Based in Northern Florida and playing at the Gator Bowl, the Jacksonville Bulls were one of six expansion teams added in the USFL's second season. The team name came from Owner Fred "Bubba" Bullard, a Jacksonville businessman.

The teams colors were chosen as a combination of the popular college teams in the area, with garnet from the Florida State Seminoles, orange from the Florida Gators, and silver from the pants worn by the Georgia Bulldogs. Jacksonville had a unique helmet with a streaking Bull wrapped around both sides of the helmet with the team name written over the back.

The Jacksonville Bulls employed a successful marketing play as NFL legends Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick joined as minority owners and helped promote the team, with longtime Georgia radio announcer Larry Munson doing the team's play by play on local radio. Coached by Lindy Infante the Bulls were not one of the USFL's most talented teams, but fans did not seem to care as they were one of the highest drawing teams, averaging 46,730 fans, which included a record of 73,227 in Week 2 against the New Jersey Generals, a game they lost 28-26 as Danny Miller's Field Goal at the end of the game sailed wide right.

A week earlier, the Bulls had a successful debut at the Gator Bowl, crushing the Washington Federals 53-14. Close loses would be the hallmark of the Bulls inaugural season as they were competitive, with six losses coming by a touchdown or less.

However, in the end they just did not have the weapons and ended in last place with a record of 6-12. Robbie Mahfouz and Matt Robinson split the duties at quarterback, with Gary Clark emerging as the star receiver with 760 yards.