Bobby Hebert may be a son of Louisiana but fans of the USFL will always have a soft spot for the “Cajun Cannon”. The former Northwestern State Quarterback began his professional football career in the USFL in 1983, guiding the Michigan Panthers to a 1983 Championship before the Panthers merged with the Oakland Invaders in 1985.

For many Bobby Hebert has a been a staple and honored “son” of Michigan Football, and on his radio show today, Hebert was joined by current Panthers Head Coach Mike Nolan on his radio show announcing that he’ll be in Michigan to welcome the team back home.

Some consider Hebert the greatest Quarterback to ever play in the USFL during the 1980s. Hebert is the all-time leader in passing yards totaling 11,137 Passing Yards and 81 touchdowns in 3 seasons in the USFL. Hebert has named to the “All-Time USFL Second Team” in addition to earning multiple honors in 1983 including Championship Game MVP, Most Outstanding Quarterback, and Sporting News USFL Player of the Year (1983). His 11,137 Passing Yards rank first in USFL History while his 81 Touchdown Passes rank second to Jim Kelly of the Houston Gamblers.

Upon the USFL folding after the 1985 season, Hebert enjoyed a 12-year career in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Hebert would be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame upon retirement and totaled 21,683 Passing Yards and 135 Passing Touchdowns at the conclusion of his NFL career.

While people may associate the Cajun Cannon for his time in the “Big Easy” fans will rejoice to see one of the charter members of the Panthers return to welcome the team back to Michigan. With the league now fully embracing it’s first iteration, the USFL is primed to pay homage to their players of the past while embracing their stars of tomorrow

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