The Memphis Maniax were an XFL team that brought high-energy football to Memphis during the league’s first season in 2001. Known for their fierce gameplay and strong local support, the Memphis Maniax quickly gained attention as one of the most entertaining teams in the XFL, leaving a lasting mark on early 2000s football culture.
Established
2001
City
Memphis
League History
2001 / XFL
Team History
2001 / Memphis Maniax
Nickname
Maniax – The Memphis Maniax was one of the eight original teams to join the XFL in 2001, and their nickname has an interesting origin story. The name was chosen to pay homage to the city’s rich musical heritage while emphasizing toughness and strength - two critical attributes for any successful football team.
Memphis Maniax Origin
The “Maniax” portion of the name is derived from mania, which means intense enthusiasm or excitement. This perfectly captures what it feels like when you attend a football game in Memphis – everyone is cheering on their favorite team with incredible enthusiasm! The second part of the name comes from Maximus Decimus Meridius, a character played by Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's 2000 film Gladiator. In this movie, Maximus leads his troops into battle with unmatched courage and ferocity; these qualities make up an excellent football player, so it made sense that they would use this reference for inspiration when creating their new nickname!
Overall, we think that choosing “Memphis Maniax” as their official moniker was a great decision – it captures some essential aspects of playing professional sports and pays tribute to music culture AND Hollywood history at once! We can't wait until next season rolls around so we can cheer on our beloved hometown heroes once again!
Championship
XFL Championships 0
Stadium
2001 / Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Owner
2001 / World Wrestling Federation
- 2001
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Maniax Team Formation
The team’s name and logo were designed to lead the team’s fans into calling the team “The Ax”, a shortened form of the word “maniacs”. The Maniax Director of Player Personnel was Steve Ortmayer, who had become respected in the pro football world for helping to build the Super Bowl XVIII-champion Los Angeles Raiders. Steve Ehrhart, who had managed both ...
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Memphis Maniax History
The Memphis Maniax were a professional American football team that played in the XFL, a league launched in 2001 by Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and NBC. The XFL team was based in Memphis, Tennessee, and played its home games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The Memphis Maniax were among the eight original teams in the league and were known for their hard-nosed play style and passionate local fan base.
The Memphis Maniax featured several talented players, including quarterback Jim Druckenmiller, wide receiver Yo Murphy, and running back Rashaan Salaam, a former Heisman Trophy winner. Despite their strong roster, the team faced early struggles adjusting to the fast-paced and unconventional rules of the XFL. They finished their only season with a 3–8 record, ranking fourth in their division. However, one of the most memorable highlights came when the Memphis Maniax defeated the eventual league champions, Los Angeles Xtreme, in a dramatic 28–24 comeback win on national television — a game that showcased the team’s grit and determination.
Under the leadership of head coach Kippy Brown, the Memphis Maniax displayed flashes of potential and competitive spirit throughout the season. Their games often drew enthusiastic crowds, proving that Memphis had a passionate appetite for professional football. Players like linebacker Kevin Cobb and defensive end Shante Carver helped anchor a defense that kept the team competitive in several close matchups despite their losing record.
Maniax Achievements
Although the XFL team folded after its first season due to low national television ratings and financial losses, the Memphis Maniax left a lasting impression on fans. Their unique identity, featuring bold uniforms and the “Madmen of Memphis” fanbase, became a cultural highlight of the short-lived league.
Memorable Upset Victory
One of the most notable achievements in Memphis Maniax history was their thrilling upset win over the Los Angeles Xtreme. Quarterback Jim Druckenmiller’s two late touchdown passes marked one of the most exciting moments of the 2001 XFL season and solidified the team’s place in the league’s history books.
Legacy and Fan Impact
While their time was brief, the Memphis Maniax built a strong local following that celebrated their underdog status. Their role in the original XFL team lineup remains a key part of early 2000s football history, symbolizing the
Sports Fan Products
Coach
2001 / Kippy Brown
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history