10 USFL Greats Who Went to an NFL Pro Bowl
by Patrick Rifino
What’s old is new again with the announcement of the USFL’s rebirth, or relaunch depending on how you look at it. In 1983 the USFL began its inaugural season, 39 years later they are once again attempting a comeback this spring, in April 2022. Although the USFL will be playing in a HUB/Bubble for its first season in Birmingham, Alabama, the idea of the USFL returning has brought back a way of nostalgia for new and old fans of the USFL alike! The 8 currently announced USFL teams playing in the inaugural “bubble” season in Birmingham are the Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburg Maulers in the “North” division and the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits comprising the “South” division. The initial plan includes an eight-team 10-week season with two additional playoff rounds and then a final championship game (the title of which hasn’t been announced yet) from April 15 through July 3, 2022, with the broadcast proposal as follows: 25% on FOX, 25% on NBC, 25% FS1 and 25% on USA. In honor of this week’s announcement of the USFL draft pool coming shortly, here are Ten former USFL Players that went on to become NFL pro bowlers.
**Disclaimer players would have to spend their first professional in the USFL before the NFL**
Jim Kelly
Originally recruited to play Linebacker at Penn State, Jim Kelly would go to the University of Miami and eventually get drafted by the Bills in the 1st round. Due to his disdain for cold weather and some luck and convincing by Bruce Allen, Kelly would join the Houston Gamblers and become a USFL MVP. Upon the folding of the league in 1986, Kelly would join the Bills and go to five pro bowls and four super bowl appearances before being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2002.
Steve Young
Before taking his talents to San Francisco, Steve Young spent a couple years in L.A. Playing for the express in 84 and 85. Young didn’t wow many people like Jim Kelly did but was impressive due to his athletic ability which included lining up at running back several times due to injuries. Young would eventually join the Buccaneers and after several less than stellar seasons in Tampa Bay followed by a couple years backing up Joe Montana, Steve Young would find success in his own right. Young would win two NFL MVPs, three Super Bowls (2 as a backup), and would be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005.
Reggie White
Aftering leaving the university of Tennessee Reggie White jumped at an opportunity to play in his home state. The Memphis Showboats would have Reggie for thirty six games in which he’d rack up 23.5 sacks. Upon the folding of the league White would have his USFL contract picked up by the Eagles before signing with the Packers in 1993. After spending one more year with the Panthers in 2000 White would retire with a Super Bowl Ring, thirteen Pro Bowls and two DPOY awards. Sadly, Reggie White passed away in 2004 and was posthumously inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.
Mike Roizer
Mike Roizer was one of three Heisman winners to make their professional debuts in the USFL. Roizer would join the Pittsburgh Maulers and Jacksonville Bulls for two seasons before joining the Houston Oilers in the fall of 1985. Roizer would then add two Pro Bowls to his career before retiring in 1991.
Hershel Walker
Before he was running for senate, Herschel Walker was running up and down USFL defenses. Walker would join the New Jersey Generals in 1983, and even won the USFL MVP in 1985. Walker’s addition to the USFL helped legitimize the league as the former Heismen winner was a bonafide star who many consider one of the greatest collegiate players of all time. Walker would earn two Pro Bowl selections and even participated in the winter olympics in 1992. Walker would retire in 1997 with the Cowboys amassing over 18,000 all purpose yards and 84 career touchdowns.
Doug Flutie
The 5’9 Heisman Winner was viewed as an extremely attractive candidate to the USFL during its final year. With the need for a boost due to its goal of competing with the NFL Flutie provided much hype with his pedigree. However, Flutie was not able to play effectively and eventually joined the NFL in 1986, only to put together a CFL Hall of Fame career. Flutie would continue to find success in the NFL earning a Pro Bowl selection and Comeback Player of the Year in 1998.
Sean Landeta
Viewed as one of the greatest punters of all time, the UDFA out of Towson University began his career with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. Upon the league folding in 1985, Landeta would join the Giants and be selected to two Pro Bowls, and three All-Pro teams. Landeta would also be a part of two NY Giants Super Bowl teams, in addition to his two USFL championships. Upon his retirement in 2006 Landeta was the last active player in the NFL to play in the USFL.
Gary Zimmerman
The 2008 Hall of Fame inductee may be famous for being a part of the 1997 Denver Broncos super bowl team, but Gary Zimmerman began his career with the LA Express playing with Steve Young. Zimmerman would go on to be selected to two All-USFL teams, before joining the Vikings in 1986. Throughout his twelve year career, Zimmerman would earn seven Pro Bowl selections, and five All-Pro teams.
Kent Hull
Joining the Bills with former USFL alumnus Jim Kelly, Kent Hull left the New Jersey Generals in 1985 to play guard for Marv Levy for 11 seasons. Hull would be a part of the Bills team’s that would go on to win four AFC Championships straight. Before retiring in 1996, Hull would earn three Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro teams (two 1st team, two 2nd team). Hull would pass away in 2011 due to complications from Liver Disease.
Kicking off in April, the USFL 2.0 looks to carry the momentum and goodwill of their past fans, while also build a new and loyal fanbase in younger fans who are interested in spring and alternate football outside of the NFL. Will the new USFL owned by FOX Sports under the direction of Brian Woods, former CEO of The Spring League, only time will tell. It’s an exciting time and 2022/2023 is shaping up to be the most exciting time YET for spring football fans!
