There is no need to seek further if you want an introduction to the epic tales of renowned football players who left their mark in the USFL. The league, which had teams like the Los Angeles Express, New Jersey Generals, and Birmingham Stallions among others, and originally ran from 1983 to 1985, gave some exceptional athletes a fantastic stage on which to display their skills. The aforementioned Stallions won the competition’s first championship after the league was revived last year.

They are looking to retain their crown once again this season, and as the current campaign reaches its apex, they are in with a chance of doing exactly that. They have a seven and two record so far this term and they have already clinched a playoff berth. If they continue in the same vein in the years to come, they may very well embark on a period of dominance that the Kansas City Chiefs are currently undergoing within the NFL.

The Missouri-based outfit has reached the AFC Championship game in each of the last five seasons, and they have converted two of those appearances into Lombardi Trophies. Their most recent success came at Super Bowl LVII in February, where they came back from the dead to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. If that wasn’t enough, they have been made the +600 favorite by NFL Vegas odds providers to win the Super Bowl once again next February.

With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the sky is truly the limit for the Chiefs. But the USFL had some stars of its own during its original three-year stint back in the 1980s. From future Hall of Famers to stars that lit up college fields across America, this piece is dedicated to honoring those men whose tremendous skills earned them much admiration on the gridiron while playing in the USFL.

Reggie White

Reggie White must always be mentioned when discussing some of the greatest players to ever play in the USFL. The significance of White to the league cannot be overstated and he is regarded by many as one of the most powerful defensive players in both USFL and football history. He won the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman award and a spot on the All-USFL squad during his time with the Memphis Showboats thanks to his athleticism and prowess on the field.

However, White’s leadership and love for the game inspired countless spectators and aspiring athletes beyond only his on-field accomplishments. His reputation as a legend of the USFL is only a small portion of the enormous influence he had on football as a whole.

Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly’s legacy in football is undeniable, and his career originally got underway within the USFL. Serving as the quarterback for the Houston Gamblers, Kelly was a dominant force on the field, leading the team to several victories and breaking numerous records along the way. He was one of the best players the league has ever seen thanks to his leadership, talent, and tenacity, and his accomplishments helped the league gain recognition in the national sports scene.

Kelly is also a legend to fans of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, and he famously led them to four straight Super Bowls in the 1990s. they are the only team in history to achieve such a feat however, inexplicably, they The Big Game on all four occasions. With Josh Allen at the helm in 2023, they will be hoping to return to prominence in the upcoming campaign and put the defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Divisional Round of last year’s playoffs firmly in the rearview mirror.

Steve Young

Although most people only know Young as the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback, he also displayed his prodigious skills in the USFL. He led the league in both categories in 1984 while playing for the Los Angeles Express, accumulating over 9,200 throwing yards and 56 touchdowns in just two seasons.

Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker is the first person that springs to mind when thinking about the greatest players in USFL history. In the recently revived league, he is widely recognized as one of the finest players to ever lace up his cleats. The former University of Georgia star dominated opponents by utilizing his size, speed, and strength. In just three seasons, he amassed an astounding 5,562 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns.

But it wasn’t just his on-field contributions that made Walker great – his impact on the league as a whole cannot be overstated. He helped to legitimize the USFL, drawing in huge crowds and boosting the league’s national profile.

Doug Williams

Doug Williams was a force to be reckoned with on the field, known for his extraordinary talent and lightning-quick reactions. His uncanny ability to read the plays and make split-second decisions put him right at the very top when it comes to the USFL’s greatest-ever players. He refused to let anything stand in his way – not even the challenges of a brand-new league.

He constantly had his sights set on the goal and pushed himself to the limit, leading his squad to success time and time again. In short, Doug Williams was a true game-changer – and his legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike to this day.