The Stars began in Philadelphia in the 1983 season. They played their home games at Veterans Stadium (the "Vet"), compiled the league's best regular season record (15-3), and made it to the 1983 USFL championship game before losing. The 1983 squad's "Doghouse Defense" allowed only 204 points in an 18 game season—the least in the history of the league. They were led by fourth-year QB Chuck Fusina (1978 Heisman Trophy runner-up), fifth-year WR Scott Fitzkee, Rookie HB Kelvin Bryant of UNC, Rookie OT Irv Eatman of UCLA, Rookie LB Sam Mills, and second-year S Scott Woerner. The team also featured TSN all-star rookie punter Sean Landeta.
The Stars were able to defeat the preseason favorites to win the 1983 title—George Allen's Chicago Blitz—by withstanding 7 turnovers and coming back from 21 down in the fourth quarter to win 44-38 in overtime. In the league title game, the Stars were edged out by Jim Stanley's Michigan Panthers, 24-22. Just as they had against the Blitz, the Stars opened the game sluggishly, but finished with a flourish, after allowing...... Read more
Years Played in USFL: 1983, 1984, 1985
Club Owner(s): Myles H. Tanenbaum (1983-85); Steve Ross (1985-86)
Playing Site: Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia Pennsylvania (1983-84);
Byrd Stadium, College Park Maryland (1985)
Head Coach(es): Jim Mora
Overall Record: 48-13-1 (41-12-1 regular season)
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