Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? Poster

Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? 2009

★ 7.020 votes53 min📅 2009-10-20

"For three glorious years, football was 365"

Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (2009) chronicles the meteoric rise and dramatic collapse of the United States Football League, a bold spring football league that dared to challenge the NFL's dominance in the early 1980s.

Director: Michael Tollin

Cast

Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Self
Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds
Self
Herschel Walker
Herschel Walker
Self
Michael Tollin
Michael Tollin
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (2009) about?

This documentary examines the brief history of the United States Football League, exploring how the upstart spring football league challenged NFL dominance in the 1980s before its dramatic collapse due to internal conflicts and controversial ownership decisions.

Who directed Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?

Michael Tollin directed this documentary, bringing his storytelling expertise to chronicle the USFL's rise and fall through archival footage and interviews.

Who stars in Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?

The documentary features Donald Trump, Burt Reynolds, Herschel Walker, and director Michael Tollin sharing their perspectives on the USFL's brief but impactful history.

Is Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (2009) worth watching?

As an unrated documentary with strong source material about one of sports' most fascinating what-if stories, it offers compelling insights for football fans and business history enthusiasts alike, despite its short runtime.

How long is Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?

The documentary runs for 53 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (2009) — The Rise and Fall of Spring Football

Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? (2009) chronicles the meteoric rise and dramatic collapse of the United States Football League, a bold spring football league that dared to challenge the NFL's dominance in the early 1980s. Directed by Michael Tollin, this compelling documentary explores how the USFL managed to attract three consecutive Heisman Trophy winners and build a dedicated fanbase, only to crumble under internal pressures and controversial ownership decisions. The film features insights from notable figures including Donald Trump, Burt Reynolds, and Herschel Walker, weaving together personal stories with the broader narrative of American sports culture.

Through archival footage and firsthand accounts, the documentary captures the excitement and ambition that fueled the USFL's brief but memorable existence. The atmosphere shifts from hopeful optimism to mounting tension as egos clash and business interests diverge. Themes of ambition, competition, and the price of success resonate throughout, making this more than just a sports story—it's a cautionary tale about the intersection of entertainment, business, and ego in professional athletics.