Inspired By Stranger Things: Iconic 80s Moments/People In Utah Sports
Jun 14, 2022, 3:30 PM | Updated: Jun 15, 2022, 9:31 am

Peter Friedlander speaks onstage during Netflix's Stranger Things ATAS Official Screening at Raleigh Studios Hollywood on May 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
SALT LAKE CITY – Netflix recently released the fourth season of the streaming service’s hit show, “Stranger Things,” which takes place during the 1980s.
Due to the timeframe and props in the show, Stranger Things has activated 80s nostalgia for some viewers.
In fact, a BYU pennant flag was featured in seasons three and four of the show.
Someone help me find these two pennants, they are đ„ pic.twitter.com/ODPzUpLcVs
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) June 2, 2022
Iconic 80s in Utah Sports
In response to the recently triggered nostalgia, KSLSports.com asked on Twitter, “Who/what says “iconic 80s” to you when it comes to Utah sports?”
Here are some of the replies:
#StrangerThings4 activated 80s nostalgia… Here are some photos of that same time in #UtahSports.
Who/what says "iconic 80s" to you when it comes to Utah sports?
We know @975Hans and @ScottyGZone have opinions…. pic.twitter.com/201UCWpUTs
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 14, 2022
Utah Jazz legends John Stockton and Karl Malone were drafted during the mid-80s.
AND FINALLY… pic.twitter.com/6wrNHwK9T1
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 14, 2022
The Salt Lake Bees shared a photo of a baseball card of actor Bill Murray, who owned part of Salt Lake Trappers Minor League Baseball club.
— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 14, 2022
The Zone Sports Network’s Han Olsen shared a photo of his co-host and former BYU player Hans Olsen, who loves the 1980s and is currently watching Stranger Things for the first time.
ICONIC JERSEY AND PLAYER pic.twitter.com/setY2yFTU5
— Scott Garrard (@ScottyGZone) June 14, 2022
Olsen shared a photo of former NFL player and actor Brian “The Boz” Bosworth.
“The 80s all wrapped up in a single picture for me!” Olsen tweeted.
The 80s all wrapped up in a single picture for me! pic.twitter.com/Jwwgyktm3e
— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) June 14, 2022
Dallen Graff of KSL NewsRadio’s Cougar Sports Saturday shared a photo of former BYU and NFL quarterback Jim McMahon, who sported a headband featuring the name of former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Jim McMahonâs iconic headband pic.twitter.com/7VeLgxaczu
— Dallen Graff (@lilthoint) June 14, 2022
KSLSports.com NFL insider Kyle Ireland tweeted a photo of former BYU and NFL quarterback Steve Young wearing the creamsicle uniform of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Young began his NFL career as a member of the Bucs.
Steve Young rockin' the @Buccaneers' glorious and iconic creamsicle uniform.#LocalsInTheNFL @kslsports
đ·: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/3vbIGu7XOm— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) June 14, 2022
KSL TV’s Sam Farnsworth shared photos of former Jazz greats Darrell Griffith and Frank Layden. Both individuals have their names in the rafters at Vivint Arena.
“My favorite @utahjazz player of the 80s and possibly of all-time,” Farnsworth posted.
And this guy⊠pic.twitter.com/yPu5pHtzdY
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) June 14, 2022
KSLSports.com BYU insider Mitch Harper shared the iconic photo of legendary Cougar head coach LaVell Edwards in the “Quarterback Factory.”
BYUâs QB factory. pic.twitter.com/p6ONbFa4QP
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) June 14, 2022
KSLSports.com Utah insider Michelle Bodkin shared a GIF of former Ute Eddie Johnson giving a high five to a BYU cheerleader during a rivalry game in 1988. Johnson ran over to high-five the cheerleader on the sideline after scoring a touchdown against the Cougars. He finished his final game as a Ute with 112 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
I wasnât alive for this, but Iâve heard from multiple #sources it was pretty epic đ pic.twitter.com/5Lal9T3hvG
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) June 14, 2022
KSL TV’s Jeremiah Jensen shared photos of former Utah Jazz greats Adrian Dantley and Darrell Griffith. Like Griffith, Dantley’s jersey was retired by the Jazz and hangs in the rafters at Vivint Arena.
We canât do this without including Adrian Dantley and Darrell Griffith https://t.co/PMd9WhysFg pic.twitter.com/xjwjWRDWWt
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) June 14, 2022