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 Philadelphia Stars were among the most successful teams in the United States Football League (USFL) during its three-year run from 1983 to 1985. But what many fans may not know is that the team's nickname has a long and exciting history.
It all began with an American football team called "Philadelphia Quakers," established in 1926 by Charles Brickley, who had previously been involved with several professional baseball teams in Pennsylvania. The name was inspired by William Penn's religious sect known as “The Society of Friends” or “Quakers” for short, which is still active today and headquartered just outside Philadelphia.
After some success on the field, financial issues caused them to fold after only three seasons. Still, their legacy lived on when another group purchased their assets and formed a new team called "the Yellow Jackets," named after an insect found throughout Pennsylvania at that time of year. However, this venture also failed due to a lack of fan support, so they changed their name again, opting for something more exquisite: The Philadelphia Stars! It worked out much better than either previous attempt because it made reference both to America's Revolutionary War past (with stars being featured prominently on our nation's flag) as well as shining brightly over City Hall each night like a beacon guiding people home safely from far away places – much like how sports can bring us together even if we are miles apart geographically speaking!
In 1984 when USFL decided they wanted a franchise based out Philly area, there seemed no better choice than reviving old traditions under the same moniker, thus making the official return legendary squad beloved citywide ever since its inception almost sixty years prior! With a strong leadership core including future NFL hall famers Reggie White & Jim Kelly leading way along with other talented players such stars Kelvin Bryant Mike Quick Earnest Gray, among others, it wasn't too hard to see why these guys quickly became darlings in the local community despite never winning championship title during tenure league–which lasted until disbandment following 1986 season due various factors including antitrust lawsuit against NFL eventually won owners USFL franchises millions dollars damages...but sadly didn't save league itself unfortunately.
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
- 1982
- 1984
- 1985
- 2022
-
Stars Team Formation
On May 11, 1982, the announcement of the USFL was officially made by league owner and antique dealer, David Dixon. The league’s Philadelphia team (later named as the Stars) would be owned by Myles H. Tanenbaum. George Perles was originally named as the team’s head coach in July 1982. Perles, previously an assistant coach for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, never ... -
1984 USFL Champs
The Stars remained in Philadelphia for the 1984 season but were forced to relocate their post-season home games to Franklin Field due to a conflict with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Stars roared through the regular season with the league-best 16–2 (.889) record and routed George Allen’s Arizona Wranglers, 23–3 for the league title in Florida at Tampa Stadium on July ... -
Relocate to Baltimore
The league’s owners, led by Donald Trump of the New Jersey Generals, voted to move play to the fall following the 1985 season. The Stars quickly realized they could not compete with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Years later, Tanenbaum said that if he had stayed in Philadelphia, they would have had to start the season on an extended road trip ... -
The Re-Formation of the Stars
The Philadelphia Stars were one of eight teams that were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021. On January 6, 2022, It was announced on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that former CFL Head coach Bart Andrus was named the Head coach and General manager of the Stars. Andrus later announced ...
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.
History of the Stars
The Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL) have a long and storied history. Established in 1982, the team was one of only eighteen in the USFL’s inaugural season. The Stars were an instant success, making it to their first championship game that year before losing out on a narrow defeat.
In 1984, after two seasons as members of the USFL’s Eastern Division, they moved into their division with four other franchises: Baltimore Stars, New Jersey Generals, and Jacksonville Bulls being among them. That same season saw them win another championship title against Arizona Outlaws; this time, however, they emerged victorious with a 24-22 victory over their opponents in front of 65000 spectators at Giants Stadium!
However, despite such successes on the field during its three years of existence from 1983-85, the league faced many financial difficulties, ultimately leading to its demise by 1986. Today though, there is still much nostalgia for those days amongst sports fans who fondly remember watching some exciting football games involving Philadelphia stars like Reggie White, Sam Mills, and others. It is no wonder then that when news came recently about plans for reviving USFL through the 2022 season featuring 8 teams, including Philly Stars, there was much excitement among diehard fans who are eagerly awaiting the return of this legendary franchise!
Sports Fan Products
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