- 1985
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1985 USFL Champs
As a result, attendance sagged to the point that the Stars might have lost home-field advantage for the playoffs even with a winning record. ABC Sports, embarrassed at the dwindling attendance from around the league, told Usher it did not want to televise playoff games in near-empty stadiums. Since ABC had a disproportionate influence on league affairs due to the ...
History of the Stars
The Baltimore Stars were a professional American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985. The team was owned by real estate developer Myles Tanenbaum and coached by Jim Mora, who led them to two USFL championships. The Stars began to play as an expansion franchise in 1983. They quickly established themselves as one of the league's premier teams, winning consecutive division titles in their first two seasons before capturing back-to-back championship crowns in 1984 and 1985.
The Stars featured some of the top talent of its era, including quarterback Chuck Fusina—who won both MVP awards during their championship runs—wide receiver Trumaine Johnson, running backs Kelvin Bryant and Tim Spencer, defensive lineman Pete Kugler Jr., linebacker Sam Mills III., cornerback Irv Smith Sr., safety Scott Woerner, and kicker Tony Zendejas. Despite having such a talented roster on paper, they could not make it out of the first-round playoffs for three straight years due mainly to injuries suffered by key players throughout those seasons.
Despite not being able to win another title after their initial success with back-to-back championships, Baltimore fans remain loyal supporters even today due largely because many still regard them as one of the most successful teams ever fielded within USFL history despite playing only three short seasons together between 1983–1985. As a testament to this fact, several former members have been inducted into various sports Halls of Fame over time while others have gone on to enjoy highly successful coaching careers at all levels of football competition since then - showing just how much impact this once small but mighty squad had upon shaping modern day gridiron game itself regardless how brief existence ended up being overall!
Established
1983
City
Philadelphia – Baltimore
League History
1983 – 1986, 2022 - Present / United States Football League
Team History
1985 / Baltimore Stars
1983 – 1984, 2022 - Present / Philadelphia Stars
Nickname
Stars – The Baltimore Stars were a professional American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985. The team was based in Baltimore, Maryland, and had an impressive record of 27-11 during their three seasons of play. Despite their success on the field, many fans may not know how they got their name.
The story behind the Baltimore Stars’ nickname goes back to 1982 when USFL founder David Dixon wanted each franchise to have a unique identity and chose names associated with stars or constellations for all 12 teams. Dixon felt these cosmic symbols would bring out the heroic nature of football players while giving each franchise its distinct brand image – something that has been embraced by sports teams ever since!
When it came time for naming his new Baltimore club, Dixon turned to local folklore about the “Baltimore Star” – a mythical figure said to have appeared over Fort McHenry during times of great crisis or danger centuries ago as if guiding ships into safety through troubled waters; this legendary character became closely linked with patriotism and protection throughout generations so it only made sense that he should become part of USFL history too!
Today there are still remnants around town honoring this beloved symbol, including street signs featuring star insignias along Pratt Street near Camden Yards - where baseball's Orioles now call home - as well as flags bearing five-pointed stars at various locations throughout downtown, which serve as reminders about our city's proud past...and future! So next time you're rooting for your favorite NFL team, remember: even though we may not know who first coined 'the Star' moniker here in Charm City, we can always thank Mr. Dixon for bringing us such an iconic representation today!
Championship
USFL Championship 1
1985, 1984
Stadium
1985 / Byrd Stadium
*Philadelphia*
2022 - Present / Protective Stadium/Legion Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
1984 Post Season / Franklin Field
1983 – 1984 / Veterans Stadium
Owner
2022 - Present / National Spring Football League Enterprises Co
1983 – 1986 / Myles Tanenbaum
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Accomplishments
1985 / USFL Championship (vs Oakland Invaders 28 – 24)
1984 / USFL Championship (vs Arizona Wranglers 23 – 3)
1983 / USFL Championship Game (vs Michigan Panthers 22 – 24)
1985 / Conference Champions (vs Birmingham Stallions 28 – 14)
1984 / Conference Champions (vs Birmingham Stallions 20 – 10)
1985 / Divisional Champions (vs New Jersey Generals 20 – 17)
1984 / Divisional Champions (vs New Jersey Generals 28 – 7)
1983 / Divisional Champions (vs Chicago Blitz 44 – 38 OT)
Averaged 14,275 fans (34,680 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history