money 'You never know': Former Browns star running back Kevin Mack looks back on original USFL
You never know where you can find a hidden gem when it comes to football.
Last season, the first for the new USFL, Kavontae Turpin exemplified that. He went from being named the league's MVP to landing an NFL roster spot a few months later to then becoming a Pro Bowl player for the Dallas Cowboys as a return specialist.
Kevin Mack knows that feeling from his experience in the original USFL before he found his way in a Cleveland Browns uniform and became a two-time Pro Bowl running back.
After starring in college at Clemson, Mack got his first pro football opportunity in the USFL — then a rival to the NFL for players — with the Los Angeles Express during the 1984 season. He played with future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.
“You never know who will see you when you are out playing a game like that or with the USFL,” Mack said. “I remember we had a bunch of guys crossed over when the league decided to fold back when I was playing.”
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The Browns were aggressive in adding USFL players to their roster. They drafted Mack in a1984 supplemental draft to acquire his NFL rights and he joined them for the 1985 season.
“It was a pretty whirlwind for me,” Mack said. “It was all kind of a blur to be cut and then get picked up by a team all in the same day was pretty crazy to me.”
As an NFL rookie, Mack rushed for 1,104 yards, joining teammate Earnest Byner in giving the Browns two 1,000-yard running backs. They helped lead the Browns to an AFC Central Division title and a playoff spot. Mack went on to play all eight of his NFL seasons for the Browns and is a member of the Cleveland Browns Legends Program.
Mack, who currently resides in Cleveland, made a guest appearance at the Hall of Fame Village on Wednesday night for an event for USFL’s season ticket holders. The Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals both will play their 2023 home games in Canton. The season starts next month, and Mack is excited to see two teams playing in Stark County and thinks the league is heading in the right direction.
“To me, it’s kind of icing on the cake for getting the league restarted,” Mack said. “For me, it gave me a great opportunity back when I played in the USFL.”
Mack also shared advice he'd give current USFL players who have hopes of eventually playing in the NFL.
“I would say don’t ever doubt the possibilities because you never know who’s looking at you, thinking they could give you an opportunity because of your talents,” Mack said. “You just got to keep working hard at it and don’t give up. Don’t get discourage because you never know.”
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Browns legend Kevin Mack excited for USFL season, teams in Canton
