1983 Tampa Bay Bandits
The Tampa Bay Bandits made a splash by bringing on Burt Reynolds as a minority partner and good will ambassador in 1983, something much needed by the new league. Owner John Bassett put together an exciting team that featured retread NFL journeyman quarterback John Reaves and veterans Danny Buggs, Glen Edwards, Zenon Andrusyshyn and Doug Beaudoin. The pass-first mentality of coach Steve Spurrier paid off as the combined passing accounted for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdown passes. But as Spurrier often encountered, live by the pass, die by the pass as the Bandits suffered down the stretch by throwing 36 interceptions.
Help arrived when multi-talented running back Gary Anderson joined them in the eighth game after a very ropey situation with the NFL’s chargers and his agent, Dr. Jerry A. Argovitz. The Bandits looked to be a contender for the title but faltered losing four of their last six games.
This set features 18 cards including: Gary Anderson, Zenon Andrusyshyn, Doug Beaudoin, Greg Boone, Danny Buggs, Keith Clark, Jeff George, Willie Gillespie, Warren Hanna, Jim Jordan, Mike Kelley, Fred Nordgren, John Reaves, Eric Truvillion, Bob Van Duyne, Ricky Williams, minority owner Burt Reynolds, and coach Steve Spurrier. Get your set here!