The 1985 Houston Gamblers were an unstoppable force in the USFL, dominating the regular season with a 15-3 record and rewriting the league’s offensive record books. Yet, despite their historic campaign, their quest for a second championship ended in stunning fashion with a 35-32 playoff loss to the Denver Gold, leaving the franchise and its fans wondering what might have been.
Offensive Firepower: The Jim Kelly Show
Led by MVP candidate Jim Kelly, the Gamblers’ “Run & Shoot” attack was even more lethal than their 1984 title-winning squad. Kelly shattered expectations, throwing for 6,031 yards and 51 touchdowns, spreading the ball among a trio of elite playmakers:
- WR Richard Johnson – 1,881 yards, 18 TDs (leading the USFL in receiving)
- WR Ricky Sanders – 1,722 yards, 16 TDs
- RB Todd Fowler – 1,247 rushing yards, 17 TDs
Houston’s offense averaged 35.3 points per game, scoring 50+ points four times, including a 58-24 demolition of the Boston Breakers in Week 5.
Rolling Through the Regular Season
The Gamblers opened the year on a 7-0 tear, including a 48-21 thrashing of the Chicago Blitz and a 58-24 blowout in Boston. Their only early stumble came in Week 8, when the Memphis Showboats stunned them 31-13, but Houston quickly rebounded, winning 7 of their next 8 to secure the league’s best record.
Key Victories:
- Week 11: 28-7 over New Jersey (Generals’ lowest output of the year)
- Week 12: 30-27 thriller vs. Michigan (late FG sealed it)
- Week 16: 43-38 shootout win at Arizona (Kelly’s 4 TDs)
Defensive Standouts
While the offense grabbed headlines, Houston’s defense had its moments:
- LB Kiki DeAyala (140 tackles, 2 sacks) anchored the unit.
- DL Jeff Gaylord (Fitzpatric) (12 sacks, 22 hurries) terrorized QBs.
- CB Lewis Washington (12 INTs, 2 TDs) was a ballhawking nightmare.
Yet, inconsistency plagued the defense, particularly in shootouts like the 56-35 win over Oklahoma and the 44-38 escape at Memphis.
Playoff Disaster: Denver’s Stunning Upset
After a first-round bye, Houston faced the Denver Gold in the divisional round. Despite being heavy favorites, the Gamblers’ defense collapsed late, allowing 35 points in a back-and-forth thriller. A late Kelly drive fell short, and Denver escaped with a 35-32 win, ending Houston’s season in shocking fashion.
What’s Next?
With Jim Kelly, Richard Johnson, and Todd Fowler all returning in 1986, the Gamblers remain the USFL’s most dangerous offense. But after back-to-back playoff letdowns, the pressure is on new coach Marv Levy to fix the defense—or risk wasting a dynasty in the making.
Final Thought: “We were the best team all year,” Kelly said postgame. “But ‘best’ doesn’t matter if you don’t finish.”
1985 Houston Gamblers Roster
Offense
QB – Jim Kelly, Mike Dillon
RB – Todd Fowler, Sam Harrell, Darrell Clark, Ronny Lazarus (KR)
WR – Richard Johnson (KR), Ricky Sanders (PR), Clarence Verdin (KR), Gerald McNeil (PR), Gary Lowell, Gary Rolle, Ron Fazio, Mike Barousse, Reggie Poole
OL – T: Rickey Giddens, Ralph Rosado, Buddy Rodgers
G: Mark Kiewel, Dave Boucher, Scott Kidd, Mike Kehr
C: Mike Kalli, Mike Allen
Defense
DL – Tony Degrate (DT), Tim Newton (DT), Jeff Gaylord (Fitzpatric), Pete Catan (DE), Greg Lewis (DE), Elvis Franks (DE), Mike Crosby (DE), Joe Jackson (DE)
LB – Kiki DeAyala, Aaron Hawkins, Ron Anderson, Andy Hawkins, Gary Davis, Garland Hawkins, Lucius Davis, Anthony Tuggle
DB – Lewis Washington (CB), Luther Davis (CB), Davlin Mullen (CB), Victor Mitchell (CB), Mike Vonner (CB), Mark Hall (S), Mike Heath (CB/KR), Kevin Myers (S), Tim Eason (S/KR)
Special Teams
K – Toni Miller
P – Rick Wlaters
KR/PR – Clarence Verdin, Gerald McNeil, Richard Johnson, Ricky Sanders, Ronny Lazarus, Tim Eason