History of the Showboats

The Memphis Showboats were an American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1984 to 1985. The team was based out of Memphis, Tennessee, and had a rich history of success during its brief tenure in the USFL. From their inaugural season until their final game, they posted a record of 28-14 and made it to two championship games.

The Showboats’ first season was one for the ages as they went 13-5 and won their division title before advancing to USFL Championship Game against Philadelphia Stars, where they, unfortunately, lost 24–22 due to poor field goal-kicking by kicker Tom Orosz who missed three potential winning kicks on that day. Despite this heartbreaking loss, there were plenty more successes ahead for them as they finished 11–7 the following year but ultimately fell short again, losing 14–3 against Baltimore Stars in Semifinal round playoffs game which would be the last ever match for the franchise after the league folded shortly afterward.

Although it has been almost four decades since Memphis Showboats have taken the field, many sports fans still remember fondly what could have been, if not, an unfortunate end brought upon by the closure of the league itself. With 2022 being the 40th anniversary since inception, perhaps now is the time to look back at the legacy left behind with appreciation deserved towards players & staff members who gave so much effort into making such great memories possible within those two years even though the ultimate prize eluded them till very end.