Bart Oates joined the USFL out of BYU to play for the Philadelphia Stars in 1983. Oates wasn’t aware of what the league was about or that they would play in the spring.

Fortunately for Bart, his brother Brad, left the NFL after six seasons and joined up with the new spring league as well. The USFL was a haven for veterans like Brad to play a more years in football.  Bart says that Brad’s signing with the USFL was a factor in his decision to give the spring league a shot.

Oates signed lucrative three-year deal worth over $300,000, plus bonuses. At this time in the NFL, only elite offensive lineman made over $100,000 a year, with the average NFL salary just over $150,000. 

Click on image to read Oates article

Oates' Quotes:

“If Norwood makes the kick, we lose the game, on Tuesday it’s found out its my fault, and on Wednesday I put my house on the market.”

“We could have beaten the Eagles by 1985, because we were deep enough in talent by then.”