Willie Gillespie Game-Issued Jersey USFL Tampa Bay Bandits 1984 COA 100% Authentic

Description

Presented is a rare USFL Tampa Bay Bandits game issue jersey. It was issued to Willie Gillespie in 1984.  It is a [size] “S” Speedline jersey from his USFL tenure in 1984. Both sleeve ends are custom hemmed.   The red mesh jersey has Gillespie’s number “8” in white with black outline on the front and back, as well as smaller versions on each shoulder. The Bandits logo is pressed into each sleeve. There’s no name on the nameplate on the back.  The jersey exhibits little-to-no wear designating it as game-issued.

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.

Willie Gillespie Game-Issued Jersey USFL Tampa Bay Bandits