The first prime matchup in USFL history took place on the opening Sunday, March 6.

WSJ: Remembering the Late, Great USFL

He concluded his career with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL (1983-84) and the Jets (1985).

WSJ: Former Giants player and coach Bill Austin dies

Inside the NFL's Manhattan offices, the USFL was greeted by commissioner Pete Rozelle as something of a joke.

WSJ: Remembering the Late, Great USFL

There were five USFL games that day, with an average attendance of 40, 943.

WSJ: Remembering the Late, Great USFL

In other words, the ideal USFL-manufactured narrative Herschel Walker guiding the major-market franchise to the title game was quickly discarded as the season turned into a running joke.

WSJ: Remembering the Late, Great USFL

What the heck was the USFL?

WSJ: Remembering the Late, Great USFL

Flutie actually lasted 20 years as a pro, moving around among the USFL, NFL, Canada's CFL and back to the NFL. He had success in Canada and during his second NFL stint, when he made the Pro Bowl with the Buffalo Bills at age 36.

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