How a Little-Known Movie About Trump’s Football Fiasco Explains His Tariff Tantrums

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A thriving, innovative, nationwide business, brimming with enthusiasm and creative thinking, which had proven the skeptics wrong.

A self-assured, assertive figure emerges, one who believes he possesses solutions for every problem and takes drastic, independent actions without seeking consensus.

OR

An individual with a strong, decisive personality arises, one who feels certain he holds the key to every challenge and enacts swift, solo decisions.

A rapid collapse that leaves all the principals in disbelief at how one man ruined everything.

The impressive economic growth of the United States over the past few years has been weakened by Donald Trump? Instead, it could be said that the extraordinary success of the United States Football League in the 1980s was hindered by Donald Trump.

Prior to the term “tariffs” being commonly used in everyday conversations, Trump was already stirring up controversy with another concept that left experts and insiders who rarely agree on anything perplexed. This tale is recounted in the 2009 documentary Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?, an ESPN 30 for 30 production about a league that was thriving until Trump became the owner and believed he knew best (he didn’t).

Following several years of cultivating a devoted audience through its bold, groundbreaking approach (the USFL was ahead of its time with choreographed touchdown celebrations by players and the use of instant replay before the NFL adopted them), the league appeared ready for prosperity. However, Trump’s acquisition of the New Jersey Generals, which boasted star running back Herschel Walker, shifted the landscape. He recruited quarterback Doug Flutie and became both the public figurehead and powerful force in the boardroom of the league.

After careful consideration, Trump opted to encourage the league to shift their season from the spring, a period where they had successfully carved out a space for themselves over three seasons, to the fall. This move aimed to compete directly with the NFL. However, the USFL soon found itself entangled in an antitrust lawsuit against its more formidable competitor, which resulted in a meager $3 in damages. Consequently, the USFL never took the field again.

Guided by filmmaker Michael Tollin, who’s known for his sports-oriented productions like “The Last Dance,” this movie has been subtly available on ESPN+ for quite some time. Watching it now feels akin to discovering a hidden map – a crucial guide to understanding the complex tariff issues that have arisen under the Trump administration, with their aggressive imposition of heavy tariffs on major (and even minor) trade partners. This move has left global markets stunned and American businesses grappling with unprecedented levels of uncertainty.

The film doesn’t leave any room for doubt about who was responsible for the demise of the USFL. In fact, the title phrase originates from Trump himself, who referred to the USFL as insignificant, and so he assumed the role as the one with enough expertise to dramatically expand this seemingly modest vegetable.

When experts share their opinions on both his flawed USFL strategies and his tariff policies, it’s quite challenging to distinguish between the two subjects they’re discussing.

“It’s totally silly. There’s no other way to say it, it makes no sense.”

“We had something going good … why change it?”

“You are not only damaging yourself with your associates, but alienating them as well.” 

“The idea that this is inherently good…is wrongheaded. It’s untrue.”

1. (Harvard economist Dani Rodrik expresses thoughts on tariffs)
2. (Quarterback Jim Kelly shares views on the USFL)
3. (Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro voices opinions about tariffs)
4. (Rival USFL owner John Bassett writes a letter to Trump about tariffs, respectively.)

1. Dani Rodrik, an economist from Harvard, shares his thoughts on the topic of tariffs.
2. Jim Kelly, a former NFL quarterback, expresses his views concerning the USFL.
3. Ben Shapiro, a known conservative commentator, speaks out about tariffs.
4. John Bassett, a rival owner in the USFL, pens a letter to Trump discussing tariffs.

In the movie, some of the most critical remarks are made by Chuck Pitcock, a former Tampa Bay Bandits offensive lineman who spoke frankly. After losing his job due to Trump’s actions, he descended into financial and emotional despair. Contrary to what one might expect from a typical working-class Trump supporter, Pitcock had strong criticisms for the future president.

According to Pitcock, he exploited some of the less experienced owners. They thought if they were associated with Donald, they might acquire something. However, you won’t get anything out of it. He will discard you as well, Pitcock warns, and his past struggles may serve as a grim premonition for today’s tariff sufferers.

The similarities underscore Tollin’s foresight; he recognized the story of the modest USFL as a narrative of narcissism that would later unfold on a grander scale. However, the movie also showcases a striking consistency in character – Trump’s stubbornly contrary demeanor is evident in his ’80s sports endeavor as it is in his 2020s economic sphere. The scene and era may vary, but the individual remains constant.

During an interview in the movie, Tollin questions Trump about any regrets concerning his actions from 25 years back. Instead of showing remorse, Trump firmly stands by his past decisions, leaving no room for criticism.

THR contacted Tollin, however, he expressed a desire to remain silent on the matter. It’s possible he’s secluded somewhere, engulfed in sorrow; or perhaps he’s standing despondently within an abandoned USFL stadium, exclaiming “I had tried to caution you.

The movie lacks a roadmap for what comes next, no magic cure we can unearth and swallow reluctantly. Silently, the league fades away, with some of its members finding roles in the NFL, but most are left jobless. For those seeking encouragement from this tale, there will be none. Instead, the film explains Trump’s influence; it doesn’t provide a remedy for it.

Despite some challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope. In a recent move, Trump has delayed tariffs on several trading partners excluding China, suggesting he might avoid repeating his past errors in football. As Jim Kelly puts it in the movie about the autumn campaign, “Donald Trump, one thing I’m certain he reflects upon, whether he openly acknowledges it or not, is that this is one of the mistakes he made.” Regarding tariffs, Trump may not publicly acknowledge the mistake. However, his actions indicate a possible retraction.

This tale was initially published in the April 16th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. If you’d like to get the magazine, you can do so by clicking here to subscribe.

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2025-04-16 16:55