New Orleans Breakers

1984: With the move to New Orleans, Owner George Matthews sold his interest in the team to Joe Canizaro. Looking to make a big impact in their move south, the New Orleans Breakers signed Oklahoma star Running Back Marcus Dupree after his sophomore season. Dupree played well at the start scoring on his first carry, as he rushed for 684 yards with nine touchdowns on 145 carries before injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The Breakers season started with similar promise as they won their first five games. However, splitting their next four games, the Breakers suffered a 35-0 loss to the Philadelphia Stars which sent them on a tailspin the rest of the way as they won just one of their final nine games and finished with a disappointing record of 8-10. Johnnie Walton who played well in his first USFL season struggled in New Orleans, with just 17 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. With Marcus Dupree sidelined, the Breakers rushing attack was led by Buford Jordan who had 1,276 yards with eight touchdowns, while Frank Lockett was the team’s leading receiver with 1,199 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense Junior Ah You led the way with nine sacks, while Bruce Miller had a team best five interceptions. As the season came to an end, USFL owners voted to move from the spring to the fall following the 1985 season. With the NFL’s New Orleans Saints long settled into the Superdome, the Breakers were forced to again seek new home, this time choosing to go to the Northwest City of Portland, Oregon.