Results
| USFL | 06/17 17:00 | - | [3] PIT Maulers v NJ Generals [2] | L | 26-6 | |
| USFL | 06/11 23:00 | - | [1] PHI Stars v NJ Generals [4] | W | 33-37 | |
| USFL | 06/04 17:00 | - | [4] MEM Showboats v NJ Generals [3] | L | 25-16 | |
| USFL | 05/28 21:30 | - | [3] MI Panthers v NJ Generals [2] | L | 25-22 | |
| USFL | 05/21 20:00 | - | [2] NJ Generals v HOU Gamblers [3] | L | 10-16 | |
| USFL | 05/14 16:00 | - | [1] NJ Generals v PHI Stars [4] | L | 21-24 | |
| USFL | 05/07 19:00 | - | NO Breakers v NJ Generals | L | 20-17 | |
| USFL | 04/30 20:00 | - | [2] NJ Generals v MI Panthers [1] | W | 28-13 | |
| USFL | 04/23 17:00 | - | [4] NJ Generals v PIT Maulers [3] | W | 20-3 | |
| USFL | 04/15 23:30 | - | [2] NJ Generals v BHM Stallions [1] | L | 10-27 | |
| USFL | 06/25 19:00 | 2 | [2] PHI Stars v NJ Generals [1] | L | 19-14 | |
| USFL | 06/18 16:00 | - | [2] PHI Stars v NJ Generals [1] | W | 23-26 |
Wikipedia - New Jersey Generals (2022)
The New Jersey Generals were a professional American football team. The Generals competed in the United States Football League (USFL) as a member club of the league's North division. Though named after the 1980s USFL team of the same name, which played at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Generals never played in New Jersey nor the New York metropolitan area the original Generals represented, instead playing its home games at the USFL's hub at Protective Stadium and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama in 2022, and at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio (shared with the Pittsburgh Maulers) in 2023 under the USFL's stadium sharing model. The Generals were one of eight teams that joined the USFL in 2022.
On December 19, 2023, the USFL informed its players union that the Generals would be among four USFL teams to be contracted as part of the league's upcoming merger with the XFL.
History
The New Jersey Generals were one of eight teams that were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021. USFL co-founder Brian Woods had been using the Generals brand for teams in The Spring League since 2019. On January 6, 2022, it was announced on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that former NFL, AAF, and NCAA Football Head coach Mike Riley was named the Head coach and General manager of the Generals.
The team was placed to select fourth overall in the 2022 USFL draft, where they selected Ben Holmes. Holmes was injured in training camp and ultimately released, but this allowed for the Generals to sign Luis Perez, who impressed during the season, starting only 6 games, finishing in the top 5 in passing yards and touchdowns. The Generals also selected KaVontae Turpin as their top receiver, who lead the USFL in receiving yards (540), coupled with 4 touchdowns. He was also selected as to the All-USFL Team, alongside teammates Darius Victor, Terry Poole, Garrett McGhin, Toby Johnson and Shalom Luani in addition to winning USFL Most Valuable Player Award. The Generals won the top seed in the North Division with a 9–1 record. Despite the top seed in the North Division, the Generals were upset by the Philadelphia Stars, 19–14 in the North Division Championship Game.
On October 18, 2022, the team hired Billy Devaney as the team's general manager.
On December 19, 2023, the USFL informed its players union that the Generals would not be among four USFL teams to be contracted as part of the league's upcoming merger with the XFL.
The NJ Generals had a strong roster of players, including future NFL stars like Herschel Walker, Doug Flutie, and Jim Kelly. The team had a successful inaugural season in 1983, finishing with a record of 12-6 and making it to the playoffs. However, the team struggled in the following seasons, finishing with losing records in both 1984 and 1985.
Despite their on-field struggles, the NJ Generals were known for their innovative marketing strategies and high-profile ownership. Donald Trump was heavily involved in the team's operations, and his brash personality and controversial statements often made headlines. The team also had a popular cheerleading squad, the Generals' Brigade, which performed at games and made appearances at events throughout the region.
The NJ Generals ceased operations after the 1985 season, when the USFL folded due to financial difficulties. However, the team remains a memorable part of New Jersey's sports history, and its legacy lives on through the many talented players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL.