Classic SI Photos of the USFL

SI Staff | May 9, 2013

Classic SI Photos of the USFL

Herschel Walker, RB

Manny Rubio/SI

The United States Football League (USFL) began play 30 years ago in the spring of 1983. The idea, officially concocted in May 1982, called for an 18-game schedule to be played in the spring, with nine of the 12 teams located in NFL markets. The league only lasted three seasons.

Gary Anderson, RB

Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

Jim Kelly, QB

Lane Stewart/Sports Illustrated

Jim Kelly, QB

Lane Stewart/SI

Steve Young, QB

Andy Hayt/SI

Steve Young, QB and <br> Mel Gray, RB

Andy Hayt/SI

Steve Young, QB

Andy Hayt/SI

Sam Mills, LB

Jerry Wachter/SI

Steve Young, QB

Andy Hayt/SI

Doug Flutie, QB, and USFL commissioner Harry Usher

Lane Stewart/SI

The league filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL in 1984, claiming it had established a monopoly in regards to television broadcasting rights. The lawsuit became a running joke, with the NFL eventually forced to pay $3 for having violated anti-monopoly laws.

Doug Flutie, QB

John Iacono/SI

Doug Flutie, QB

Lane Stewart/SI

Herschel Walker, RB

Chuck Solomon/SI

Reggie White, DE, sacks <br> Bobby Hebert, QB

Manny Millan/SI

Jim Kelly, QB

Ronald C. Modra/SI