'85 Chronology-Hail Flutie

Event Date: May 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Rams Draft Flutie

Source: UPI

Wedged among the obscure and unknown of the NFL's 11th round is a strikingly famous name: Doug Flutie.

The 1984 Heisman Trophy winner was the 285th player picked in Tuesday's draft. Currently the New Jersey Generals quarterback of the financially troubled USFL, Flutie was bypassed until the Los Angeles Rams made him the No. 5 choice of the draft's next-to-last round.

Dick Steinberg, New England Patriots director of player development, had watched Flutie many times during his record-setting career at Boston College, less than 40 miles from the Patriots stadium.

“I was surprised he went so late,” Steinberg said. “We talked a long time about it, but we have total confidence in our quarterbacks (Tony Eason and Steve Grogan.) Also, we think our eighth-round pick, Milford Hodge (a defensive tackle from Washington State) can play and help us. And we didn't have any picks in the fifth, sixth, seventh, ninth or 10th rounds.”

Steinberg said that some NFL teams do not think the 5-foot-9 3/4 Flutie can play in the league, “but we are not one of those, we think he will be able to play well. Also, Flutie doesn't fit some teams offensive systems, like San Diego, for example. And, I think teams just kept finding players they thought would help them and it wasn't until the 11th that the right combination fell, and someone took him.”

The Patriots picked former Boston College receiver Gerard Phelan in the fourth round. Phelan was the recipient of the celebrated “Hail Flutie” pass in Miami.

Steinberg said that Flutie's personal-services contract with Generals owner Donald Trump might also have caused teams to back off.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Even Money

Event Date: May 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Oilers Eye Rozier

Source: UPI

After concentrating on their defense during the college draft, the Houston Oilers' next goal is to beef up the offense by resigning running back Larry Moriarty and acquiring Mike Rozier.

Oilers general manager Ladd Herzeg said the NFL club will start negotiations with Moriarty's agent, Howard Slusher, and resume talks with Art Wilkinson, who represents Rozier.

“I'm trying to call Howard to set up an appointment,” Herzeg said. “I also think we'll be talking to Rozier's agent and trying to sign Mike.”

The Oilers paid little attention to offense in Tuesday's draft because they believe they can sign Moriarty and Rozier, the second-leading rusher in the USFL, Herzeg said. But he placed the odds at 50-50 both players would be in training camp on time.

Moriarty, the Oilers' leading rusher last season, is in the option year of his contract and could become a lengthy holdout.

Rozier, who signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Bulls, has carried 209 times for 805 yards and five touchdowns. He was the Oilers' first pick in the special supplemental draft of USFL players last season.

Wilkinson and Herzeg had worked out a four-year, $3 million contract before last season, but the deal fell through while Rozier tried to get out of his contract at Pittsburgh.

The NFL Players Association is trying to have that supplemental draft declared illegal since it was not collectively bargained. If that occurs, the players selected will become free agents.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Long Shot?

Event Date: May 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Cowboys Draft Walker

Source: UPI

When it came time for the 114th player to be selected in the NFL draft Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys player personnel director Gil Brandt looked at coach Tom Landry and said:

“What do you think?”

“Let's go ahead,” Landry replied.

Moments later it was announced in New York that the Cowboys had selected Herschel Walker.

Dallas may not be the team it once was on the field, but it still has a flair for public relations.

A year ago the Cowboys drafted sprinter-long jumper Carl Lewis with their last-round pick, entertaining no thought at all that the Olympic hero would ever become a member of the team.

With Walker, however, it is a different story.

“He may never play for the Dallas Cowboys,” said Brandt. “But it is exciting to think that he may.”

Walker won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore running back at the University of Georgia and then put the collegiate football world into an uproar by leaving the school to sign with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League.

Because Walker's college class will graduate this spring, he was eligible for this year's NFL draft.

“I guess this surprised some people,” said Landry. “It is a long shot and it depends on if the USFL succeeds. But funny things happen in this world.”

Walker is under a personal services contract with Generals owner Donald Trump through 1989 and is in the midst of an excellent season - having gained 1,529 yards in 10 games.

Moments after Walker was drafted, both Brandt and Dallas president and general manager Tex Schramm reached him by phone.

“He said he was honored to be drafted by the Cowboys,” Brandt said. “He seemed as excited as we were.”

Walker may have been excited, but he gave no hint he was anxious to leave the Generals.

“I'm very flattered and very honored at the opportunity to be picked by the Dallas Cowboys,” Walker said in a statement released by the Generals.

“By the same aspect, my focus is on the New Jersey Generals and winning a championship for the Generals in the United States Football League.”

More than 20 years ago the Cowboys used a draft pick to select Navy quarterback Roger Staubach even though they knew he had to serve a four-year stint in the military.

Staubach eventually led Dallas to two Super Bowl titles and those thoughts were very much in Landry's mind Tuesday.

“The thing that has always impressed me,” said Landry, “is the sight of Walker running the 60-yard dash. He has those big legs and he can run so fast. He is starting to do the things that people said he could do. He can be a dominant player.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Eye on the Future

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: Lockett Traded

Source: UPI

Veteran wide receiver Frank Lockett, the Breakers' top receiver in 1984, was traded Wednesday by the club to San Antonio for two of the Gunslingers' 1986 draft choices. 

The Breakers also signed WR Mike Smith who last played for the Arizona Wranglers during the 1983 season.

Lockett, 27, has had 30 catches for 537 yards through 10 games this season.

He was a 1979 draft pick of the Green Bay Packers but released before the start of the season. He also had tryouts with San Francisco in 1980 and the Miami Dolphins in 1982.

“This is mainly a move for the future,” Breakers coach Dick Coury said. “Frank has been a good player for us, but we're looking at the long-term plans and feel this is a solid trade.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Player Movement

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Trades

Source: UPI

The Arizona Outlaws of the USFL announced three trades Wednesday and placed two players on waivers.

The Outlaws dealt linebacker Ed Smith, an all-USFL selection last year, to the Oakland Invaders for tight end Brian Williams and linebacker Thomas Carter.

In addition, the Outlaws acquired defensive back David Martin, twice an all-USFL selection, from Denver for defensive lineman Mark Buben and cornerback Lance Shields.

Martin, a third-year pro from Villanova, has 13 interceptions in his USFL career, including two this season. He has also led the league in punt returns the last two years and is ranked second this season.

Smith played in 1983 with the Chicago Blitz and came to Phoenix last season in a transfer of the entire club to Arizona. He was second on the team last year in tackles with 111 and intercepted one pass in the playoffs. This season, he picked off three passes for 66 yards.

Williams, a second-year pro out of Southern University, has caught 43 passes last year, including four touchdown receptions. He has seen limited duty this season, playing in all 10 games but catching just 7 passes, including one touchdown. Carter, a second-year pro out of San Diego State, has played in eight games this season for Oakland, including one start.

In addition, Arizona placed running back Kevin Long and return specialist Lonnie Harris on waivers. Long rushed for more than 1,000 yards the past two seasons and is the fourth-leading rusher in USFL history.  Harris returned both punts and kickoffs for the Outlaws.

Team officials also announced they have given a three-day tryout to former California wide receiver Mariet Ford, who had tryouts with Ottawa and Toronto of the CFL, as well as Oakland.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Revolutionary Idea

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: Dixon Unveils Plans

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Majority Rules

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: Gamblers Seek New Owners

Source: UPI

Houston Gamblers president Jerry Argovitz said Tuesday he will sell 75 percent of the one-third stock he owns in the USFL team. The sale is part of a deal that could produce a majority owner for the Gamblers.

Argovitz said he has agreed in principle to sell part of his holdings to an unidentified Houston group. Argovitz would retain 25 percent of his stock.

Argovitz, Jay Roulier and Alvin Lubetkin each owns a third of the team. But under the apparent deal Argovitz, Roulier and Lubetkin also would sell enough of their stock to give the new investor 51 percent of the team.

“The Houston Gamblers will have a majority owner within 60 days,” Argovitz said. “I made the offer to Jay, and Jay has made an offer, also. I intend to sell ... because I believe the team needs a majority owner.”

Although there has been talk of the Gamblers moving to another city, Argovitz said he hopes the unidentified buyer would keep the club in Houston.

“Hopefully we'll keep the team in Houston and our financial problems should be solved once and for all,” he said. “The organization will not change. It is just that we will be lessening our stock. We (current owners) will become minority owners.”

But Lubetkin denied any deal has been made.

“That's not the way it is,” he said. “Jerry has agreed to sell and I'll talk to them. But it is not a firm deal. I'm not as anxious as Jerry to sell.”

Argovitz criticized low attendance at Gamblers games. The Gamblers, 9-1, have averaged 25,000 fans a game in the Astrodome, which can hold 43,000 spectators for a USFL game.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Stay the Course

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Owners Meeting

Source: UPI-The Ledger

The owners of USFL teams agreed Monday to stick with their decision to remain in the spring for 1986 season, but New Jersey Generals owner Donald Trump said he will look into selling his franchise as a result of the decision.

In a meeting that lasted nearly eight hours, the owners voted 11-5 to proceed with John Bassetts plan to remain a spring time entity. New Jersey, Memphis, Arizona, New Orleans and Eddie Einhorn, who has the rights to a new Chicago franchise, cast dissenting votes. The Los Angeles franchise did not cast a vote.

“It was a businesslike and productive meeting,” USFL commissioner Chet Simmons said. “The first issue that was decided was the spring-fall question that has been ballyhooed around in the print and electronic media. All but two owners reaffirmed the leagues’ plan to remain in the spring for the 1986 season. The meeting was extremely cordial and productive.”

“I'm not surprised by anything these guys do,” Trump said of his fellow owners, especially Tampa owner John Bassett. “John Bassett was in the World Football League and that wasn't very successful. I've never been asssociated with anything that is not 100 percent successful.” Trump said he plans to sell his team as he is opposed to continue playing spring football.

“I have a little different version of what cordial means,” Eddie Einhorn said. “I'm going to take a long look at what the future holds for a franchise in Chicago. Maybe the owners think they can have a league with teams in the three largest television markets.”

Bassett said he is going to do what he's done for three years -- run a spring football team.

“I'm not going to sit back and be told what to do by Donald Trump, Eddie Einhorn or anyone else,” said Bassett, who pushed the owners to stick to their original spring plan and to buck the move to the fall. “The reason I got into this thing was for spring football. I guess a few owners spent too much money and couldn't cover their expenses with spring revenues. If that is the case then those owners should sell and move on.”

The owners also reaffirmed their commitment to fund the ownerless Los Angeles franchise from the league's coffers, and agreed to allow financially-troubled Birmingham and San Antonio to defer payments until 1986. 

Each team has been assessed $520,000 to support the Express this year.  Express president Don Klosterman was happy with the league's decision concerning the Los Angeles club.

Chet Simmons did a very, very positive job about his belief in the Los Angeles Express franchise and the value it represents to any future televeison deals,” said Klosterman, who before the meeting speculating the club might by folded Monday. “Chet asked that I do everything to watch the expenditures and I assured him I would. There was no ultimatium to get rid of this player and that player. I think that today's meeting will clear a lot of obstacles to potential buyers to the L.A. Express.”

Also included in the talks were plans for the 1986 season and beyond. The owners also decided to continue to examine anti-trust litigation against the National Football League, with regard to television rights, and potential actions by the NFL to harm the Oakland and Philadelphia franchises. The owners also examined plans for consolidation, franchise relocation, and future player movement.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Must See TV

Event Date: April 30th, 1985

Event Description: Anderson Hopeful

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Talent Pool

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: Tyler Signs Futures Pact

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Plans & Provisions

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: NFL Eyes Walker

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-MNF-Bulls Upset Generals

'85 Chronology-Heavy Freight

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: Weekend Roundup

Source: PFW-UPI

The Philadelphia Stars stepped in front of a freight train known as the Houston Gamblers Sunday and the damage incurred was predictable.

Jim Kelly tossed three touchdown passes to lead the Gamblers to their ninth victory in ten contests, a 27-7 decision over the Stars. Kelly passed for 445 yards on 27-of-36 efficiency,with one interceptions and no sacks.

“Gerald McNeil made a couple of great plays, Ricky Sanders made a couple of great plays,” Stars coach Jim Mora said afterward. 

“We were not fast enough to beat them. We had alot of receivers running free in our secondary, their offense was simply too much for us today.”

“Right now the cohesiveness on this team has picked up,” said Kelly, “We're playing the kind of ball we need to win another championship. The team has come together. We're playing as a family.”

Philadelphia took a 7-0 lead on Kelvin Bryant's 62-yard touchdown run. The drive covered 65 yards on two plays, but it would be their only score of the day.

Kelly capped a ten-play 71-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gerald McNeil to tie the game at 7-7 with just 3:43 remaining in the opening stanza.

Kelly then completed a four-yard pass to Darryl Clark to push Houston out to a 14-7 lead.

Houston took a 21-7 lead into the final quarter on Clarence Verdin’s 25-yard reception near the end of the third quarter.

A pair of Toni Fritsch field goals rounded out the scoring in the final frame.

In the other Sunday game, the Los Angeles Express improved to (5-5) behind a 24-10 victory over San Antonio. Backup quarterback Frank Seurer tossed a pair of touchdowns in the win.

Elsewhere over the weekend, Memphis topped Orlando 20-17, the sagging Birmingham Stallions played to an 18-18 tie in Pittsburgh and New Orleans defeated Arizona 33-25.

At Orlando, Mike Kelley tossed a pair of touchdowns and the defense registered six sacks for the Showboats. Memphis, 4-6, also received two field goals from Alan Duncan -- one for 22 yards and the other for 21 -- and Greg Moser hauled in seven receptions for a career-high 153 yards with one touchdown.

At Pittsburgh, ex-Steeler Cliff Stoudt returned to Three Rivers stadium, scoring via a 19-yard run as the Stallioons and Maulers played to an 18-18 tie before a crowd of over 35,000. Glenn Carano fied a 77-yard touchdown to Greg Anderson and Efren Herrera kicked a 34-yard field goal to lead the Maulers.

At Arizona, Matt Robinson threw a pair of touchdowns and Bufiord Jordan rushed for 133 yards as New Orleans improved to (6-4) with a 33-25 win over the hapless Outlaws who have now fallen to (2-8).

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Eddie Erdelatz

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: Maulers Tie Stallions

Source: Action! News

'85 Chronology-Dissolution Solution?

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: Stayin' Alive?

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Eyeing Demise

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: NFL Eye Express

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-SNF: 'Boats Battle 'Gades