Seven stars that had successful careers in both the NFL and USFL

The United States Football League (USFL) was a professional American football league that operated from 1983 to 1985, before returning a few years ago.

While the league had a relatively short existence, it attracted some top talent, including several players who later found success in the NFL. With the USFL coming back now, there will be many more that join this list, but let’s look at some players who had amazing careers in both the USFL and NFL.

Here are some notable NFL players who played in the USFL:

1. Steve Young – Young is perhaps the most famous player to come from the USFL. He played for the Los Angeles Express and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the USFL before joining the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. Young went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, winning multiple MVP awards and leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory.
2. Jim Kelly – Kelly played for the Houston Gamblers in the USFL before joining the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He became a Hall of Fame quarterback and led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
3. Reggie White – White, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, played for the Memphis Showboats in the USFL. He later played in the NFL for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
4. Herschel Walker – Walker was a star running back for the New Jersey Generals in the USFL before joining the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He had a successful NFL career and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
5. Gary Zimmerman – Zimmerman played in the USFL for the Los Angeles Express before moving on to the NFL, where he had an outstanding career as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
6. Doug Flutie – Flutie, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, played for the New Jersey Generals in the USFL. He later had a successful NFL career with several teams, including the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.
7. Bobby Hebert – Hebert played in the USFL for the Michigan Panthers and the Oakland Invaders before joining the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. He had a solid NFL career as a quarterback.

While the USFL had a relatively brief existence, it is back! The USFL can provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and eventually make their mark in the NFL. The league’s impact on American football history can still be seen through the success of the players who participated in it.