Benson Sharp Game-Worn Jersey #54 USFL Tampa Bay Bandits 1983 COA 100% Authentic

Description

Presented is a rare 1983 USFL Tampa Bay Bandits game worn jersey. It was worn by Benson Sharp who wore the jersey during his USFL tenure. It is a white mesh main body, the craze among jerseys of the mid ’80s. Both red/black striped sleeve ends are custom hemmed. The white mesh jersey has his number “54” in black with red outline on the front and back, as well as smaller versions on each shoulder. The Bandits logo is pressed into each sleeve. “BENSON” in black tackle twill on nameplate adorns the back. The jersey exhibits an incredible amount of wear with repairs “54” and most noticible on both of the shoulders. The jersey is aged and features discoloration marks.

The Tampa Bay Bandits were the Tampa franchise of the USFL. While they were owned by Canadian businessman John Bassett, actor and former Florida State player Burt Reynolds bought in as a minority owner and became a big part of the team’s marketing. Though most fans assumed the ‘Bandits’ name was a reference to Reynolds’ popular movie franchise, Bassett said he’d named the team after his granddaughter’s dog.

Helping the team’s popularity was another local star, Steve Spurrier. The Florida star’s up-tempo, aggressive offense – which earned the nickname Bandit Ball – was usually among the best in the league. On the field, the Bandits went 11-7, 14-4, and 10-8. The team made the playoffs in two of their three seasons and played an exhibition game in London in 1984.

Benson Sharp Game-Worn Jersey #54 USFL Tampa Bay Bandits 1983