The springtime United States Football League published terrific game programs under the banner KICKOFF Magazine for all three years of its existence from 1983 through 1985. Each program contained 60 or more pages of nationally syndicated content about the USFL. A center insert of 20 or so pages added about the local team and that day’s matchup.
37 unique editions of KICKOFF exist. Cover subjects include future Hall-of-Famers Jim Kelly (Houston Gamblers) and Steve Young (Los Angeles Express), along with other notable young stars who chose to begin their careers in the USFL instead of the NFL. This includes a trio of Heisman winners from 1983 to 1985 in Herschel Walker (New Jersey Generals), Mike Rozier (Pittsburgh Maulers) and Doug Flutie (Generals).
Copies of KICKOFF are pretty easy to find. There are several dozen on e-Bay at any given moment. Even the three Championship Game Programs are pretty easy to get. Ignore the sellers demanding $75 to $100 for these. The truly difficult editions here are the playoff quarterfinal and semi-final programs for the 1983, 1984 and 1985 seasons. These show up rather infrequently and fetch $30 to $50 each from collectors looking to complete their runs.
1983
1984
1985
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7 Responses
Thanks for posting these covers! I love the original ones from 1983 which have the illustrated covers. I never saw the Craig James one previously.
Does anyone where I can get copies of Kick-off magazines?They focus on high school,college,and pro football.I need just a few pages from a few issues.
Thanks
I have the 1985 kickoff magazine. No use for it. I can scan and email you pages you need.
As an original member of the USFL marketing team ,I have all copies of KICKOFF mgzs and various other memorabilia and collectibles available for collectors 1983 —- 1985
Looking for the three championship game programs. Have any for sale?
Tomas,
Contact me.
Tom Cadle
[email protected]
Anyone looking for USFL 1983-85 programs please let me know. I have entire collection in great condition