Bandit Ball

This week's blog is on one of my all time favorite teams...the Tampa Bay Bandits

The Bandits played in the United States Football League. This was a great league that played it's games in the spring when the NFL was in it's off season. Although it only lasted three seasons it provided some great fun. 

The Bandits played a wide open brand of football that we weren't used to around here in those days. The Bucs were struggling and the Bandits developed a large fan base. 

Wide open offense led by the Ole Ball Coach in his first head coaching job and John Reaves who could really throw the ball. 

The Bandit himself was one of the owners of the team. 

The Bandits led the league in attendance all three years and out sold the NFL's Buccaneers in memorabilia. 

The USFL was a great league and signed many players who would go on to be stars in the NFL..players like Doug Flutie, Reggie White, Steve Young, Jim Kelly...and this guy who was pretty good too

Herschel Walker...in my opinion the best player in the history of college football

The USFL folded after the 1985 season after foolishly attempting to abandon their successful spring season and try and go head to head with the NFL.

During those three seasons there was nothing better than Bandit Ball...I do miss those days...

Thanks to MK for the idea