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.
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.[1] USFL co-founder Brian Woods had been using the Generals brand for teams in The Spring League since 2019.[2] 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.[3]
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,[4] 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.[5][6] The Generals won the top seed in the North Division with a 9–1 record.[7] Despite the top seed in the North Division, the Generals were upset by the Philadelphia Stars, 19–14 in the North Division Championship Game.[8]
On October 18, 2022, the team hired Billy Devaney as the team's general manager.[9]
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.[10]
The New Jersey Generals shared a rivalry with the Michigan Panthers.[11] This rivalry was called the Northern Duel. The Generals finished with a 3–1 record against the Michigan Panthers in 2 seasons. After the 2023 season the rivalry was not renewed as the New Jersey Generals folded during the XFL–USFL merger of 2024.
^Clinton, Bryan (June 22, 2022). "Former TCU WR KaVontae Turpin Wins USFL MVP". Heartland College Sports – An Independent Big 12 Today Blog | College Football News | Big 12 Today. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
