1983-85 Reggie Smith Game-Worn Helmet USFL Tampa Bay Bandits – COA 100% Authentic Team

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 Reggie Smith during his time with the team in 1983-85. The Ridell 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 still intact with wear throughout, the central portion features white/blue/silver striping.  The interior also has warning and recondition stickers inside. The link to Smith is on the back portion by his jersey number decal”56″. 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.

Reggie Smith was drafted by both professional leagues, National Football League and the United States Football League, in the 1984 draft by the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Bandits. Smith elected to start his professional career with the USFL Tampa Bay Bandits. During his 3-year USFL career, he honed his skills alongside future NFL players Nate Newton and Dan Fike, while playing against the likes of Reggie White. Smith realized a childhood dream—playing in the NFL—with stops in Denver, Dallas, and a return to Tampa Bay (after the collapse of the USFL; see NFL v USFL lawsuit).During his NFL career, Smith discovered the professional side of the NFL and was motivated to investigate litigation support as a potential future career.

Authentication: 100% Authentic Team

Reggie Smith Game-Worn Helmet