Established
2020
City
Houston
League History
2024 - Present / UFL
2020 - 2024 / XFL
Team History
2020 - Present / Houston Roughnecks
Nickname
Roughnecks – As Houston prepares to welcome its newest professional sports team, the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks, fans are eager to learn more about their beloved squad. The name “Roughnecks” is steeped in history and has been used by various teams over the years. But where did this nickname come from? Let's take a look at how it all began!
The original inspiration for the moniker came from an oil-drilling term popularized during World War II. During that period, many brave men worked on rigs in dangerous conditions and were referred to as "roughnecks." This term eventually became synonymous with hard work and grit—two qualities that any successful football team needs!
The first professional sports franchise to use this nickname was minor league baseball's Oklahoma City 89ers (now known as Dodgers). They adopted it in 1962 when they moved into their new ballpark near an active drilling site. Since then, several other teams have taken up the mantle, including hockey's Tulsa Oilers (1986-1988) and basketball's Louisiana IceGators (1993-1995).
In 2019, Vince McMahon announced his return to pro football with his newly formed XFL organization; one of eight franchises included would be based out of Houston – thus giving birth to yet another iteration: The Houston Roughnecks! While today we may think differently about those who risk life & limb working on oil rigs every day due mainly in part to advances in technology, back then, these brave souls were viewed much like modern soldiers – risking everything so others could benefit - making them perfect symbols for what any excellent football team should strive towards each game day: Victory through courage & dedication no matter what odds stand before them!
Championship
UFL Championships 0
XFL Championships 0
Stadium
2020 - Present / TDECU Stadium
Owner
2023 - Present / RedBird Capital Partners
2020 - 2022 / Alpha Entertainment, LLC
Coach
2023 - Present / Wade Phillips
2020 - 2022 / June Jones
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
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Houston joined the XFL
On December 5, 2018: Houston is announced as one of eight cities that would join the newly reformed XFL -
Roughnecks Team Formation
Houston has previously hosted several other alternative professional football teams, including the Texans of the World Football League (unrelated to the current NFL team of the same name), Gamblers of the United States Football League, and Thunderbears of the Arena Football League. The city has a long association with commissioner Oliver Luck, who played for the Houston Oilers in the ... -
XFL and Roughnecks Covid-19 Shutdown
The Roughnecks inaugural season was cut short due to the 2019 – 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the XFL officially suspended operations for the remainder of the season on March 20, 2020. -
Houston Roughnecks logo Case
On January 8, 2021, it was revealed that the NFL filed an opposition against the XFL’s trademark application for the Houston Roughnecks logo on December 28, 2020, claiming that the logo was too similar to the Houston Oilers logo.[14] It was then later revealed that the NFL filed another trademark opposition to the Roughneck’s secondary logo on behalf of the ... -
XFL hires Wade Phillips as a head coach for the Houston team
On April 13, 2022: The XFL hires Wade Phillips as a head coach with the expectation that he would be coaching the Houston team. -
Houston Roughnecks second season
The 2023 Houston Roughnecks season was the second season for the Houston Roughnecks as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2023 season. The Roughnecks played their home games at the TDECU Stadium and were led by head coach Wade Phillips.[1] Earning their ...
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History of the Roughnecks
The Houston Roughnecks are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is part of the XFL (Xtreme Football League), an alternative to the National Football League (NFL). The Roughnecks were founded in 2019 and play their home games at TDECU Stadium. They are coached by June Jones and led by quarterback P.J Walker, named MVP of the 2020 season.
Since its inception, the Roughnecks have been among the most successful teams in XFL history. In their inaugural season, they finished with a 7-3 record. They earned a playoff berth and were crowned division champions for that year’s playoffs run before falling short against eventual champion Dallas Renegades in a double-overtime thriller. This success continued into 2021 when they went 8-2 during regular season play, earning them another division title but this time, making it all way to the championship game where unfortunately, they lost out to St Louis Battlehawks 27-21 on the final drive after having lead throughout majority match up.
Despite not winning the championship, Houston Rougheck's first two seasons have seen unprecedented success for an expansion franchise, which has set the bar high for future years. With young core players like P J Walker leading the charge, there is no doubt that we can expect more exciting times ahead from Houston's very own football heroes!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history