- 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 ...
History of the Blitz
The Chicago Blitz was one of the original teams in the United States Football League (USFL). The team was founded in 1983 and played its home games at Soldier Field. Led by head coach George Allen, the Blitz quickly established itself as one of the top teams in USFL history. They won their division title with a 12-2 record and advanced to their first championship game, where they lost to Michigan Panthers.
In 1984, they had another successful season under new head coach Marv Levy, finishing 10-8 and advancing to yet another championship game against Philadelphia Stars; however, this time, they were victorious and captured their first league title. That same year also saw them agree with ABC Sports for national television coverage, which helped increase exposure for themselves and other USFL franchises nationwide.
Unfortunately, financial difficulties caused by poor attendance led them to fold after just two seasons despite having a winning record each year; however, those two years remain some of the most memorable times for fans who supported them during that era of professional football in America. Today, diehard sports enthusiasts still talk about what could have been if only given more time or resources. Still, regardless, it remains an essential part of American football history.
Blitz Products
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.
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)
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.
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
