The Chicago Blitz were a professional team that played in the United States Football League, known as the USFL Chicago Blitz. Formed in the early 1980s, the Chicago Blitz football team gained attention for its talented roster and bold approach. Their brief yet eventful run left a lasting mark in USFL history and Chicago sports.
Established
1983
City
Chicago
League History
1983 – 1984 / United States Football League
Team History
1983 – 1984 / Chicago Blitz
Nickname
Blitz – The Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League (USFL) was one of the most iconic teams in professional football history. The team played from 1983 to 1985 and featured some of the greatest players in a USFL uniform, including future NFL Hall-of-Famers Jim Kelly and Reggie White. But what is often overlooked about this legendary franchise is its unique name: The Chicago Blitz.
Chicago Blitz Origin
Where did this nickname come from? It turns out that there’s an interesting story behind it! According to legend, when team owner Dr. Ted Diethrich was looking for a name for his new franchise, he wanted something powerful and memorable – something that would capture fans’ imaginations right away – so he chose “Blitz” as an homage to World War II German military tactics known as blitzkrieg or “lightning war." This strategy involved quick strikes with overwhelming force against enemy targets, which proved very effective during WWII combat operations; Diethrich thought it would also fit his new USFL team!
As expected, fans quickly took notice of this bold move by Dr. Diethrich and embraced their beloved Chicago Blitz with open arms - even after they moved on following only two seasons in existence due, mainly because many owners were trying unsuccessfully to merge into the NFL at that period (which ultimately never happened). Even though they may have been short-lived, their legacy remains today among true sports fans who remember them fondly whenever someone mentions "the old school" days when teams like these roamed across America's gridirons each springtime weekend!
Original USFL Team
Yes
Final USFL Team
No
Team’s Final Outlook
This resulted in one of the most unusual transactions in sports history. Diethrich sold the Blitz to fellow surgeon James Hoffman, then bought the Wranglers from Joseph. Hoffman and Diethrich then engineered a swap of assets in which George Allen, the Blitz coaching staff and most of the Blitz players moved to Phoenix while most of the Wranglers roster moved to Chicago.
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1983 – 1984 / Soldier Field
Owner
1984 / Dr. James Hoffman and United States Football League
1983 / Dr. Ted Diethrich
Coaches
1984 / Marv Levy (5 wins – 13 losses)
1983 / George Allen (12 wins – 7 losses)
- 1983
- 1984
-
Blitz Team Formation
The Blitz was one of the twelve charter franchises of the USFL. The owner was originally slated to be J. Walter Duncan, an Oklahoma oil magnate who had grown up in Chicago. However, league founder David Dixon persuaded Duncan to take on ownership of the New York City franchise–what became the New Jersey Generals–after its original owner, Donald Trump, pulled ... -
Franchise Swap with Arizona
As it turned out, Arizona Wranglers owner Jim Joseph had lost almost as much money as Diethrich and was looking to sell the Wranglers. Diethrich was willing to take over in Arizona, provided that he keeps Allen and the NFL veteran-loaded roster that he had assembled a year earlier. Joseph readily agreed. Soon afterward, Diethrich found a buyer for the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Chicago Blitz History
The Chicago Blitz was one of the original teams in the United States Football League (USFL), playing a key role in shaping the league’s early years. Founded in 1983, the Chicago Blitz football team played its home games at the iconic Soldier Field. Under the leadership of legendary coach George Allen, the USFL Chicago Blitz quickly gained a reputation as one of the strongest and most disciplined teams in the league.
In their inaugural season, the Chicago Blitz finished with an impressive 12-6 record, showcasing a tough defense and a balanced offense led by quarterback Greg Landry and running back Tim Spencer. Despite a strong playoff run, they narrowly missed the championship after a close loss to the Michigan Panthers in the semifinals. Their determination and competitive play, however, made them one of the most respected teams in the league.
The 1984 season brought big changes for the USFL Chicago Blitz. With Marv Levy taking over as head coach, the team continued to perform at a high level. The Chicago Blitz football squad finished with a solid 10-8 record, maintaining their reputation for physical, fast-paced football. They also secured a television deal with ABC Sports, giving both the Blitz and the entire USFL greater national visibility.
However, despite consistent on-field success, the Chicago Blitz struggled financially due to limited attendance and ownership instability. The franchise went through multiple ownership changes, which hurt team morale and long-term planning. After the 1984 season, the team folded, marking an unfortunate end to what had been one of the league’s most promising franchises.
Blitz Achievements
Even with their short lifespan, the USFL Chicago Blitz left behind a lasting impact on professional football. Their commitment to player development and innovative coaching under George Allen influenced many future teams.
1983 Division Title Run
The Chicago Blitz football team captured a division title in their debut season, finishing 12-6. Their strong defensive unit and leadership from George Allen made them a powerhouse within the USFL.
National Recognition and Legacy
The USFL Chicago Blitz earned national recognition through their 1984 ABC Sports partnership. Despite folding after two seasons, the Blitz remain a symbol of determination and innovation in early spring football history, representing what the USFL’s potential could have been with greater stability.
Sports Fan Products
Accomplishments
1983 / Divisional Championship Game (vs Philadelphia Stars 38 – 44 OT)
Averaged 18,133 in 1983 and 7,455 in 1984 fans (65,720 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history