[30][31] Before his death, he unsuccessfully tried to merge the Bandits organization with the Orlando Renegades (whose owner Donald Dizney had previously held a stake in the Bandits, but rejected the merger out of loyalty to Orlando) and Jacksonville Bulls (whose owner Fred Bullard expressed interest, but only if the Bandits owners stayed on as investors in the merged team). Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. He won a Super Bowl in 2018/2019 season with the New England Patriots. [32], In August 1985, minority owner Lee Scarfone, a local architect, agreed to purchase Bassett's and Arky's stakes and field a team in the USFL for the fall 1986 season, with Tony Cunningham coming on as an additional partner. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook. Retrieved December 15, 2018, Proposed new football league plans game in Tampa | Tampa Bay Times, "Spring pro league scraps showcase game at Ray-Jay", "Based on Trademarks Which USFL Teams Could We See Return In 2022", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tampa_Bay_Bandits&oldid=1112262986, This page was last edited on 25 September 2022, at 13:11. [20] He was removed from the COVID-19 list on October 21. The Bandits stormed back to take a 2518 lead. NFL. Sign up for the Bucs RedZone newsletter to get updates and analysis on the latest team and NFL news from Bucs beat writer Joey Knight. The most popular franchise during the USFL's original three-year run back in the 1980s will be one of several teams in the new version of the football league, set to launch in the spring. XFL and USFL: What Does 2023 Look Like with Two Spring Leagues? Jacksonville was 1-1, after soundly defeating the Washington Federals and nearly beating the New Jersey Generals. Gambling Problem? Follow @TBTimes_Bulls. Well deliver a roundup of news and commentary on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weekly during the season. Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% . DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. The Bulls came back to tie the game, but the Bandits won when Zenon Andrusyshyn kicked a field goal to give Tampa Bay a 2825 lead. This article is about the second edition of the USFL. Tampa Bay entered Week 1 of the new USFL as one of the championship favorites. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these, USFL Draft 2022: Michigan Panthers take QB Shea Patterson. In the end, the USFLs most enduring legacy was the $3 judgment it won in an antitrust suit against the NFL, a ruling that finished off the league in 1986 before it carried out a Trump-backed move from spring to fall. Visit ESPN to view the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team depth chart for the current season The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among multiple NFL teams that are looking for a new starting quarterback this offseason after Tom Brady officially retired last week. He last coached in the NFL in 2018 as the offensive coordinator for Hue Jackson and the Cleveland Browns. Below is a brief history of the first Tampa Bay Bandits franchise.--- . The Bandits were also successful off the field. The Bandits narrowly missed the playoffs in their first season and made the postseason the next two years. Kansas City, accumulating a 19-26 record during that span, struggling to find offensive consistency with Matt Cassel at quarterback. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. calling plays and QB Kyle Trask Feb. 22 Sports . Read More Tampa Bay Bandits quarterback Jordan Ta'amu (10) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the first half of a USFL football game Monday, April 18, 2022, in Birmingham, Ala . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Sign up for the Bucs RedZone newsletter to get updates and analysis on the latest team and NFL news from Bucs beat writer Joey Knight. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The USFL just dropped a bombshell. (Guess he hasnt seen the game tapes), US Supreme Court refuses to block Florida execution of Donald Dillbeck, Red-hot USF women close out home schedule with explosive offensive showing. (soft launch) Air Force Falcons. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2022 Tampa Bay Bandits: 2023- . [Times files] White was intercepted by Mike Stevens in the fourth quarter, and he finished the game completing just 3 of 10 passes for 34 yards and one interception. ('92), bullpen coach for the Tampa Bay Rays (2003-05) and catching/bullpen coach for the Philadelphia Phillies (2016-17). HIGHEST RATED. The USFL was launched in 1983, but crumbled after three seasons because of out-of-control spending and an ill-conceived push led by Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals, to compete directly against the NFL with a fall season. Noteworthy performers included linemen Kamilo Tongamoa and Anree Saint-Amour, linebacker Jerod Fernandez, and defensive back Vontae Diggs. Note: You are reading this message either because you do not have a standards-compliant browser, or because you can not see our css files. Helping the teams popularity was another local star, Steve Spurrier. Linebacker Terrill Hanks is questionable with a hamstring . Fox Sports, which has a minority equity stake in the company that owns the new USFL, will serve as the leagues official broadcast partner. Market data provided by Factset. [33] In March 1986, Bret Clark took the Bandits to arbitration for $159,980 in back pay owed under his contract. + Show More. Tampa Bay Bandits News Tampa Bay Bandits News. Tampa Bay Bandits; Philadelphia Stars; New Jersey Generals; . As a passer, Ta'amu, 24, displays effortless velocity and good accuracy on a variety of throws, consistently placing the ball away from opponents and leading his receivers to daylight. Searching for answers, Ta'amu was later replaced by quarterback Brady White, who didn't provide much of a spark. The Tampa Bay Bandits selected former Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta'amu with the second choice. For three scintillating years at the outset of the MTV era, the Bandits totally upstaged their creamsicle counterparts. Problem was, the team (owned by the league) never could secure local ownership and hemorrhaged money. The Tampa Bay Bandits are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida, The Bandits competed in the United States Football League (USFL) . The team was soon dubbed the "Bandits", and although it was widely assumed that the name referenced Reynolds' role in the hit Smokey and the Bandit movies, Bassett said that the mascot had been chosen before Reynolds joined the ownership group and instead came from the name of Bassett's daughter's German Shepherd. The Bandits did not overspend on player contracts, keeping the franchise stable but making it difficult to compete with the USFL's higher-spending teams, despite making a very good account of themselves on the field. The original Bandits played from 1983 to 1985 and often drew crowds that would rival the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were then entering a multi-year streak of double-digit losing seasons. New Orleans led 14-0 after the first quarter. With the second pick of the 2022 USFL Draft on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Bandits selected quarterback Jordan Ta'amu from Mississippi. They were members of the United States Football League (USFL). Jordan Ta'amu #10 of Tampa Bay Bandits looks to pass the ball in the third quarter of the game against the New Orleans Breakers at Protective Stadium on April 24, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. We look forward to providing players a new opportunity to compete in a professional football league and giving fans everywhere the best football viewing product possible during what is typically a period devoid of professional football., Fox CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks called the USFLs relaunch a landmark day for football fans and Fox Sports.. [11] Due to these factors, the Bandits are considered one of the few USFL teams that had the potential to be a viable venture had the league been better run. ET. USFL - Our USFL team previews push on, as the season (and court dates) draw ever nearer. Ta'Amu had 185 yards last week, and if New Orleans can get pressure on him, he is prone to mistakes . As a senior, he passed for 1,779 yards with 29 touchdowns against four interceptions. Buoyed by that revolutionary offense, an A-list minority owner (Burt Reynolds) and an ensemble of NFL-caliber talent (John Reaves, Gary Anderson, Nate Newton), the Bandits routinely drew crowds of more than 40,000. The Florida stars up-tempo, aggressive offense which earned the nickname Bandit Ball was usually among the best in the league. [5] With Patterson transferring to the University of Michigan, Ta'amu entered the 2018 season as the starting quarterback. Ta'amu finished the game completing 44.4% of his passes for 62 yards and one interception. Quarterback Kyle Sloter ran the ball into the end zone for a 1-yard score to cap off an impressive 13-play, 77-yard drive. Tampa Bay's special teams brought the Bandits within two points when Rashard Davis returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-12 with 54 seconds remaining in the third quarter. 1983 Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL) football team. The Tampa Bay Strikers, fielding both mens and womens teams in the second-year National Indoor Soccer League, debuted Sunday (the women won, the men lost) before a sparse audience at Yuengling Center on USFs campus. Tampa Bay Bandits. After John Bassett passed away in 1986, the team struggled to secure a TV contract and ultimately folded along with the rest of the league. He finished the game going 25-for-39 with 266 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and no interceptions. [15] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Game log for the match-up between Bridgewater Jr. Bandits vs. New Hampshire Jr. Spurrier's aggressive offense was usually one of the best in the league; Bandits players are among the USFL career leaders in touchdown passes (John Reaves, 4th), touchdown receptions (Eric Truvillion, 2nd), and rushing touchdowns (Gary Anderson, 3rd). (Photo by Jamie Squire/USFL/Getty Images). Jonathan Adams #9 of New Orleans Breakers misses the ball as Christian Campbell #7 of Tampa Bay Bandits defends in the second quarter of the game at Protective Stadium on April 24, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. Weve ranked them right here. This article about a sports team in Alabama is a stub. The Tampa Bay Bandits' primary founder was Canadian businessman John F. Bassett, who was still in litigation against the NFL over his previous Memphis Southmen franchise from the World Football League in the mid-1970s. He was out of football entirely for two seasons before stepping in as a high school coach in 2020 in the Tampa area before being named the Bandits coach. The league plans to hold games in Birmingham and Memphis next spring, with a third market possible. [26], Ta'amu signed with the Detroit Lions on August 17, 2021. The Tampa Bay Bandits are back. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. It is not affiliated with the original league or any of its owners. The Tampa Bay Bandits were a popular entry in the United States Football League during the mid-1980's. . Ta'amu was selected with the second pick of the 2022 USFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Bandits. Banditball was a true reflection of coach Steve Spurrier and maverick owner John Bassett. December 27, 2023 12:00 am Mike Margittai. Quarterback John Reaves (Bandits '83-'85) died on August 1, 2017. Next week, the Bandits (1-1) will take on the Houston Gamblers on Saturday, April 30 at 4 p.m. The USFL is a new, independent league controlled by FOX Sports through NSFL HoldCo, LLC, a new business entity. Void in ONT. The league initially played a spring and summer schedule but was scheduled to be played in the fall and winter beginning in 1986 directly competing against the National Football League. Mark Perry; November 22, 2021. JORDAN ELLIS LIFTS BREAKERS TO FIRST USFL WIN OVER STARS. The eight USFL teams will be split into two divisions. The Tampa Bay Bandits' majority owner were Canadian businessman John Bassett (who was still in litigation against the NFL over his previous Memphis . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Jacksonville, led by former Jets and Broncos quarterback Matt Robinson, raced out to a 120 lead. Howd that go? To the contrary, Tampa Bay just might lead the nation in fledgling sports franchises. This list excludes our mainstream, major-sports franchises (Bucs, Lightning, Rays) as well the Rowdies (who still exist and have survived several incarnations). On October 15, 2019, Ta'amu was allocated to the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL, the first player for the team. Still, this is hardly the first niche sport or newfangled league to arrive in our area. The old Sombrero also hosted the league championship between the Philadelphia Stars and the Arizona Wranglers in 1984. After rumors swirled for weeks, the Zach is traveling this week, but The REF has a special guest Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, How Curtis Johnsons Tulane Scheme Fits With The Houston Gamblers, BEST VALUE IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS USFL ANNOUNCES 2023 TICKET PRICES, McLeod Bethel-Thompson Jumps To USFL From CFL For 2023, New Jersey Generals 2023 USFL College Draft Deep Dive, Birmingham Stallions Are a Great Trade Fit For Aqeel Glass, Birmingham Stallions 2023 College Draft: An In-Depth Guide to Every Pick, USFL Draft Aftermath, Ticket Prices, McLeod Bethel-Thompson & more | USFL Podcast #48, 2023 USFL College Draft, Gamblers New Head Coach & Case Cookus Returns | USFL Podcast #47, USFL 2023 Schedule, Season 2 Rule Changes and more | USFL Podcast #46, Talking with Asst. 0 Comment. The Tampa Bay Bandits were the Tampa franchise of the USFL. Tampa Bay will open the season Sunday, April 17 against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Stallions odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.. With the Bandits, he led the 2022 USFL season in passing yardage and touchdowns. UPDATE 12/27/22 - Welcome to Football Alliance! With the USFL failing to win the necessary money from its antitrust lawsuit to continue operating, and suddenly without one of its most financially successful franchises, the league suspended operations the same day, never returning to play. Letsgetstarted. The team is led by head coach longtime NFL assistant coach Todd Haley. Launched originally to serve as more of a complement to the NFL than a direct competitor, the USFL helped change professional football in its short lifespan. + Details. Breakers cornerback Nevelle Clark then intercepted Ta'amuon their next possession. [13] He had another productive game in Week 2 against the Houston Roughnecks, with 316 combined yards of offense and four total touchdowns, but threw 2 interceptions as the Battlehawks lost 2428. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/USFL/Getty Images). After an extra point by MacGinnis, the Breakers led 31-3. [16], When the season was over, quarterback John Reaves was the leading passer on the squad. 1985 Tampa Bay Bandits Roster. Tampa Stadium hosts the first Bandits game (FOX 13 / file). 1985: 10-8 (45,220) The Tampa Bay Bandits were one of the USFL's most entertaining teams, and the fans of Tampa embraced them. During the BattleHawks first game against the Dallas Renegades on February 9, Ta'amu threw for 209 yards and a passing touchdown, while rushing for 77 yards, helping the team win a 159 victory against the Renegades. But New Orleans responded on the next drive, as Sloter connected with wide receiver Shawn Poindexter for an 18-yard touchdown. Thank you, Bandits Fans We are officially going on hiatus for USFL season 2, but dont worry, well be back pic.twitter.com/DmqABV7gS0, Daryl Johnston, the leagues executive vice-president for football operations, told the Sports Business Journal that the USFL is going to have to have (Tampa Bay) not play this year because we can only be the eight teams., The intention, Johnston added, is the Bandits are going to come back at some point., Introducing: The Memphis Showboats The 2023 USFL season will have another location for games: Memphis, Tennessee pic.twitter.com/KbtfYArtrK. Tampa Bay Bandits quarterback John Reaves (7), under pressure from Arizona Wranglers end Karl Lorch (71), gets off a pass in the first half on March 3, 1984, at Tampa Stadium. The USFL featured rules innovations, helped usher in underclassmen being drafted by the NFL and pushed the league to pay bigger salaries and create real free agency. 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