The Arizona Wranglers were a professional football team in the USFL, bringing exciting spring football to Phoenix. Known for their passionate play, the Arizona Wranglers USFL franchise built a dedicated fan base. The Arizona Wranglers football history reflects determination, talent, and unforgettable performances that made them a key part of early 1980s football.
Established
1983
City
Tempe – Oklahoma City – Tempe
League History
1983 – 1986 / United States Football League
Team History
1985 / Arizona Outlaws
1983 – 1984 / Arizona Wranglers
1984 / Oklahoma Outlaws
Nickname
Wranglers – The Arizona Wranglers are one of the most iconic teams in USFL history, and their nickname is steeped in a rich history. “Wrangler” was chosen to honor the state’s cowboy heritage and its ties to professional football.
Arizona Wranglers Origin
In 1982, when the team began playing in Tempe Stadium, they were known simply as "the Arizona Football Team." But that all changed on August 8th when owner Jim Joseph announced that he had selected "Wranglers" for their official moniker. He chose this name because it symbolized strength and determination - two traits that he felt would be essential for success on the field.
The logo was designed by local artist David Johnson who wanted to capture some of those same qualities with his design, so he used an image of a bucking bronco with a lasso flying behind him against a desert backdrop – perfectly representing not only Arizona's western spirit but also its fiercely competitive nature! The colors red & white were chosen because they represented courage & power, respectively (as well as traditional American football colors).
This combination proved popular among fans across America, and soon enough, “Arizona Wranglers” became synonymous with excellence throughout professional sports circles! So if you're ever wondering why this team has such an excellent nickname – now you know: It pays homage to our state's proud past & bright future while also embodying everything we love about American Football!
Original USFL Team
Yes
Final USFL Team
No
Team’s Final Outlook
A deal was made in which Tatham acquired the Wranglers’ assets. Since Tatham acquired all the Wranglers’ player contracts, the deal was widely reported as a merger. Tatham relocated the Outlaws to Arizona for the 1985 season, merging the rosters into the Arizona Outlaws.
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1983 – 1985 / Sun Devil Stadium
*Oklahoma*
1984 / Skelly Stadium
Owner
1984 – 1986 / William R. Tatham Sr., William R. Tatham Jr.
1984 / Dr. Ted Diethrich
1983 / Jim Joseph
Coaches
1985 / Frank Kush (8 wins – 10 losses)
1984 / Woody Widenhofer (6 wins – 12 losses)
1984 / George Allen (12 wins – 9 losses)
1983 / Doug Shivley (4 wins – 14 losses)
- 1982
- 1984
- 1985
-
Wranglers Team Formation
The team that would eventually become the Arizona Wranglers was originally supposed to be the USFL’s Los Angeles franchise. The team’s planned original owner, Alex Spanos, pulled out of his USFL commitment and instead bought a minority stake in the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. The owners of the Oakland Invaders, Bay Area real estate executives Jim Joseph and Tad Taube, ... -
Merge with the Chicago Blitz
Joseph lost millions of dollars in the 1983 season. Like most of the other owners, he’d bought into the league knowing to expect years of losses. However, he was disappointed in the team’s attendance and unwilling to stick it out in Arizona. In a stroke of luck for Joseph, Chicago Blitz owner Dr. Ted Diethrich (a Phoenix resident and founder ... -
Joining with Oklahoma Outlaws
Despite making it to the Championship game, Diethrich was bleeding in red ink. He expected his all-star team’s attendance to be much greater than the 25,776 fans per game the no-name Wranglers averaged in 1983. However, as had been the case a year earlier, Phoenix-area fans viewed the Wranglers mostly with indifference. Despite fielding a winning team, the Wranglers’ 1984 ...
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Arizona Wranglers History
The Arizona Wranglers were a professional football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985. The Arizona Wranglers football franchise was founded by real estate developer and former NFL player Jerry Argovitz. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, they played home games at Sun Devil Stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University. As one of the original USFL franchises, the Arizona Wranglers USFL team quickly gained recognition for their competitiveness and loyal fan base during the league’s short but eventful run.
In their inaugural 1983 season under head coach Jim Hanifan, the Arizona Wranglers football team finished with an 11–7 record, placing second in their division behind the Los Angeles Express led by Steve Young. Quarterback Doug Williams threw for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running back Gary Anderson powered the ground game with more than 1,100 rushing yards. The Arizona Wranglers advanced to the playoffs but fell in the semifinals to the Michigan Panthers by a score of 16–3.
The 1984 season brought major changes, including new ownership and the merger with the Chicago Blitz. Despite the transition, the Arizona Wranglers USFL team improved to a 12–6 record and advanced to the USFL Championship Game. They faced the powerful Philadelphia Stars, led by future Hall of Famer Reggie White, but lost 23–3 in front of a weather-affected, low turnout crowd at Sun Devil Stadium. That game remains one of the defining moments in Arizona Wranglers football history, showcasing their resilience and championship potential.
In 1985, the Arizona Wranglers struggled to maintain consistency, finishing the season with an 8–10 record. However, they managed another playoff berth, only to lose in a close quarterfinal game to the Oakland Invaders. A controversial call nullified what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown, ending their hopes of a third consecutive championship appearance.
Wranglers Achievements
Despite never capturing a USFL title, the Arizona Wranglers USFL franchise remains a memorable part of spring football history. The team helped showcase emerging talent and gave Arizona football fans a team to rally behind during the league’s short lifespan.
1984 USFL Championship Appearance
The Arizona Wranglers football team reached the 1984 USFL Championship Game, marking their greatest achievement. Led by Doug Williams and Gary Anderson, the Arizona Wranglers USFL squad displayed elite offensive power and defensive toughness, proving they could compete with the league’s best teams.
Consistent Playoff Contender
During their time in the USFL, the Arizona Wranglers made multiple playoff appearances, earning respect as one of the most consistent teams in the league. Their competitiveness and commitment to high-level play left a lasting impression on the history of American spring football.
Sports Fan Products
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Accomplishments
1984 / USFL Championship Game (vs Philadelphia Stars 3 – 23)
1984 / Conference Champions (vs Los Angeles Express 35 – 23)
1984 / Division Champions (vs Houston Gamblers 17 – 16)
Averaged 25,776 in 1983 and 25,568 in 1984 (70,491 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history