Gary Anderson Game-Worn Helmet USFL Tampa Bay Bandits 1985

Description

A charter member of the USFL, the Tampa Bay Bandits were the only franchise to have the same principal owner, head coach and home field during the defunct league’s three seasons. Presented here is a heavily worn helmet used by Gary Anderson during his time with the team in 1985. The Bike helmet features decals on the sides showcasing a gunslinging Texan complete with a cowboy hat.

Featuring its original padding with a blue bladder that is worn with dirt and sweat. The facemask is detached with wear throughout, the central portion features white/blue/silver striping.  The link to Anderson is in the interior written in green marker”43″ along with coding in black felt tip 0689. A warning sticker is also present inside. Overall, the rare helmet shows solid wear with scuffing, scrapes and field marks on the shell throughout. Overall, strong use with wear both inside and out.

The Tampa Bay Bandits were a professional American football team in the United States Football League (USFL) which was based in Tampa, Florida. The Bandits were a charter member of the USFL and was the only franchise to have the same principal owner (John F. Bassett), head coach (Steve Spurrier), and home field (Tampa Stadium) during the league’s three seasons of play (1983–1985).

The Bandits were one of the most successful teams in the short-lived spring football league both on the field and at the ticket booth. Spurrier’s “Bandit Ball” offense led them to three winning seasons and two playoff appearances, and their exciting brand of play combined with innovative local marketing helped the Bandits lead the league in attendance. However, the franchise folded along with the rest of the USFL when the league suspended play after the 1985 season.

Gary Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, but could not agree on a contract. Instead, Anderson signed to play for the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL in 1983 after a college football career at the University of Arkansas. Anderson started late in the season and quickly became the starting running back for the Bandits. He finished with 516 yards on 97 carries with 4 touchdowns in 1983. In 1984, Anderson rushed for 1008 yards on 268 carries and scored 19 touchdowns (league leader). In 1985, Anderson had his best USFL season as he rushed for 1207 yards on 276 carries and had 16 touchdowns. He was named to one All-Star team in his USFL career and is the 4th leading rusher in USFL history.

Gary Anderson Game-Worn Helmet USFL Tampa Bay Bandits 1985

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