The New Orleans Breakers were a professional team in the USFL, known for their exciting gameplay and loyal fan base. The USFL New Orleans Breakers franchise showcased talent, resilience, and competitive spirit. Through their short yet impactful time in football history, the New Orleans Breakers football team built a lasting legacy remembered by fans today.
Established
1983
City
Boston – New Orleans – Portland
League History
1983 – 1986, 2022 - Present / United States Football League
Team History
1985 / Portland Breakers
1984, 2022 - Present / New Orleans Breakers
1983 / Boston Breakers
Nickname
Breakers – When it comes to the New Orleans Breakers, many sports fans may not be familiar with the team’s nickname origins in the United States Football League (USFL). The USFL was a professional football league that operated from 1983-1985 and included teams across America. The New Orleans Breakers were one of these original teams, joining in 1984 for their inaugural season.
New Orleans Breakers Origin
The origin of their nickname is an exciting story that dates back to when they first joined as an expansion team. When looking for a name, owner Joseph Canizaro wanted something unique and memorable while paying homage to his beloved city of New Orleans - so he decided on “Breakers”! This name was inspired by how challenging life can be living along Louisiana's Gulf Coast, where hurricanes often break through levees or sea walls during storms leaving destruction behind them. It seemed like a fitting tribute considering what residents have endured over time while maintaining solid spirits throughout it all!
The logo used by the Breakers featured two crossed lightning bolts above blue waves crashing against rocks - further emphasizing this idea of strength through adversity which has been part of this area since its inception centuries ago! Fans embraced this connection with pride as they cheered on their hometown heroes each week at home games held at Tulane Stadium during those three seasons before disbanding after 1985 due lack of financial stability within USFL itself. Although short-lived, there are still plenty of memories left behind, thanks mainly due to the creative branding efforts put forth in the early day's organization, a such naming process we discussed today!
Original USFL Team
No
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1985 / Civic Stadium
*New Orleans*
2022 - Present / Protective Stadium/Legion Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
1984 / Louisiana Superdome
*Boston*
1983 / Nickerson Field
Owner
2022 - Present / National Spring Football League Enterprises Co
1985 / Joseph Canizaro
1984 / Joseph Canizaro and Randy Vataha
1983 / George Matthews and Randy Vataha
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 2022
- 2022
-
Move From Boston to New Orleans
Despite fielding a fairly solid team, playing in Nickerson doomed the team in Boston. The stadium had been built in 1955 (though parts of it dated to 1915) and had not aged well. It was so small that the Breakers lost money even when they sold out as visiting teams got a portion of the gate proceeds. The Breakers and ... -
The Breakers move to Portland
In 1985: The Breakers move to Portland, Oregon due to stadium and financial issues in New Orleans. They finish third in the Western Conference with a 6-12 record and miss the playoffs. -
The USFL suspends operations – The Breakers cease to exist
In 1986: The USFL suspends operations after losing an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. The Breakers cease to exist along with the rest of the league. -
The Re-Formation of the Breakers
The New Orleans Breakers were one of eight teams that were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021. On January 27, 2022, it was announced on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that former NCAA Football Head coach Larry Fedora was named the Head coach and General manager of the Breakers. -
John DeFilippo as head coach
On November 10, 2022: The Breakers announce that they have named John DeFilippo as their second head coach.
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.
New Orleans Breakers History
The New Orleans Breakers are a professional American football team representing Louisiana. Originally founded in 1982, the team competed in the United States Football League (USFL) and quickly built a reputation for strong performances and passionate fans. The USFL New Orleans Breakers were one of the league’s most competitive teams, winning multiple division titles and making several playoff appearances during their early years.
In their debut season, the New Orleans Breakers football team made an impressive entrance with a 10–8 record, securing a spot in the playoffs. They reached their first USFL Championship Game but fell short against the Michigan Panthers. This marked the beginning of an intense rivalry between the Breakers and Panthers that continued throughout the league’s history.
After the inaugural season, the New Orleans Breakers continued to show consistency and determination. Their 1984 campaign was highlighted by another deep playoff run that once again brought them face-to-face with the Michigan Panthers. Despite their home-field advantage, they narrowly missed the title. The team was known for its balanced offense, led by standout players such as quarterback Johnnie Walton, running back Marcus Dupree, and wide receiver Frank Lockett.
Breakers Achievements
When the USFL attempted expansion and relocation, the USFL New Orleans Breakers briefly moved, first to Boston and later to Portland, before returning to their Louisiana roots. Even with the league’s challenges, the New Orleans Breakers football team maintained a dedicated fan base and earned respect for their resilience and competitive spirit.
Division Titles
The New Orleans Breakers secured two division championships during their USFL tenure, showcasing consistent excellence and determination on the field. Their strong offense and disciplined defense made them one of the top-performing franchises in the USFL New Orleans Breakers history.
Memorable Rivalries
The ongoing rivalry with the Michigan Panthers remains one of the most memorable in New Orleans Breakers football history. Their thrilling matchups and playoff clashes added to the excitement and growth of the USFL New Orleans Breakers fan following.
Though their early years were brief, the New Orleans Breakers left an enduring mark on professional football. Their legacy continues in the modern USFL revival, reminding fans of the passion and determination that defined the New Orleans Breakers football tradition.
Accomplishments
Averaged 30,557 fans (71,000 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history