1983-85 USFL Tampa Bay Bandits Game-Issued Helmet

A charter member of the USFL, the Tampa Bay Bandits were the only franchise to have the same principal owner, head coach and home field during the defunct league’s three seasons. Presented here is a game issued helmet from the mid 1980’s. The Ridell helmet features decals on the sides showcasing a gunslinging Texan complete with a cowboy hat. It features its original padding. The facemask is still intact and the central portion features white/blue/silver striping.  The interior also has warning stickers inside. Overall, the rare helmet shows mild storage/age wear.

The Tampa Bay Bandits were a professional American football team in the United States Football League (USFL) which was based in Tampa, Florida. The Bandits were a charter member of the USFL and was the only franchise to have the same principal owner (John F. Bassett), head coach (Steve Spurrier), and home field (Tampa Stadium) during the league’s three seasons of play (1983–1985).

The Bandits were one of the most successful teams in the short-lived spring football league both on the field and at the ticket booth. Spurrier’s “Bandit Ball” offense led them to three winning seasons and two playoff appearances, and their exciting brand of play combined with innovative local marketing helped the Bandits lead the league in attendance. However, the franchise folded along with the rest of the USFL when the league suspended play after the 1985 season.

Tampa Bay Bandits Game-Issued Helmet