Apr 25, 2022
With the rebooted (though still
potentially trademark-infringing) USFL now in full swing, we take a
look back at one of the clubs from the original version that didn't
make the cut this time around - the Washington Federals.
Washington Post sports
reporter Jake Russell ("As
the USFL Restarts, A Look Back at the Washington
Federals") takes us inside his pursuit to decode the
numerous curiosities of one of the first league's
poorest-performing franchises - both on the field (a 7-22 record
over two seasons), and in the stands (the USFL's second-worst
average home attendances each year at venerable RFK Stadium).
Snakebitten from the start by:
an initial owner who instead swapped for a franchise in Birmingham,
AL; a convoluted, decision-slowing three-company joint
venture/limited-partnership ownership structure; and a newly
ascendant Redskins team celebrating its first NFL title in 41 years
just weeks before the new team's debut - the Federals' journey in
the USFL was beset by revenue shortfalls, poor timing and just
plain bad luck.
Still, the Feds had their
moments - and Russell takes us inside some of his conversations
with notable names in the team's brief, but colorful history
(including one of the league's best logo/color schemes) like
veteran QB Kim McQuilken, rookie QB Mike Hohensee, RB Craig James,
and WR Joey Walters.