Jacksonville Bulls

Jacksonville Bulls – No More Almost. This time We Finish

Vital Info

Founded: 1984
Stadium: Gator Bowl
Head Coach: Linde Infante
Division: South

1986 Season

Record: 0 – 0
Next Game: vs. New Jersey Generals (1986 Kickoff Weekend)
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Key Stats (Coming Soon)

Roster Highlights

Franchise History

Jacksonville Bulls Team History: From Expansion Struggles to Playoff Contenders

1984 (Inaugural Season): Growing Pains (4-14, Last in USFL South)

The Bulls’ debut season was a classic expansion-team struggle. Despite flashes of offensive firepower (397 points scored), their defense was historically bad (541 points allowed.

Key Highlights:

  • Offensive Bright Spots:
    • WR Perry Kemp emerged as a star (74 rec, 1,294 yards, 8 TDs), forming a dangerous duo with Gary Clark (73 rec, 814 yards).
    • QB Robbie Mahfouz showed promise (85.6 passer rating, 18 TDs) but was turnover-prone (16 INTs).
    • RB Larry Mason was a workhorse (9 TDs), though the run game averaged just 3.6 YPC.
  • Defensive Woes:
    • The unit allowed 30+ points in 10 games, with no pass rush (just 20 sacks) and a leaky secondary.
    • LB Vaughan Johnson (111 tackles) and S David Gray (123 tackles) were bright spots in a battered group.

Bottom Line: A team with offensive weapons but no defense or depth. Coach Lindy Infante needed an overhaul.

1985: The Leap (11-7, 4th in USFL South – Missed Playoffs on Tiebreaker)

A dramatic turnaround saw the Bulls become one of the USFL’s most exciting teams, thanks to key additions and Infante’s scheme.

Key Improvements:

  • Offensive Explosion:
    • RB Shawn Jones (1,095 yards, 8 TDs) transformed the run game, while Mason remained a dual threat (582 rush yards, 61 catches).
    • Kemp (1,445 yards) and Mark Keel (9 TDs) gave Jacksonville elite WR play.
    • QB Ed Luther aired it out (3,843 yards, 24 TDs) but crippled the team with 24 INTs.
  • Defensive Progress:
    • DE Keith Millard and LB Vaughan Johnson anchored a fiercer front seven.
    • Turnovers improved (+5 INTs), but the secondary still allowed too many big plays.

Heartbreak: The Bulls finished tied for 3rd but lost the playoff tiebreaker to Memphis. Their turnover margin in close games sealed their fate.