Click this link to get USFL T-Shirts and other t-shirts from the 1980's
In case you never saw the wild ending to the Michigan Panthers – Oakland Invaders USFL playoff game, where the Panthers fans stormed the field to celebrate with 25 seconds left remaining in the game, then you are welcome to take a look at this YouTube video. This showed that the fans had a connection with their team in Michigan, and hearing the commentators thoughts was rather interesting to say the least!
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Click this link to get USFL T-Shirts and other t-shirts from the 1980's
If the USFL documentary, “Small Potatoes: Who Killed The USFL” had been given an extra hour on tonight’s show, then which important topics would you like to have seen addressed? You are welcome to leave your comments provided that they are relevant, use clean language, and are on point.
Here are one man’s suggestions for additional topics which could have been addressed (in no particular order):
The ownership infighting which led to the new commissioner, Harry Usher, who replaced Chet Simmons
The combining of teams in 1985 as a result of the 1984 post-season announcement to move to the fall of 1986
Mentions of owner Taube, Taubman, and Tanenbaum (sp?)
Some mention of the Marvin Warner situation with Birmingham in 1985
The 1984 Chicago Blitz/Arizona Wranglers “franchise swap”
The futures contract to which Lawrence Taylor was signed for the 1988 season with the Generals
Marcus Dupree as being a sophomore to sign with the USFL
The concern among NFL owners when Debartolo, Sr. bought the Pittsburgh Maulers while his son owned the 49ers
The mention of TBS’ initial interest in the USFL’s cable deal
The mention of the effect that LA Express’ demise had on not getting a legitimate network contract for 1986
At least one mention of the 1983 draft with Dan Marino being the # 1 pick
The near-sellout crowd in Jacksonville
Larry Csonka’s role with the Bulls
How the logos and jerseys were innovative for its time
Mentions of the other Hall Of Fame inductees with USFL experience (Marv Levy, etc.)
How the Stars were poised to take over Baltimore in 1986 since the city was deserted by the Colts
Mention of Tim Wrightman and other “firsts” in USFL history
Some mention of George Allen, Lindy Infante, and other significant coaches
Some mention of the territorial draft
Some mention of the Breakers being in 3 cities in 3 years
Again, there are probably dozens more unique stories which could have been covered. At least it finally showed (on a national level) respected NFL Hall of Famers talking about how much fun they had while being in the USFL!
If you are considering collecting USFL memorabilia and merchandise due to its scarcity then take note of this fan! Evidently, he has taken USFL memorabilia collecting to a new level. Just a quick glance of the photos will show you that he has some unique items which may be difficult, if not impossible, to find on the open market. http://www.geocities.com/usflmuseum/usflfeatured.html
It talks about USFL fans, unique collections such as cancelled paychecks of Jim Kelly and inter-team memos, and the company which registered the old logos for the USFL mini helmets.
If you want to search for USFL merchandise and actual memorabilia from the USFL during the mid-1980’s then start your search by clicking the link below:
It is always nice to see the mainstream sports media give the USFL credit every once in a while! Here is an old article from ESPN’s Page 2 column which laments the downfall of the USFL and longs for its return because of the unique elements it brought to pro sports: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/061205
Chances are that the author might be a “quiet” collector of USFL memorabilia. No confirmation of this, of course, but he shares many of the same sentiments your fellow USFL fans share.
If you like the old version of “social networking” – Yahoo Groups – there is a longtime group called USFLfans. It has over 400 members as has been active since 2002; and occasionally some unique information appears in the group e-mails/digests.
Click this link to purchase unique USFL Team T-Shirts including a 1983 USFL Championship T-shirt Featuring The Michigan Panthers And Philadelphia Stars