Post by 50yardfan on May 11, 2010 21:28:31 GMT -5
Founders Message
Twenty-five years ago this past spring America was treated to the beginning of a sports league that captured the hearts and minds of millions of sports fans throughout North America. I am proud to say that I was one of those football fans. The United States Football League burst into our psyche that spring like fresh air and newly-cut grass. We couldn’t get enough of it. It had a wonderful combination of the old and the new: George Allen and Herschel Walker, Marv Levy and Steve Spurrier…The games were played from March through June in some new cities and many of the established homes of football legends.
The United States Football League was about opportunity and promise. It was the beginning for some Hall of Fame careers we all know and are proud to have followed. In Los Angeles, I had Steve Young and Gary Zimmerman, young guys who had as yet only showed the promise of a great college career. I also had Coach John Hadl and his quarterback Mike Rae who had led the USC Trojans to glory. Go to every city that provided a home for a USFL team and I feel confident enough to guarantee that tens of thousands of football fans have not forgotten that first attempt at spring football and possess memories similar to mine.
Think of the innovations—instant replay coaches challenges, two point conversions, territorial drafts, one-foot inbounds, and kickoffs from the 30-yard line--some becoming a permanent part of pro football. The USFL opened up new cities that hadn’t been able to secure professional football franchises. Jacksonville and Phoenix later obtained NFL franchises. Others like Orlando, Portland, San Antonio, Memphis, Birmingham and Tulsa got a chance to support their pro football team.
The United States Football League also provided some disappointment. Some selfish owners took the league away from so many of us, waiting for the spring to come and another USFL season. The coaches, players, colors and logos that had, after three seasons, become as well known as any on the American sports scene. The opportunity of playing the game ended for so many while many went on to success in the NFL. That wonderful USFL memory has burned in my mind for years.
Well, I am proud to say that the USFL is back! We are confident of the long-term spring football success denied it so many years ago. I have put together a team of business and football experts to see that the resurrection of the USFL fulfills the long-time interest of so many football fans. I know, too, that the same interest generated in 1983 will excite a whole new generation of young football fans. Our plan will employ the best features of the old USFL while applying all of the lessons learned over the past twenty-five years. The new technology we will employ will allow the new USFL to be cutting edge in every way. I encourage all true football fans to join our effort in continuing the long delayed efforts of the United States Football League.
Michael Dwyer
Founder and Chairman
The New United States Football League
www.newusfl.com/
Twenty-five years ago this past spring America was treated to the beginning of a sports league that captured the hearts and minds of millions of sports fans throughout North America. I am proud to say that I was one of those football fans. The United States Football League burst into our psyche that spring like fresh air and newly-cut grass. We couldn’t get enough of it. It had a wonderful combination of the old and the new: George Allen and Herschel Walker, Marv Levy and Steve Spurrier…The games were played from March through June in some new cities and many of the established homes of football legends.
The United States Football League was about opportunity and promise. It was the beginning for some Hall of Fame careers we all know and are proud to have followed. In Los Angeles, I had Steve Young and Gary Zimmerman, young guys who had as yet only showed the promise of a great college career. I also had Coach John Hadl and his quarterback Mike Rae who had led the USC Trojans to glory. Go to every city that provided a home for a USFL team and I feel confident enough to guarantee that tens of thousands of football fans have not forgotten that first attempt at spring football and possess memories similar to mine.
Think of the innovations—instant replay coaches challenges, two point conversions, territorial drafts, one-foot inbounds, and kickoffs from the 30-yard line--some becoming a permanent part of pro football. The USFL opened up new cities that hadn’t been able to secure professional football franchises. Jacksonville and Phoenix later obtained NFL franchises. Others like Orlando, Portland, San Antonio, Memphis, Birmingham and Tulsa got a chance to support their pro football team.
The United States Football League also provided some disappointment. Some selfish owners took the league away from so many of us, waiting for the spring to come and another USFL season. The coaches, players, colors and logos that had, after three seasons, become as well known as any on the American sports scene. The opportunity of playing the game ended for so many while many went on to success in the NFL. That wonderful USFL memory has burned in my mind for years.
Well, I am proud to say that the USFL is back! We are confident of the long-term spring football success denied it so many years ago. I have put together a team of business and football experts to see that the resurrection of the USFL fulfills the long-time interest of so many football fans. I know, too, that the same interest generated in 1983 will excite a whole new generation of young football fans. Our plan will employ the best features of the old USFL while applying all of the lessons learned over the past twenty-five years. The new technology we will employ will allow the new USFL to be cutting edge in every way. I encourage all true football fans to join our effort in continuing the long delayed efforts of the United States Football League.
Michael Dwyer
Founder and Chairman
The New United States Football League
www.newusfl.com/