Top 10 Players in USFL History Based ONLY on Their USFL Careers

The original United States Football League only existed from 1983-1985, but during those three seasons the league produced incredible stars, legendary offenses, and some truly historic performances. This list is based strictly on what the players accomplished in the USFL itself — not their NFL careers afterward.

10. Doug Flutie — Quarterback

Doug Flutie arrived in the USFL with enormous hype after his legendary college career at Boston College.

Playing for the New Jersey Generals, Flutie brought excitement, creativity, and star power to the league. Though his USFL numbers were not as overwhelming as some quarterbacks higher on this list, his ability to improvise and make spectacular plays made him one of the league’s biggest attractions during its final season.

Flutie helped keep the league nationally relevant in 1985.

USFL Promo Herschel Walker, Doug Flutie and Commissioner Harry L Usher

9. Steve Young — Quarterback

Steve Young’s USFL career with the Los Angeles Express was chaotic, brilliant, and unforgettable.

Young signed the richest contract in professional football history at the time and immediately became one of the league’s marquee attractions. Despite playing behind shaky protection and for inconsistent teams, Young dazzled fans with his mobility and arm strength.

His legendary 1984 playoff performance against the Michigan Panthers remains one of the greatest games in USFL history. Young accounted for over 500 yards of offense in a heartbreaking triple-overtime loss.

The Greatest Football Game No One Saw

8. Jim Kelly — Quarterback

Before he became a Buffalo Bills legend, Jim Kelly turned the Houston Gamblers into the most explosive passing offense in football.

Running Mouse Davis’ “Run and Shoot” offense, Kelly threw for 9,842 yards and 83 touchdowns in just two USFL seasons. His 1984 season was revolutionary, as he threw for 5,219 yards and 44 touchdowns.

The Gamblers were must-watch football every weekend because of Kelly’s arm talent and aggressive downfield style.

1985 USFL Denver Gold at Houston Gamblers (Jim Kelly)

7. Reggie White — Defensive End

Reggie White only spent two seasons with the Memphis Showboats, but he completely dominated the league during that time.

White recorded 23.5 sacks in the USFL and instantly established himself as the league’s most feared defensive player. Offensive linemen simply had no answer for his combination of speed, leverage, and raw power.

Even before becoming an NFL icon, White already looked like a Hall of Fame player.

Reggie White Memphis Showboats 1985

6. Anthony Carter — Wide Receiver

Anthony Carter was the most electric receiver the USFL ever saw.

Playing for the Michigan Panthers, Carter’s speed and route-running ability made him nearly uncoverable. He was the primary weapon on the Panthers’ 1983 championship team and consistently delivered huge plays in critical moments.

Carter’s ability to stretch defenses vertically changed games instantly.

1983 USFL Championship Michigan Panthers vs. Philadelphia Stars

5. Bobby Hebert — Quarterback

Bobby Hebert was the ultimate USFL success story.

Undrafted and overlooked, Hebert became the star quarterback of the Michigan Panthers and later the Oakland Invaders. He led the Panthers to the inaugural USFL Championship in 1983 and established himself as one of the league’s toughest and smartest quarterbacks.

Hebert threw for over 10,000 USFL passing yards and consistently elevated the players around him.

1997 Video Bio of Michigan Panthers QB Bobby Hebert

4. Chuck Fusina

Chuck Fusina was the ultimate winner in USFL history. As the quarterback of the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars dynasty, Fusina led his team to all three USFL Championship Games and captured two league titles. He threw for more than 10,000 yards and 66 touchdowns during his three-year USFL career while consistently operating one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Fusina was named MVP of the 1984 USFL Championship Game after leading the Stars to a dominant title victory.

What made Fusina special was not flashy statistics, but leadership, toughness, and consistency. He was the steady force behind the USFL’s most successful franchise and remains the winningest quarterback the league ever produced.

1984 Week 8 – USFL Control Central on Chuck Fusina

3. Herschel Walker — Running Back

Nobody dominated the USFL quite like Herschel Walker.

Walker was not just the league’s biggest star — he was its most unstoppable player. Defenses knew he was getting the football and still could not stop him. His blend of size, track speed, balance, and explosiveness was unlike anything the league had seen.

His 5,562 rushing yards remain the all-time USFL record, and his 1985 campaign was one of the greatest seasons ever by a professional running back.

When people remember the original USFL, Herschel Walker is the first player they think of.

Herschel Walker USFL Highlights

2. Kelvin Bryant — Running Back

Kelvin Bryant was one of the most complete offensive weapons in USFL history. Playing for the Philadelphia Stars and later the Baltimore Stars, Bryant became the centerpiece of arguably the league’s greatest dynasty.

He rushed for over 3,000 yards during his USFL career while also becoming an elite receiving threat out of the backfield. Bryant helped lead the Stars to three consecutive USFL Championship Games and was instrumental in the franchise winning two league titles.

His versatility made him nearly impossible to defend in space.

1983 USFL Playoff Chicago Blitz at Philadelphia Stars

1. Sam Mills — Linebacker

The Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars dynasty was built around toughness and defense, and Sam Mills was the emotional leader of that unit.

Despite concerns about his size, Mills became one of the most dominant linebackers in the USFL. He flew sideline to sideline, made huge plays in championship games, and consistently overwhelmed offenses with instincts and intensity.

He was the heartbeat of the Stars’ dynasty.

1984 – Philadelphia Stars Player Profile: LB Sam Mills