Birmingham Stallions

Last updated
Birmingham Stallions
Established 1982
Folded 1985
Played in Legion Field
in Birmingham, Alabama
www.theusfl.com
League/conference affiliations
United States Football League (1982–1985)
  • Eastern Conference (1982–1986)
    • Central Division (1983)
    • Southern Division (1984–1985)
Current uniform
Team colorsRed, Gold, White
   
Personnel
Owner(s) Marvin L. Warner
Others [1]
Head coach1983–1985 Rollie Dotsch (38–18)
Team history
  • Birmingham Stallions (1983–1985)
Championships
League championships (0)
Conference championships (0)
Division championships (2)
1984, 1985
Home stadium(s)

The Birmingham Stallions were a franchise in the United States Football League, an attempt to establish a second professional league of American football in the United States in competition with the National Football League. They played their home games at Birmingham, Alabama's Legion Field. They competed in all three USFL seasons, 1983–1985. During their run, they were one of the USFL's more popular teams, and seemed to have a realistic chance of being a viable venture had the USFL been better run. [2]

Contents

The owner was Cincinnati financier and Birmingham native Marvin Warner. The team's coach was Rollie Dotsch, who was previously the offensive line coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers during its Super Bowl years and ended up with the second most wins in USFL history. The Stallions starting quarterback for their final two seasons was Cliff Stoudt, a long-time backup to Terry Bradshaw with the Steelers. Stoudt had finally taken over for the injured Bradshaw in 1983 and had played very well for the first half of the season, but his game fell apart in the second half of the season, leading Steeler fans to harshly turn on him. After the season, Stoudt quickly decided it was not worth staying in Pittsburgh and signed with the Stallions. (Amusingly, the expansion Pittsburgh Maulers' lone sellout was the game where Cliff Stoudt returned to Pittsburgh. Steeler fans pelted the hated Stoudt with snowballs throughout the game, but Stoudt and Birmingham won, 30–18.)

In Birmingham, Stoudt proved to be an excellent QB, finishing in the league's top 5 in 1984 and 1985, among such peers as Jim Kelly and Chuck Fusina and leading the team to two divisional titles. The Stallions also added Bills star HB Joe Cribbs in 1984. Cribbs led the league in rushing in 1984 and finished 6th in 1985. Former Steeler WR Jim Smith was another of the team's stars. Many other Stallions players would play in the NFL once the USFL went out of existence.

1983 season

Warner was initially slated to be the owner of the USFL's Washington franchise–what became the Washington Federals. However, when he learned that the USFL was putting a franchise in his hometown, he jumped at it. Without Warner's wealth behind them, the Federals were forced to abandon the capital after two seasons and move to Orlando as the Renegades. [3]

The Stallions scrambled to put a roster together after training camp and signed or claimed approximately 20 players via trades or waivers in the week prior to their first game. However, Dotsch managed to mold them into a fairly competitive team that finished 9-9.

Although the team made a splash in signing their first-round draft pick, quarterback Reggie Collier out of Southern Mississippi, the remainder of the Stallions consisted of mostly unsung former NFL reserves and college free agents.

One of the few pro veterans signed was center Tom Banks (a Birmingham native), who spent ten seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Banks played 116 NFL games (starting 63) while with the Cardinals and was brought in by coach Rollie Dotsch to serve as a mentor to a very young club. Banks eventually retired after the 1984 Stallions' season and became an assistant coach on the Birmingham staff in 1985.

Other NFL veterans who signed with the Stallions included former Kansas City Chief RB Earl Gant (2 years, 20 games with the Chiefs), RB Ken Talton (1 year, 2 games with the Lions), WR/KR Kevin Miller (3 years, 20 games with the Vikings), TE Steve Stephens (1 year, 16 games with the Jets), OT Robert Woods (8 years, 99 games with the Jets and Saints), OG Buddy Aydelette (1 year, 9 games with the Packers), DE Mike Raines (7 years, 104 games with the CFL Ottawa Rough Riders), DE Reggie P. Lewis (2 years, 22 games with the Buccaneers), LB Dallas Hickman (6 years, 91 games with the Redskins), CB Mike Thomas (6 years, 77 games with the Redskins and Chargers) and SS Billy Cesare (5 years, 46 games with the Buccaneers, Dolphins and Lions),

The Stallions had some success in signing several of their 1983 draft picks to go along with Collier. Guard Pat Saindon (8th round, Vanderbilt), nose tackle Charles Martin (15th round, Livingston College) and reserve guard Mike Turner (16th round, Louisiana State). Martin would go on to play for the Green Bay Packers and was involved in an infamous bodyslam tackle of Chicago Bears QB Jim McMahon in 1986 at Soldier Field. They also signed two key territorial draft selections in defensive end Jackie Cline from Alabama and offensive tackle Pat Phenix from Ole' Miss.

The Stallions also signed a rookie free agent named Scott Norwood who would later be infamous as the Buffalo Bills kicker who missed a field goal in the dying minutes of the Super Bowl in 1990.

After dropping their opening game on a Monday night (9-7, at home to the Michigan Panthers) the Stallions rebounded on the road the following week with a 20–14 overtime victory in Oakland against the Invaders to record their first franchise win.

However, the Stallions struggled out of the gate with a 2–5 record as Coach Rollie Dotsch and his staff put a patchwork, blue-collar, run-oriented club together.

Prior to the Stallions' sixth game of the season, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jim Smith (6 years, 73 games with the Steelers) was signed by Dotsch to add some punch to a listless receiving corps. Smith did not disappoint as his arrival helped the offense almost immediately. Dotsch was very familiar with Smith as they were members of two Super Bowl Championship clubs in the Steel City.

The turning point in the season, however, was during a home game in Week #8 (Sunday, April 24) against the Oakland Invaders when backup quarterback Bobby Lane took the reins of the Stallions offense from Collier, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

Lane's heroics won the game vs. Oakland and the Stallions went on to win four subsequent games that improved their record to a 7–5 mark. However, the club managed to only win two of their last six games to finish with a 9–9 mark and a fourth-place finish in the Central Division.

All four teams in the USFL Central Division in 1983 were at .500 or above (Michigan 12–6, Chicago 12-6 and Tampa Bay 11-7 all recorded strong campaigns).

The biggest game of the 1983 season for the Stallions came in Week #11 on a Saturday night (May 14, 1983) when they defeated the visiting Los Angeles Express, 35–20, in front of the largest crowd of the year at Legion Field (42,212). The crowd featured over 20,000 people from the families of local steel and Iron workers unions.

The following week, the Stallions went on the road and defeated the eventual USFL Champion Michigan Panthers, 23–20 at the Pontiac Silverdome. The game was highlighted by a disputed touchdown late in the game when a Michigan defender intercepted a ball in the end zone, spiked the ball and had it recovered by a Stallions' player before the play was blown dead.

Birmingham finished the season as the top rushing club in the USFL with 3,017 yards on 701 carries, however, the Stallions ranked 11th in the 12-team loop with 2,999 yards passing.

Late in the season, the club also announced the signing of former Buffalo Bills running back Joe Cribbs, who would join the club at the start of the 1984 season. Cribbs, who played his college ball locally for the Auburn Tigers, signed a three-year contract with the Stallions.

1983 opening-day roster

Birmingham Stallions 1983 Opening Day Roster (at 7-Mar-83)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve


rookies in italics
40 Active, 10 Developmental

1983 Birmingham Stallions Schedule

WeekDayDateOpponentResultRecordTVVenueAttendance
1MondayMarch 7, 1983 Michigan Panthers L7–90–1 ESPN Legion Field 30,305
2SundayMarch 13, 1983at Oakland Invaders W 20–14 (OT)1–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 47,344
3MondayMarch 21, 1983 Philadelphia Stars L 10-171–2 ESPN Legion Field12,850
4SaturdayMarch 26, 1983 Arizona Wranglers W 16–72–2 ESPN Legion Field5,000
5SaturdayApril 2, 1983at Boston Breakers L 16–272–3 Nickerson Field 10,976
6SundayApril 10, 1983at Chicago Blitz L 11–222–4 ABC Soldier Field 13,859
7SundayApril 17, 1983 Denver Gold L 7–92–5Legion Field26,250
8SundayApril 24, 1993 Oakland Invaders W 21–93–5Legion Field18,500
9SundayMay 1, 1983at Washington Federals W 35–34–5 RFK Stadium 12,818
10MondayMay 9, 1983at New Jersey Generals W 22–75–5 ESPN Giants Stadium 38,734
11SaturdayMay 14, 1983 Los Angeles Express W 35–206–5 ESPN Legion Field42,212
12MondayMay 23, 1983at Michigan Panthers W23-207–5 ESPN Pontiac Silverdome 20,042
13FridayMay 27, 1983at Denver Gold L 19–217–6 ESPN Mile High Stadium 38,829
14SundayJune 5, 1983at Tampa Bay Bandits L 17–457–7 ABC Tampa Stadium 35,623
15SundayJune 12, 1983 Boston Breakers W 31–198–7Legion Field20,500
16FridayJune 17, 1983 Chicago Blitz L 14–298–8 ABC Legion Field22,500
17SundayJune 26, 1983at Philadelphia Stars L 10–318–9 Veterans Stadium 17,973
18SaturdayJuly 2, 1983 Tampa Bay Bandits W 29–179–9 ESPN Legion Field20,300

Sources [4] [5] [6]

1983 Birmingham Stallions Numerical Roster

No.NamePosHt.Wt.CollegeGP/GS
4 Scott Norwood K6.00207James Madison18/0
8 Skip Johnston P6.01175Auburn4/0
9 Alan Bollinger P6.01190Auburn11/0
10 Reggie Collier QB6.03207Southern Mississippi8/5
11 Melvin Williams QB6.03200Mississippi Valley State10/0
12 Bobby Lane QB6.03205Louisiana State18/13
14 Jay Venuto QB6.01195Wake ForestIA/7G
21 Charles Grandjean SS5.11200Kent State18/6
23 Earl Gant RB6.00207Missouri17/14
24 Charlie Trotman SS5.10185Auburn3/0
26 David Evans CB6.00170Central Arkansas4/3
28 Frank Reed CB5.11193Washington15/14
30 Lonnie Johnson RB/KR6.01206Indiana11/0
31 John Skibinski FB6.00222Purdue17/0
32 Ken Talton FB6.00209Cornell15/11
37 David Smilo SS6.02190Eastern Michigan6/1
40 Cornelius Quarles FB6.00220Howard15/7
42 Mike Hatchett FS5.10176Texas18/0
44 Billy Cesare FS5.11190Miami (Fl.)18/18
45 Billy White RB5.11196Missouri16/4
49 Mike Thomas CB/FS6.00175Tennessee State18/17
50 Larry McPherson LB6.00225Fort Valley State16/16
51 Carl McGee LB6.03228Duke2/0
51 Freddie Smith LB5.11219Auburn9/2
52 Tim James C/LS6.03250Elon College2/0
53 Rich D'Amico LB6.02238Penn State16/16
54 Tom Banks C6.01255Auburn18/18
55 Herb Spencer LB6.03225Newberry College16/12
56 Mike Murphy LB6.02222Southwest Missouri State13/2
57 Dallas Hickman LB/DE6.06238California18/16
58 Lester Dickey LB6.01225Missouri2/2
58 Sammy Green LB6.00223Alabama StateIA/7G
59 Mark Battaglia G6.02255Penn State18/11
60 Melvin Land LB6.03242Michigan State7/4
63 Brett Williams DE6.03260Austin Peay5/0
64Mike TurnerG/T6.03254Louisiana State14/2
65 Joe Bock C/LS6.04256Virginia16/0
69 Bill Searcey G6.02270Alabama5/0
70 Mark Goodspeed T6.05270Nebraska1/0
71 Pat Phenix T6.05275Mississippi16/16
72 Robert Woods T6.05250Tennessee State16/15
74 Pat Saindon G6.03273Vanderbilt16/10
75 Jimmy Walker NT6.02250Arkansas18/16
76 Reggie Lewis DE6.03260North Texas State14/3
77 Drew Taylor DE6.05225San Jose State7/4
78 Buddy Aydelette G6.04256Alabama18/18
79 Mike Raines DE6.05260Alabama17/13
80 Mike Kincaid WR/KR5.04165Mississippi College10/0
81 Darryl Mason TE6.01220Arkansas18/18
82 Ron Frederick WR/PR5.11180Duke15/4
83 Greg Anderson WR5.10170Alabama State18/16
84 Sylvester Moy WR6.00180Grambling State13/2
85 Mike Hirn TE6.03234Central Michigan6/0
86 Jim Smith WR6.02205Michigan12/10
87 Kevin Miller WR/KR5.10180Louisville5/1
88 Steve Stephens TE6.03227Oklahoma State14/3
89 Johnnie Dirden WR/KR6.00190Sam Houston State8/0
90 Wendell Ray LB6.04233Missouri3/2
96 Charles Martin NT6.04276Livingston College14/2
98 Jackie Cline DE6.04275Alabama17/16
99 Moochie Allen NT6.04258Southern Mississippi7/0

1983 Birmingham Stallions Statistics

No.RUSHINGPosGP-GSCarYdsAvgLngTDs
32 Ken Talton FB15-112289074.0285
23 Earl Gant RB17-141335304.0192
40 Cornelius Quarles FB15-71074954.6393
45 Billy White RB16-41173493.0142
10 Reggie Collier QB8-5392536.5304
30 Lonnie Johnson RB11-0521813.5223
12 Bobby Lane RB18-13421784.2323
11 Melvin Williams QB10-07588.3170
86 Jim Smith WR12-105397.8210
82 Ron Frederick WR15-44194.8170
31 John Skibinski FB17-06132.240
84 Sylvester Moy WR13-21-5-5.0-50
Total7413,0174.13922
Opponents5202,3304.57318
No.PASSINGPosGP-GSCmp-AttYdsLngPctTDICSkdLost
12 Bobby Lane QB18-13175-3462,2645350.6%141815106
10 Reggie Collier QB8-547-1086044643.5%1714132
11 Melvin Williams QB10-09-211313942.9%0215
Total 231-4752,9995348.6%152730243
Opponents 278-5543,5208150.2%222251414
No.RECEIVINGPosGP-GSRecYdsAvgLngTDs
86 Jim Smith WR12-105175614.8393
81 Darryl Mason TE18-184554712.2332
83 Greg Anderson WR18-162852918.9505
23 Earl Gant RB17-142429912.5371
32 Ken Talton RB15-11211567.4250
82 Ron Frederick WR15-41629018.1462
84 Sylvester Moy WR13-21220316.9530
40 Cornelius Quarles FB15-712867.2170
45 Billy White RB16-47476.780
88 Steve Stephens TE14-36366.0171
85 Johnnie Dirden WR8-03227.3120
31 John Skibinski FB17-02136.580
30 Lonnie Johnson RB/KR11-02126.0161
80 Mike Kincaid WR/KR10-0133.030
4 Scott Norwood K18-0100.000
Total2312,99913.05315
Opponents2783,52012.78122
No.KICKOFF RETURNSPosGP-GSKORYdsAvgLngTDs
80 Mike Kincaid WR/KR10-01940421.3430
85 Johnnie Dirden WR/KR8-01632220.1410
30 Lonnie Johnson RB/KR11-01019019.0390
21 Charles Grandjean SS18-689712.1260
87 Kevin Miller WR5-123417.0210
45 Billy White WR16-412727.0270
82 Ron Frederick WR15-411414.0140
40 Charlie Trotman CB3-011111.0110
59 Mark Battaglia G/C18-1111010.0100
57 Dallas Hickman LB18-16100.000
Total601,10918.5430
Opponents711,18316.7670
No.PUNT RETURNSPosGP-GSPRFCYdsAvgLngTDs
82 Ron Frederick WR/KR15-42361707.4150
80 Mike Kincaid WR/KR10-01511006.7140
45 Billy White RB16-4101515.0150
87 Kevin Miller WR/KR5-14161.530
85 Johnnie Dirden WR/KR8-01000.000
32 Ken Talton FB15-111000.000
Total4582916.5150
Opponents4573808.4310
No.KICKINGPosGP-GSFGMFGAXPMXPAPTS
4 Scott Norwood K18-025343435109
Total25343435109
Opponents1427343776
No.PUNTINGPosGP-GSPntYdsAvgLngTBIn20
7 Alan Bollinger P11-0512,00839.456711
8 Skip Johnston P4-02187041.46322
8 Dario Casarino P3-01243736.45211
Total843,31539.563913
Opponents883,67441.870827
No.DEFENSEPosGP-GSTklAstTotSkdPDFRICYds
55 Herb Spencer LB16-1283221057.552142
44 Billy Cesare SS18-186623890.0182452
53 Rich D'Amico LB16-167113841.00200
57 Dallas Hickmam LB18-166114756.53017
28 Frank Reed CB15-145914731.0131324
75 Jimmy Walker NT18-164914635.031127
20 Emmuel Thompson CB18-134810580.0190524
98 Jackie Cline DE17-163811495.50100
49 Mike Thomas FS18-17418490.0120227
97 Reggie Lewis DE14-33315482.00000
79 Mike Raines DE17-133117488.02000
50 Larry McPherson LB16-162914434.002455
21 Charles Grandjean CB18-62612380.00000
42 Mike Hatchett SS18-02311340.00000
56 Mike Murphy LB13-2275321.50000
26 David Evans CB4-3217280.02000
96 Charles Martin NT14-2207270.00100
51 Freddie Smith LB9-2113143.00000
99 Moochie Allen NT7-067130.50000
77 Drew Taylor DE7-4100104.50000
63 Brett Williams DE5-03361.00000
60 Melvin Land LB7-45160.00019
24 Charlie Trotman CB3-03140.00000
90 Wendell Ray LB3-23030.00000
58 Lester Dickey LB2-22130.00000
38 David Smilo FS6-12130.00000
51 Carl McGee LB2-00000.00000
Total7712341,00551.0771222267
Opponents---------30.0----27283
No.OFFENSIVE LINEMENPosGP-GS
72 Robert Woods LT16-15
71 Pat Phenix RT16-16
70 Mark Goodspeed OT1-0
78 Buddy Aydelette LG/T18-18
59 Mark Battaglia RG18-11
74 Pat Saindon RG10-6
64Mike TurnerRG/T14-2
69 Bill Searcey OG5-0
54 Tom Banks C18-18

1983 Birmingham Stallions End-of-Season Roster

Birmingham Stallions 1983 End of Season Roster (at 2-Jul-83)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers Ron Frederick

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve

T
rookies in italics
43 Active, 7 Developmental

1984 season

With the off-season signing of former NFL'ers quarterback Cliff Stoudt, running back Joe Cribbs, full back Leon Perry, defensive end Dave Pureifory and CFL cornerback Ricky Ray, the Stallions outlook for the 1984 campaign was bright.

Coach Dotsch shored up several areas, including the defensive line where three players from the 1983 squad were let go. Also added to the lineup was a college free agent in safety Chuck Clanton who burst onto the scene with the Stallions in 1984 as a major force on a re-build defense.

The Stallions also employed a re-vamped defense with a regular "Nickel" formation featuring, two linebackers and 5 defensive backs – one of the first defenses of its kind utilized in the USFL (the San Antonio Gunslingers were the other team to feature the nickel defense as well in 1984). They already had a reputation as a hard-hitting team, which was thought to be carried over from Dotsch's days with the Steelers.

The Stallions' first game of the 1984 campaign was before a league record 62,500 fans at Legion Field against another re-constructed club in the New Jersey Generals. With the Generals arriving in town like a circus with new owner Donald Trump, running back Herschel Walker and quarterback Brian Sipe in tow, Birmingham was abuzz with anticipation for the new season.

The opening game against New Jersey was broadcast on national television on ABC, however, the Stallions were listless in a 17–6 loss to the Generals to start the season.

However, the game would mark the start of a nine-game unbeaten streak that took the Stallions into a May 6 contest at Legion Field with a 9–1 record against the 9-1 Philadelphia Stars. In its biggest game since the opener against New Jersey, the Stallions came up flat in a 43-11 spanking at the hands of the Stars who would go on to win the 1984 USFL Championship.

The game against the Stars drew a crowd of 49,500, however, the loss sullied interest in the team for the rest of the season as the club averaged only averaged 27,000 fans per game for their last four home games, despite chalking up a 14–4 record. The decline was also blamed on the USFL's decision in May to move to a fall schedule for the 1986 season – a scenario that transpired in several USFL markets.

With their 14–4 mark, the Stallions captured the Southern Division Championship and a berth in the USFL playoffs with a 35–20 win over the Memphis Showboats in Week #17 at a sold-out Liberty Bowl.

In the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, the Stallions defeated their southern division rivals the Tampa Bay Bandits with a convincing 36–16 win at Legion Field in front of 32,000.

One week later, the Stallions dropped the Eastern Conference Championship, 20–10 to the Philadelphia Stars in a game played at Franklin Field. The venue was moved to the University of Pennsylvania campus when Veterans Stadium was occupied by the Philadelphia Phillies.

1984 Birmingham Stallions Opening Day Roster

Birmingham Stallions 1984 Opening Day Roster (at 26-Feb-84)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve


rookies in italics
40 Active, 10 Developmental

1984 Birmingham Stallions Schedule

WeekDayDateOpponentResultRecordTVVenueAttendance
Preseason
1Bye
2Bye
3SaturdayFebruary 11, 1984 New Orleans Breakers W 30–101–0 Legion Field 12,000
4SaturdayFebruary 18, 1984at San Antonio Gunslingers W 23–152–0 Alamo Stadium
Regular season
1SundayFebruary 26, 1984 New Jersey Generals L 6–170–1 ABC Legion Field 62,500
2SundayMarch 4, 1984at Los Angeles Express W 21–141–1 ABC Los Angeles Coliseum 14,789
3SundayMarch 11, 1984at Pittsburgh Maulers W 30–182–1 Three Rivers Stadium 53,771
4SaturdayMarch 17, 1984 Memphis Showboats W 54–63–1 ESPN Legion Field41,500
5MondayMarch 26, 1984at Tampa Bay Bandits W 27–94–1 ESPN Tampa Stadium 37,899
6MondayApril 2, 1984 New Orleans Breakers W 31–175–1 ESPN Legion Field28,100
7SaturdayApril 7, 1984at Jacksonville Bulls W 24–176–1 ESPN Gator Bowl 43,654
8SundayApril 15, 1984at Michigan Panthers W 28–177–1 ABC Pontiac Silverdome 42,655
FridayApril 20, 1984 Oklahoma Outlaws Postponed; rescheduled for April 21.Legion Field
9SaturdayApril 21, 1984 Oklahoma Outlaws W 41–178–1Legion Field41,653
10SundayApril 29, 1984at Denver Gold W 31–149–1 ABC Mile High Stadium 35,262
FridayMay 4, 1984 Philadelphia Stars Postponed; rescheduled for May 6.Legion Field
11SundayMay 6, 1984 Philadelphia Stars L 11–439–2 ABC Legion Field49,500
12FridayMay 11, 1984 Jacksonville Bulls W 42–1010–2Legion Field29,500
13FridayMay 18, 1984at Chicago Blitz W 41–711–2 Soldier Field 8,578
14SundayMay 27, 1984at New Orleans Breakers W 31–1412–2 ABC Louisiana Superdome 23,748
15SundayJune 3, 1984 Arizona Wranglers L 28–3812–3 ABC Legion Field32,500
16SundayJune 10, 1984 Washington Federals W 42–2113–3Legion Field22,100
17SaturdayJune 16, 1984at Memphis Showboats W 35–2014–3 ESPN Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium 50,079
18SaturdayJune 23, 1984 Tampa Bay Bandits L 16–1714–4 ABC Legion Field 24,500
Playoffs
Divisional
Playoff
SundayJuly 1, 1984 Tampa Bay Bandits W 36–16 ABC Legion Field 32,000
Conference
Championship
SundayJuly 8, 1984vs. Philadelphia Stars L 10–20 ABC Franklin Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
26,616

Sources [7] [8] [9]

1984 Birmingham Stallions End-of-Season Roster

Birmingham Stallions 1984 End of Season Roster (at 24-Jun-84)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve


rookies in italics
43 Active, 7 Developmental

1985 season

After having a very successful 1984 season and coming to within a win of the USFL Championship game, the Stallions entered 1985 with high hopes. However, the team was nearly derailed in mid-season. On March 4, ESM Government Securities, a Florida-based securities dealer owned by Tampa Bay Bandits co-owner Steve Arky, was raided and shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The ESM raid, and Arky's subsequent suicide, triggered a massive run on Home State Savings Bank, the Cincinnati-based savings and loan Warner controlled, resulting in its seizure by Ohio regulators.

With most of his money tied up in either Home State or the Stallions, Warner was forced to give up control of the Stallions just days after Home State's collapse. The league had required its owners to post a $1.3 million letter of credit for just such an emergency. Unfortunately, the Stallions' letter of credit was backed by Home State, rendering it worthless.

In response, team president Jerry Sklar urged the Stallions' limited partners to chip in more money, and persuaded the city government to buy a $100,000 stake in the team along with a $900,000 credit line. This allowed the Stallions to stay in business and remain in Birmingham.

More or less out of necessity, the Stallions exercised more fiscal responsibility in 1985 and made only minor upgrades to their roster in the off-season. The only notable addition during the off-season was defensive tackle Doug Smith who was a 2nd round pick by the Houston Oilers in 1984. Smith, an Auburn graduate, was a territorial selection of the Stallions in 1984, and signed with the Stallions after being unable to come to a contract agreement with the Oilers.

After acquiring the first overall pick in the 1985 USFL Open Draft, the Stallions selected a wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State University named Jerry Rice. The USFL draft was held in January 1985, however, when the NFL Draft was held four months later, Rice was considered a "project" by several NFL scouting staffs and dropped to the 16th overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers.

Although Rice signed with the 49ers, credit should be given to GM Jerry Sklar and his staff for realizing the potential of Rice well ahead of most other professional scouting staffs.

With the USFL from 18 to 14 teams, the Stallions also acquired some solid depth in safety David Dumars from the Denver Gold, offensive tackle Phil McKinnely from the Memphis Showboats, linebacker Ken Kelley from the Chicago Blitz and defensive back Mickey Sutton from the Pittsburgh Maulers.

Birmingham opened the season, as they did in 1984, by hosting the New Jersey Generals at Legion Field. The game featured the USFL debut of 1984 Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie at quarterback for the Generals. In front of 34,785 at Legion Field, the Stallions controlled the majority of the game and won their opener, 38–28 over New Jersey.

The Stallions jumped out to a 5–1 record in 1985 and finished the regular season on a 6-1 clip to claim the Eastern Conference title and the #2 seed in the USFL Playoffs with a 13-5-0 mark. Only the Oakland Invaders had a better record in 1985 with a 13-4-1 record.

Quarterback Cliff Stoudt had a solid season passing for 3,358 yards, 34 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Stoudt's 34 touchdown passes was second only to Houston's Jim Kelly who tossed for 39 majors in 1985.

Stoudt's primary target in 1985 was wide receiver Jim Smith who had a career year catching a USFL record 20 touchdown passes. Smith caught 87 passes for a league leading 1,322 yards and was named to the USFL All-Star team.

Running back Joe Cribbs recorded his second consecutive 1,000+ yard season with 1,047 yards on 267 carries and 7 touchdowns.

Safety Chuck Clanton also set a professional football record with 16 interceptions in 1985 as he also added 275 returns yards and a major picking off passes. The NFL record of 14 in a season was set in 1952 by Dick 'Night Train' Lane of the Los Angeles Rams. The CFL record of 15 in a season was set in 1972 by Al Brenner of the Calgary Stampeders.

In the USFL Quarter-Final, the Stallions defeated the visiting Houston Gamblers 22–20, at Legion Field.

The following week, the Stallions hosted the defending champion, and nemesis, the Baltimore Stars at Legion Field. After losing to the Stars in the Eastern Conference final in 1984, the Stallions were hoping to exact revenge, however, they dropped a 28-14 decision to Baltimore in what would eventually be Birmingham's last USFL game.

1985 Birmingham Stallions Opening Day Roster

Birmingham Stallions 1985 Opening Day Roster (at 26-Feb-85)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve
  • None


rookies in italics
43 Active, 7 Developmental

1985 Birmingham Stallions Schedule

WeekDayDateOpponentResultRecordTVVenueAttendance
Preseason
1SaturdayFebruary 2, 1985at San Antonio Gunslingers T 0–00–0–1 Alamo Stadium
2Bye
3SaturdayFebruary 16, 1985 Houston Gamblers L 10–200–1–1 KTXH Legion Field
Regular season
1SundayFebruary 24, 1985 New Jersey Generals W 38–281–0 ABC Legion Field 34,785
2SundayMarch 3, 1985 Denver Gold L 23–401–1Legion Field27,400
3SaturdayMarch 9, 1985at Orlando Renegades W 34–102–1 Orlando Stadium 25,831
4SaturdayMarch 16, 1985 Memphis Showboats W 34–193–1Legion Field34,500
5SundayMarch 24, 1985at Baltimore Stars W 7–34–1 Byrd Stadium 14,529
6SaturdayMarch 30, 1985 Jacksonville Bulls W 25–185–1Legion Field41,200
7SundayApril 7, 1985at San Antonio Gunslingers L 14–155–2 Alamo Stadium 8,873
8SaturdayApril 13, 1985 Oakland Invaders W 20–176–2 ESPN Legion Field44,500
9SaturdayApril 20, 1985 Tampa Bay Bandits W 30–37-2 ESPN Legion Field 28,900
10SundayApril 28, 1985at Jacksonville Bulls L 17–277–3 ABC Gator Bowl 41,298
11FridayMay 3, 1985at Memphis Showboats L 24–387–4 ESPN Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium 29,025
12SaturdayMay 11, 1985 Portland Breakers W 14–08–4 ESPN Legion Field28,500
13SundayMay 19, 1985at Los Angeles Express W 44–79–4 Los Angeles Coliseum 4,658
14MondayMay 27, 1985 Orlando Renegades W 41-1710–4 ESPN Legion Field 24,500
15MondayJune 3, 1985at Houston Gamblers W 29–2711–4 ESPN Houston Astrodome 13,202
16SaturdayJune 8, 1985 Baltimore Stars W 14–712–4 ESPN Byrd Stadium 24,300
17SaturdayJune 15, 1985at Tampa Bay Bandits L 14–1712–5 Tampa Stadium 42,131
18SundayJune 23, 1985at New Jersey Generals W 14–613–5 ABC Giants Stadium 44,098
Playoffs
QuarterfinalsSaturdayJune 29, 1985 Houston Gamblers W 22–20 ABC Legion Field 18,500
SemifinalsSundayJuly 7, 1985 Baltimore Stars L 14–28 ABC Legion Field 23,250

Sources [10] [11] [12]

1985 Birmingham Stallions End of Season Roster

Birmingham Stallions 1985 End of Season Roster (at 23-Jun-85)
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Developmental squadInjured Reserve


rookies in italics
43 Active, 6 Developmental

Single-season records

Season-by-season

Season records
SeasonWLTFinishPlayoff results
19839904th Central--
198414401st EC SouthernWon Quarterfinal (Tampa Bay)
Lost Semifinal (Philadelphia)
198513501st ECWon Quarterfinal (Houston)
Lost Semifinal (Baltimore)
Totals38200(including playoffs)

After football

A few of those associated with the Stallions made their mark in Birmingham after the league folded:

Other history

The Stallions were the first pro football team to draft Jerry Rice. They received the first overall pick in the 1985 USFL Draft, due to a trade with the Orlando Renegades. Rice never played in Birmingham.

Among those considered to be Birmingham's coach were Bobby Bowden, Gene Stallings, and Hank Stram.

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References

  1. "Remember the USFL - Birmingham Stallions". Archived from the original on 2005-03-15. Retrieved 2005-04-26.
  2. "Birmingham Stallions - USFL (United States Football League)".
  3. Pearlman, Jeff (2018). Football For A Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN   978-0544454385.
  4. statscrew.com 1983 Birmingham Stallions Game-by-Game Results Retrieved January 5, 2019
  5. usflsite.com 1983 USFL Season Retrieved January 5, 2019
  6. profootballarchives.com 1983 Birmingham Stallions (USFL) Retrieved January 5, 2019
  7. statscrew.com 1984 Birmingham Stallions Game-by-Game Results Retrieved January 5, 2019
  8. usflsite.com 1984 USFL Season Retrieved January 5, 2019
  9. profootballarchives.com 1984 Birmingham Stallions (USFL) Retrieved January 5, 2019
  10. statscrew.com 1985 Birmingham Stallions Game-by-Game Results Retrieved January 5, 2019
  11. usflsite.com 1985 USFL Season Retrieved January 5, 2019
  12. profootballarchives.com 1985 Birmingham Stallions (USFL) Retrieved January 5, 2019