Established
1983
City
Denver
League History
1983 – 1985 / United States Football League
Team History
1983 – 1985 / Denver Gold
Nickname
Gold – The Denver Gold, one of the most beloved teams in the history of professional sports, has a unique and exciting nickname with its roots in American football. The team was part of the United States Football League (USFL) during its brief existence from 1983-1985.
The name “Gold” comes from an old mining term used to describe large deposits or veins of gold ore that prospectors discovered during America’s westward expansion into Colorado and other parts of western North America. This connection to gold reflects a sense of nostalgia for this period in American history and their home city's reputation for being "the mile-high city."
The USFL had many great teams with colorful nicknames, such as “Giants," Stars," and even "Gunners."But none could compare to the impact of Denver's own Gold, who captured fans' hearts with their exciting brand on offense and defense led by legendary quarterback John Elway who became one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks ever.
While some may question why they chose such an unusual nickname, it speaks volumes about how much pride they took in representing their hometown and honoring those brave pioneers who ventured out into uncharted territory looking for fortune and adventure centuries before them. So next time you hear someone mention 'Denver Gold,' remember where it all began!
Original USFL Team
Yes
Final USFL Team
No
Team’s Final Outlook
Doug Spedding knew that the Gold could not hope to compete with the Broncos; shortly after the 1985 season, he cut a deal to merge the Gold with the Jacksonville Bulls.
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1983 – 1985 / Mile High Stadium
Owner
1984 – 1985 / Doug Spedding
1983 / Ron Blanding
Coaches
1985 / Mouse Davis (11 wins – 8 losses)
1983 – 1984 / Craig Morton (12 wins – 12 losses)
1983 / Red Miller (4 wins – 7 losses)
- 1983
- 1985
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Gold Team Formation
The team’s original owner, Denver real estate mogul Ron Blanding, held fast to USFL founder David Dixon’s original blueprint for the league. He kept tight controls on expenses (including player salaries) while heavily marketing the team in the Rockies. The Gold’s original coach was Red Miller, who led the National Football League’s Denver Broncos to their first-ever Super Bowl. However, ... -
Competing with the Broncos
Unfortunately, just after Davis took over, the USFL announced that it would switch to a fall schedule for the 1986 season. Knowing that the Gold could not even begin to compete directly with the Broncos, Spedding was one of two owners (the other being Tampa Bay Bandits owner John F. Bassett) to vote to stay on a spring schedule. His ...
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.
History of the Gold
The Denver Gold was a professional American football team that competed in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983-1985. The franchise was based in Denver, Colorado, and played home games at Mile High Stadium. Founded by entrepreneur Doug Spedding, the Gold was one of twelve teams to compete in the USFL's inaugural season in 1983.
The first two years of play for the Gold were successful as they made it to back-to-back playoff appearances with an overall record of 22 wins and 14 losses during those seasons combined. During this period, they had some very talented players on their roster, such as quarterback John Elway and running backs Sammy Winder and Craig James, who helped lead them to these successes on offense, while defensive end Greg Kragen anchored a solid defense that allowed only 20 points per game during those two seasons combined!
Unfortunately for fans of the Denver Gold, after just three short years playing together due to financial difficulties caused by declining attendance figures following its move away from Mile High Stadium, ownership decided it would be best if they disbanded before entering into their fourth year competing within USFL league play which ended up happening shortly after that when all operations ceased permanently at season’s end 1985 thus ending what could have been an even more successful stint within minor league football history books forever!
Sports Fan Products
Accomplishments
1985 / Division Championship Game (vs Memphis Showboats 7 – 48)
Averaged 41,736 in 1983, 33,953 in 1984 and 14,446 in 1985 (51,706 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history