The Michigan Panthers perhaps best exemplified what the USFL could have been. The Panthers, coached by Jim Stanley, were a young, exciting team that provided its fans with plenty of good football. The were also fortunate to have one of the richest owners in sports in shopping mall magnate A. Alfred Taubman. A 1-4 start in 1983 bore little resemblance to the way Michigan played the rest of the season. After the slow beginning, the Panthers won six straight to get back into contention for a playoff spot. Their 12-6 record and two victories over the Chicago Blitz gave them the Central Division crown and the right to host a first round playoff game. In front of 60,237 fans at the Silverdome, the Panthers cruised to a 37-21 win over the Oakland Invaders. Twice the Panthers went for it on fourth down when in field goal range and twice they scored touchdowns. Michigan then knocked off the Philadelphia Stars at Denver's Mile High Stadium for the first league championship. Get this vintage shirt remembering one of the best football teams in the area!