People: Aug. 25, 1986

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Don't cry for Herschel Walker, 24, star running back for the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League and until now the highest-paid player in pro football at $1.5 million a year. After the U.S.F.L. announced it would suspend play next season, Walker dropped to third or fourth on the pay scale by signing a reported five-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys of the rival National Football League. Nonetheless, "to get to play in a Cowboys uniform and in Texas is a great honor for me," he said at a news conference. But some of his new teammates were not so happy, notably the veteran running back Tony Dorsett. "To bring someone in here who hasn't contributed a yard and to pay him twice what they pay me . . ." fumed Dorsett, whose career rushing record is 10,832 yds., sixth highest in N.F.L. history. "I can be a very disruptive force." Dorsett, whose own contract reportedly calls for $9.65 million over 27 years, later withdrew his threats and prepared to join Walker in what observers predict will be a dream backfield.