The 1984 season was a thrilling rollercoaster for the Los Angeles Express, who stormed to a 14-6 finish and a trip to the Western Semifinal in the USFL playoffs. Led by the electric play of rookie quarterback Steve Young, the Express offense flashed both efficiency and explosiveness. Young completed over 61% of his passes for 3,007 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also contributing 285 yards and 4 scores on the ground. Supported by a strong rushing attack, particularly from Kevin Nelson (1,069 yards, 7 TDs) and Mel Gray (772 yards), LA’s offense proved versatile and dangerous. Joey Townsell emerged as Young’s top target, with 80 receptions and 7 touchdowns, while four other receivers also topped 300 yards in a balanced passing game.
Los Angeles came out of the gates hot, winning seven of their first eight games, including hard-fought victories over playoff contenders like Birmingham, New Jersey, and Houston. Their offense was particularly sharp in clutch moments, consistently outpacing opponents in tight, high-scoring affairs. However, inconsistency crept in during the second half of the season. The Express dropped a trio of key games, including a humbling 0-43 blowout against the Stars and losses to both Oakland and Arizona. Yet they bounced back with a strong finish, including a road win over the Wranglers and a playoff victory against the Invaders.
Defensively, the Express relied on a ball-hawking secondary and a swarming group of tacklers. Troy West led the team with 8 interceptions and 2 pick-sixes, while Howard Carson, David Howard, and Mark Justin anchored a tackling unit that racked up triple-digit stops. The defense also forced 35 turnovers through the air, helping balance out a unit that occasionally bent but rarely broke.
Despite a promising start and playoff grit, the Express ultimately fell short in the Western Semifinal, losing 42-30 to the Houston Gamblers in a shootout that showcased the USFL’s offensive firepower. Still, 1984 marked a successful campaign for LA. With Steve Young’s development accelerating and a strong supporting cast on both sides of the ball, the Express closed the year with plenty of optimism for a deeper postseason run in 1985.
Los Angeles Express Roster
Quarterbacks
- Steve Young
- Tom Seurer
- Jeff Jensen
Running Backs
- Kevin Nelson
- Mel Gray
- Tony Boddie
- Dwight Hersey
- LaRue Harrington
- Kevin Mack
Wide Receivers
- Joey Townsell
- Duane Gunn
- Ricky Ellis
- Doug Moore
- Freddie Scott
Tight Ends
- Darren Long
- Mike Sherrod
Offensive Line
- Mark Zimmerman (C/T)
- Bryan Reuther (C)
- Rick Loeberg (C)
- Chuck Durrett (G)
- Jerry Crouch (G)
- Eddie Fisher (G)
- Donnie Jones (G)
- James Kennard (G)
- Mark Adickes (T)
- Jeff Hart (T)
- Ken Atkins (T)
- Gary “Gerry” Doubiago (T)
Defensive Line
- Fletcher Jenkins (Weaver)
- Ben Rudolph (Achia)
- Dan Lesnik
- Larry Ussery
- Ron Robinson
- Charles Turner
- Troy Chaffin
Linebackers
- David Howard
- Danny Rich
- Howard Carson
- Larry Martin
- Mike Achica (DE/LB hybrid)
- Ed “Eddie” Williams (DE)
- Jerry Forte
Defensive Backs
- Troy West (S)
- Robert Drane (S)
- Tony Henderson (CB)
- Dwight Pattio (CB)
- Mark Justin (CB)
- Vince Mitchell (S)
- Alvin Scott (DB)
- Anthony Smith (CB)
Special Teams
- Tony Zendejas (K)
- Jeff Partridge (P)