He was a high school soccer player, the team that Donald Trump bought to make him play

In 1983, Donald Trump, best known for his real estate dealings and later political career, made an unexpected move into the world of sports by acquiring the New Jersey Generals, a team that had been founded just a year earlier to compete in the United States Football League (USFL). This decision not only marked a milestone in his business career, but also revealed his interest in sports and his ambition to make a name for himself in different fields.

The USFL was established in 1982 as an alternative to the NFL, offering a platform for football players to compete in a professional league in the spring when the NFL was dormant. The New Jersey Generals, initially a modest team, sought to gain relevance and attract a fan base in a competitive market. Trump's entry into the team was a strategic shift that injected financial resources and media attention.

Trump, who had been a passionate football youth, found in the purchase of the Generals a way to revive his love for the sport. During his teenage years, he had been limited in his football aspirations due to the lack of opportunities at his school. Playing on a professional team, even through the purchase of a team, offered him the possibility of connecting his name with football, a dream he had had since his high school years.

Under Trump's guidance, the Generals began to attract prominent players, including football star Herschel Walker, which increased the team's popularity. Trump’s vision was to take the Generals to the top of the league, and his aggressive approach included scouting top talent and promoting the team in the media. However, his ambition also led him to make controversial decisions, such as proposing that the USFL move its season to the fall to compete directly with the NFL.

The New Jersey Generals era under Trump was short-lived. Despite initial investment and enthusiasm, the USFL faced serious financial difficulties, and the league dissolved in 1986. However, the purchase of the team served as a springboard for Trump’s notoriety, helping to cement his public image as a bold and visionary businessman. In retrospect, the acquisition of the Generals not only marked a chapter in sports history, but also reflected the mindset of an entrepreneur who was always looking for new opportunities, even in unexpected fields.