SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

Memphis Showboats Team History

Memphis Showboats
Showboats Primary Logos

Established
1984

City
Memphis

League History
2024 - Present / UFL
1984 – 1986, 2023 - 2024 / United States Football League

Team History
1984 – 1986, 2023 - Present / Memphis Showboats

Nickname
Showboats – The Memphis Showboats were a professional American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1984 to 1985. The Showboats were one of the most popular teams in the USFL, and their memorable name has become an iconic part of football history. But where did this unique nickname come from?

It turns out that there is quite a bit of mystery surrounding how exactly it was chosen. Some sources suggest that another sports franchise may have inspired it with roots in Memphis, Tennessee -- namely, minor league baseball's Memphis Chicks, who had used “Showboat” as their mascot since 1979. It could also be related to showboating on the field or perhaps even referencing Elvis Presley's famous song "Steamroller Blues," which includes lyrics about being like a showboat rolling down the river!

Whatever its origins, one thing is for sure: The Showboats' name has remained etched into memory for many fans across generations and continues to bring back fond memories whenever they hear it mentioned today!

Championship
UFL Championships 0
USFL Championships 0

Stadium
2023 - Present / Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
1984 – 1985 / Liberty Bowl

Owner
2023 - Present / National Spring Football League Enterprises Co
1984 – 1985 / William Dunavant and Logan Young

  • 1983
  • 1984
  • 1985
  • 1986
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • Memphis Showboats - Reggie White

    Showboats Team Formation

    Memphis food manufacturer Logan Young was awarded an expansion franchise for Memphis on July 17, 1983. However, soon after hiring Memphis native and former college coach Pepper Rodgers as head coach and signing a lease to play in the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, he discovered that most of his assets were tied up in a trust fund that he couldn’t ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • reggie white memphis showboats

    Showboats most prominent player Reggie White

    In 1984: The Showboats enter the league in its expansion and finish fourth in the Southern Division with a 7-11 record. They miss the playoffs but attract large crowds at the Liberty Bowl. Their most prominent player is future Pro Football Hall of Fame member Reggie White.
    See Full Story
  • memphis showboats 1985

    The Showboat finish fourth in the Eastern Conference

    In 1985: The Showboats improve to a 11-7 record and finish fourth in the Eastern Conference. They earn a playoff berth and host the Denver Gold in the first round, winning 48-7. They lose in the semifinal round to the Oakland Invaders 28-19.
    See Full Story
  • USFL suspends operations

    The USFL suspends operations – Showboats cease to exist

    In 1986: The USFL suspends operations after losing an antitrust lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL). The Showboats cease to exist along with the rest of the league.
    See Full Story
  • Relaunch of Memphis Showboats

    Relaunch of Memphis Showboats

    On November 18, 2022: The USFL announces that it will relaunch in 2023 with eight teams, including the Memphis Showboats.
    See Full Story
  • Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

    USFL 2023 Season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

    In 2023: The Showboats are scheduled to play their first season in the new USFL at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Memphis Showboats?
  • Add your greatest player

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 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.




Sports Fan Products

Minnesota Vikings Helmet Shadowbox w/Justin Jefferson card
4.7 out of 5 stars(47529)
Buy on Amazon
Dallas NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Ceedee Lamb card
3.9 out of 5 stars(39523)
Buy on Amazon
Denver Broncos Current New 2024 Riddell Speed Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
5.0 out of 5 stars(5054)
Buy on Amazon
Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Revolution SPEED Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
Buy on Amazon
Baltimore Ravens NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Derrick Henry card
5.0 out of 5 stars(5052)
Buy on Amazon
Philadelphia Eagles NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Saquon Barkley card
3.5 out of 5 stars(3553)
Buy on Amazon
L.A. Raiders NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Bo Jackson card
4.2 out of 5 stars(425101)
Buy on Amazon
Detroit Lions NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Jahmyr Gibbs card
3.8 out of 5 stars(3854)
Buy on Amazon
Philadelphia Eagles NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Brandon Graham card
Buy on Amazon
Philadelphia Eagles NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Jalen Hurts card
4.2 out of 5 stars(42536)
Buy on Amazon
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl LV Replica Championship Ring mini Lombardi Trophy with Tom Brady Card Shabowbox Set
Buy on Amazon
Detroit Lions NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Amon-Ra St. Brown card
4.8 out of 5 stars(4858)
Buy on Amazon
Miami Dolphins NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Tyreek Hill card
4.5 out of 5 stars(45523)
Buy on Amazon
Boise State Broncos Blue Metallic Revolution SPEED Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
Buy on Amazon
Illinois Fighting Illini 1971-1987 Throwbaqck Revolution SPEED Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
Buy on Amazon
Kansas City Chiefs NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Coach Andy Reid card
5.0 out of 5 stars(5052)
Buy on Amazon
California CAL Golden Bears Revolution SPEED Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
Buy on Amazon
Virginia Tech Maroon Revolution SPEED Mini Football Helmet - New in Riddell Box
5.0 out of 5 stars(5052)
Buy on Amazon
Bernie Kosar Autographed Cleveland Browns Football Mini Helmet - Hand Signed with James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Buy on Amazon
Phil Simms Autographed New York Giants Mini Helmet Eclipse Beckett
Buy on Amazon
Cleveland Browns NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Shedeur Sanders card
Buy on Amazon
Randy Gradishar Signed Denver Mini Helmet TB 75-96 VSR4 JSA
Buy on Amazon
Tony Boselli Autographed 1995 Skybox Premium #160 Rookie Card BAS Slab
Buy on Amazon
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Travis Hunter card
Buy on Amazon
Green Bay Packers NFL Helmet Shadowbox w/Jordan Love card
3.9 out of 5 stars(39512)
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner NFL Logo Image

Accomplishments
1985 / Conference Championship Game (vs Oakland Invaders 19 – 28)
1985 / Division Champions (vs Denver Gold 48 – 7)
Averaged 27,599 in 1984 and 30,948 in 1985 (50,160 seat stadium)

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS Headline News

  • Padres vs. Phillies Game Highlights (6/30/25) | MLB Highlights
  • FC Dallas vs. San Diego FC | Full Match Highlights | Stoppage Time Winner!
  • Reviewing the First Round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft
  • Braves vs. Mets Game Highlights (6/25/25) | MLB Highlights
  • Can the Eagles Repeat? Cam Ward a Natural Leader & More! | The Insiders

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

USFL Logo Battle

STH Prodcut Sale

USFL Teams
Menu
  • Birmingham Stallions
  • Houston Gamblers
  • Michigan Panthers
    • Oakland Invaders
  • New Jersey Generals
  • New Orleans Breakers
    • Portland Breakers
    • Boston Breakers
  • Philadelphia Stars
    • Baltimore Stars
  • Pittsburgh Maulers
  • Tampa Bay Bandits
  • Past Teams
    • Arizona Outlaws
      • Arizona Wranglers
      • Oklahoma Outlaws
    • Chicago Blitz
    • Denver Gold
    • Jacksonville Bulls
    • Los Angeles Express
    • Memphis Showboats
    • Orlando Renegades
      • Washington Federals
    • San Antonio Gunslingers
STH - SHG YT Videos Banner
STH - SHG Rumble Videos Banner




Greatest Player Poll 350
National Football League LogoNational Basketball Associations LogoMajor League Baseball Logo 2019National Hockey League LogoNCAA Primary Logo

Greatest Player Poll: Cast your vote!

Join the debate and help decide who stands tall in the annals of sports history. Whether it's a legendary NFL's powerful action, the NBA's athletic prowess, or the unyielding spirit of an MLB player, we want to hear your thoughts. Who, in your opinion, has left an indelible mark on their sport? Who has transcended the boundaries of their game to become a symbol of excellence? Who has inspired generations of athletes and fans with their performances, character, and legacy? This is your chance to have your say. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and celebrate the greatest in sports history together.

NFL Greatest Player
NBA Greatest Player
NHL Greatest Player
MLB Greatest Player
MLS Greatest Player
WNBA Greatest Player
CFL Greatest Player
Premier Greatest Player
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Iconic Team Hats: The Evolution of Team Headwear Through the Decades

July 1, 2025

Canada’s Most Influential Sports Teams: Champions, Legends, and Lasting Impact

June 30, 2025

Top 4 Boston Red Sox Catchers Who Left a Lasting Legacy

June 30, 2025

Sports History Group 350
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Store History 200
Image

Complete Histories of Your Favorite Sports Team!


  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy




© 2013 - 2025 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.