Boston Breakers

1983: Of the 12 original USFL franchises, no team had more issues getting settled than the Boston Breakers. Owned by Boston businessman George Matthews and former New England Patriots receiver Randy Vataha, the Breakers has trouble finding a home. The Breakers had wanted to play at Harvard Stadium, but were rejected by the University. The Patriots home in Foxboro was never a possibility as the Patriots asking price for rent was too high. Eventually the Breakers settled on Nickerson Field on the campus of Boston University, which was the smallest stadium in the league with a capacity of 20,300. The Breakers were coached by Dick Coury, who convinced Johnnie Evans to end a three-year retirement to play quarterback. Evans had a solid season in Boston, passing for 3,772 yards, with 20 touchdowns. The Boston rushing attack was led by CFL veteran Richard Crump, who gained 990 yards with eight touchdowns, while Charles Smith and Nolan Franz were the Breakers leading receivers with Smith leading the team with 1,009 yards with five scores, while Franz had 848 yards with four touchdowns. On defense the Breakers pass rush was led by Daryl Wilkerson, Ray Phillis and Larry McClain who each had six sacks, while Woodrow Wilson had four interceptions. The Breakers were one of the USFL’s stronger teams, putting together a solid 11-7 season, as Dick Coury was named Coach of the Year. The Breakers success though came with some hard luck as they were in the same division as the USFL’s best team the Philadelphia Stars, and thus missed the playoffs. The Breakers after the season tried to secure a better stadium in Boston, but to no avail. Despite their success on the field, they were at the bottom of the league in attendance and it was due to their stadium’s small capacity. Nickerson Field was also one of the league’s oldest stadiums, as it had once been Braves Field, home of baseball’s Boston Braves. With no clear solution in Boston, the Breakers made the decision to relocate to New Orleans for the USFL’s second season.