Established
1983
City
Birmingham
League History
2024 - Present / UFL
1983 – 1986, 2022 - 2024 / United States Football League
Team History
1983 – 1985, 2022 - Present / Birmingham Stallions
Nickname
Stallions – The Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL) have a unique nickname that has been around since their inception in 1983. The name “Stallions” was chosen to honor the city of Birmingham and its rich history with horses.
Birmingham is located in Jefferson County, Alabama, home to several horse racing tracks, such as Talladega Superspeedway and Fair Park Race Track. Horse racing has been popular throughout the area for centuries and is a significant part of local culture today. The name “Stallions” was chosen as an homage to this long-standing tradition, representing strength, power, courage, and determination—qualities shared by horses and football players alike!
In addition to honoring local equestrian heritage through their nickname choice, many believe that it also reflects on some other aspects of Birmingham itself—specifically its industrial heritage from being heavily involved in steel production during the World War II era when they were known as "Steel City." This connection between steel production/manufacturing & stallion strength makes perfect sense, given how important these industries were at once for providing jobs and helping build America into what it is today!
Overall, we can see why the USFL chose ‘Stallions’ for their team based out of Birmingham – it pays tribute both directly & indirectly towards everything this great city stands for hard work ethic combined with strong traditions rooted deeply within its history!
Championship
UFL Championships 1
2024
USFL Championships 1
2022
Stadium
2022 - Present / Protective Stadium/Legion Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
1983 – 1985 / Legion Field
Owner
2022 - Present / National Spring Football League Enterprises Co
1983 – 1986 / Marvin L. Warner
- 1983
- 1985
- 1986
- 2022
- 2022
- 2022
- 2024
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Birmingham Stallions Team Formation
The owner was Cincinnati financier and Birmingham native Marvin Warner. The team’s coach was Rollie Dotsch, who was previously an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers during its Super Bowl years and ended up with the second-most wins in USFL history. The Stallions starting QB in 1984 & 1985 was Cliff Stoudt, a long-time backup to Terry Bradshaw with the Steelers. ... -
The Stallions repeated as Southern Division champions
In 1985: The Stallions repeated as Southern Division champions with a 13-5 record, earning another playoff spot. Stoudt, Cribbs and Smith remain as the team’s offensive leaders, ranking fourth, sixth, and fifth in passing yards (3,358), rushing yards (1,042), and receiving yards (1,252) respectively. The Stallions defeat the Houston Gamblers 22-20 in the divisional round of the playoffs but lose ... -
USFL suspends operations – Birmingham Stallions Suspended
In 1986: The USFL suspends operations after losing an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. The Stallions are one of eight teams that agree to play in a proposed fall season in 1986, but the league ultimately folds before it can take place. -
The Re-Formation of the Stallions
The Birmingham Stallions were one of eight teams that were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021 On January 6, 2022, It was revealed that NCAA Coach Gene Chizik would become the head coach of the Stallions. Chizik confirmed the report, but the parties never reached an agreement and he ultimately ... -
Skip Holtz is named as the head coach
In the year 2022, a significant announcement echoed through the sports world as Skip Holtz, an esteemed figure in American football, was declared as the head coach and general manager of the team. Holtz, known for his tactical acumen and leadership skills, took over the reins of both pivotal positions in a stride to propel the team to new heights ... -
Stallions wins their first USFL title
The Stallions defeated the New Orleans Breakers 31-17 in the divisional championship game and advance to the USFL Championship Game. The Stallions defeated the Philadelphia Stars 33-30 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, winning their first USFL title. Victor Bolden Jr. wins the USFL Championship Game Most Valuable Player Award. -
UFL Inaugural Crown Goes to Birmingham: Stallions Run Wild
The 2024 UFL Championship game was a dominant display of power by the Birmingham Stallions, who defeated the San Antonio Brahmas 31-0 to claim the inaugural UFL title. The Stallions, led by quarterback Adrian Martinez, showcased a suffocating defense that completely shut down the Brahmas’ offense. The game was a testament to the Stallions’ experience and consistency as they continued ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Stallions
The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team that has been part of the United States Football League (USFL) since 2022. The Stallions have had an impressive run in the USFL, having made two appearances in the league's championship game and winning one title. The team has also produced several star players, including Pro Bowlers such as running back Craig Heyward and quarterback Doug Williams.
The Birmingham Stallions were founded by owner Bill Putnam Jr., who was looking to bring professional football to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. After joining forces with other investors from around the country, Putnam secured a franchise for his city in 1982 and began play during that year's inaugural season of USFL competition. During their first few years as members of this new league, they struggled on-field. Still, they managed to make it into three consecutive playoffs between 1983 and 1985 before losing each time in either semi-final or final matchups against some tough opponents like Jim Kelly’s Houston Gamblers or Steve Young’s Los Angeles Express teams, respectively.
In 1986 however, things changed dramatically when they acquired future Hall Of Fame QB Doug Williams from Oklahoma Outlaws via trade before starting their season, which ultimately led them all way up to Championship Game, where they eventually lost out due to Tampa Bay Bandits only after the hard-fought battle at Pontiac Silverdome stadium located near Detroit Michigan. They returned the following year, 1987, with even more determination & confidence, ready to go head to head against Denver Gold & once again ended up being runner-ups despite putting on solid performance overall. Even though they didn't win any titles over those two brief seasons, Birmingham Stallions remain one of most beloved franchises among diehard sports fans across the USA today.
Sports Fan Products
Accomplishments
1985 / Conference Championship Game (vs Baltimore Stars 14 – 28)
1984 / Conference Championship Game (vs Philadelphia Stars 10 – 20)
1985 / Division Champions (vs Houston Gamblers 22 – 20)
1984 / Division Champions (vs Tampa Bay Bandits 36 – 17)
Averaged 22,046 in 1983, 36,850 in 1984 and 32,065 in 1985 (71,594 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history