1983 NFL season

1983 NFL season
Year	1983
Regular season	September 4 – December 19, 1983
Playoffs start	December 24, 1983
Playoffs end	January 22, 1984
Super bowl date	January 22, 1984
Super bowl	Super Bowl XVIII
Super bowl site	Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Champion	Los Angeles Raiders
Pro bowl date	January 29, 1984
Pro bowl site	Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mvp	Joe Theismann, (Washington Redskins)
Opoy	Eric Dickerson, (Los Angeles Rams)
Dpoy	Doug Betters, (Miami Dolphins)
Coach	Joe Gibbs, (Washington Redskins)

1983 NFL season was the 64th regular season of the National Football League. The season culminated with Super Bowl XVIII, where the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Washington Redskins. A notable storyline was the emergence of several star rookies, including John Elway and Dan Marino, who would define the next era of the league. The 1983 NFL Draft is widely considered one of the greatest in history, profoundly impacting the competitive landscape.

Regular season

The AFC was dominated by the Los Angeles Raiders under coach Tom Flores, who finished with a 12–4 record behind the play of quarterback Jim Plunkett and a formidable defense featuring Lester Hayes and Howie Long. In the NFC, the Washington Redskins, led by Joe Gibbs and Joe Theismann, posted a league-best 14–2 record, powered by their famed "Hogs" offensive line and running back John Riggins. The Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East with a 12–4 mark, while the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams battled in the NFC West, with the Rams claiming the division behind rookie Eric Dickerson's record-setting rushing. Other playoff teams included the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions.

Playoffs

The NFL playoffs expanded to a ten-team format for the first time, adding a second Wild Card team in each conference. In the AFC, the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks to reach Super Bowl XVIII. The Seahawks, in their first-ever postseason, had notable wins over the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins behind quarterback Dave Krieg. The NFC bracket saw the Washington Redskins advance past the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers to secure their second straight Super Bowl berth. The 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round before falling to Washington. Super Bowl XVIII was held at Tampa Stadium, where the Raiders' defense dominated, forcing five turnovers in a 38–9 victory, with Marcus Allen winning Super Bowl MVP.

Statistical leaders

Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann led the league in passing yards, earning MVP honors. Rookie Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams set a new NFL rookie record with 1,808 rushing yards, also leading the league in rushing touchdowns. Miami Dolphins rookie Dan Marino led the AFC in passer rating and touchdown passes in just nine starts. The receiving title was claimed by Mike Quick of the Philadelphia Eagles. On defense, Doug Betters of the Miami Dolphins led the league with 16.0 sacks, while Everson Walls of the Dallas Cowboys and Kenny Easley of the Seattle Seahawks were among the interception leaders.

Awards and honors

At the season's end, Joe Theismann received the NFL Most Valuable Player Award from the Associated Press. Eric Dickerson was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Miami Dolphins defensive end Doug Betters earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs was recognized as Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. The Pro Football Hall of Fame class inducted in 1984 included Bobby Bell, Sonny Jurgensen, and Paul Warfield.

Draft

The 1983 NFL Draft, held at the Sheraton New York Hotel, is legendary for its quarterback class, often called the "Quarterback Class of 1983." It included first-round picks John Elway (Baltimore Colts), Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills), and Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins), along with Tony Eason (New England Patriots). Eric Dickerson was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams. Other notable selections included Bruce Matthews (Houston Oilers), Darrell Green (Washington Redskins), and Richard Dent (Chicago Bears). The draft's depth significantly altered the fortunes of multiple franchises for over a decade.

Notable events

The season was marked by significant labor relations, as the NFL Players Association went on strike in 1982, leading to a shortened season, with the full schedule returning in 1983. Monday Night Football celebrated its 14th season on ABC, with Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, and Howard Cosell in the booth. The USFL began its inaugural spring season, creating new competition for players and fans. Tragically, Baltimore Colts linebacker Barry Krauss suffered a severe neck injury during a game, though he later recovered. The Pro Bowl returned to Aloha Stadium in Honolulu following the Super Bowl.

Category:National Football League seasons Category:1983 in American sports