The Oklahoma Outlaws were a professional team that brought excitement to Oklahoma Outlaws football fans during their time in the USFL Oklahoma Outlaws era. Known for their grit and loyal fan base, the team made a lasting impact in the league’s short history, showcasing strong talent and memorable moments that defined their brief but bold run.
Established
1983
City
Tempe – Oklahoma City – Tempe
League History
1983 – 1986 / United States Football League
Team History
1985 / Arizona Outlaws
1983 – 1984 / Arizona Wranglers
1984 / Oklahoma Outlaws
Nickname
Outlaws – The Oklahoma Outlaws were a professional American football team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1984 to 1985. The team was owned by Bill Tatham and coached by former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry. While the Outlaws did not have much success on the field, their name has become iconic among sports fans for its unique origin story.
Oklahoma Outlaws Origin
The nickname "Outlaws" is derived from an old Wild West legend about a group of outlaws who lived near present-day Tulsa, OK, during the late 19th century. According to this legend, these outlaws formed their lawless society and terrorized locals with robberies and other criminal activities until law enforcement officials eventually caught them.
This story resonated with many Oklahomans due to its local roots and connection to Wild West folklore, popularized through films such as Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid around this period. Thus when it came time for owner Bill Tatham to choose a nickname for his USFL franchise, he decided upon “Outlaw” – thus paying homage to both locally relevant history while also capturing some of that classic western spirit associated with America's pastime -football!
In addition, the logo design chosen featured two crossed pistols – further reinforcing this cowboy motif while simultaneously giving off an edgy vibe befitting any modern-day sports franchise. As such, though short-lived, the legacy left behind by the USFL Oklahoma Outlaws football lives on today amongst diehard USFL fans everywhere!
Original USFL Team
Yes
Final USFL Team
No
Team’s Final Outlook
Despite advancing to the championship game, Dietrhich wanted out after losing millions for the second year in a row. He sold the Wranglers’ assets to Tatham, and Tatham relocated the Outlaws to Arizona for the 1985 season as the Arizona Outlaws, and took the Wranglers’ place at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium. Since Tatham inherited all of the Wranglers’ player contracts, this deal was reported by some outlets as a merger.
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1983 – 1985 / Sun Devil Stadium
*Oklahoma*
1984 / Skelly Stadium
Owner
1984 – 1986 / William R. Tatham Sr., William R. Tatham Jr.
1984 / Dr. Ted Diethrich
1983 / Jim Joseph
Coaches
1985 / Frank Kush (8 wins – 10 losses)
1984 / Woody Widenhofer (6 wins – 12 losses)
1984 / George Allen (12 wins – 9 losses)
1983 / Doug Shivley (4 wins – 14 losses)
- 1984
- 1985
Outlaws Team Formation
The Outlaws were originally slated to play in San Diego. However, under pressure from baseball’s Padres, the NFL’s Chargers, and the NASL’s Sockers, the city refused to grant Tatham a lease for Jack Murphy Stadium. Scrambling for a home, Tatham seriously considered playing in Honolulu for its inaugural 1984 season. However, he settled on Tulsa, Oklahoma—even though the city had ...
Time to Leave Oklahoma
The Tathams were not exaggerating about Skelly Stadium’s inadequacy as a professional venue. There was virtually no parking around the stadium, which would have held down attendance even without the weather problems. With no other facility in the Tulsa area suitable even for temporary use, they started searching for a new home. They initially planned to move to the University ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Oklahoma Outlaws History
The Oklahoma Outlaws were a professional American football team that competed in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1984 to 1985. The Oklahoma Outlaws football franchise was based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and played its home games at Skelly Stadium on the campus of the University of Tulsa. The team brought professional football excitement to Oklahoma for the first time and quickly built a loyal local following.
The Oklahoma Outlaws were founded by Tulsa oilman William Tatham Sr., who wanted to bring a professional team to the state. The franchise officially joined the USFL Oklahoma Outlaws in 1984. Head coach Woody Widenhofer led the squad, which featured quarterback Doug Williams, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and running back Ernest Anderson from Oklahoma State. Despite high expectations, the team finished its inaugural season with a 6–12 record, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
In 1985, the Oklahoma Outlaws football organization merged with the Arizona Wranglers to form the Arizona Outlaws. This merger aimed to stabilize finances and improve performance, but despite flashes of success, the USFL Oklahoma Outlaws struggled in attendance and revenue. The league itself began to collapse due to financial challenges and the failed move to a fall schedule, which placed it in direct competition with the NFL.
Outlaws Achievements
The Outlaws were known for their toughness and resilience. Tulsa fans filled Skelly Stadium, showing strong community support for the team, even during losing seasons. The franchise also played a significant role in expanding football’s presence across Oklahoma, inspiring young athletes and drawing national attention to the state’s passion for the game.
Notable Players and Performances
Quarterback Doug Williams was one of the most recognizable faces in Oklahoma Outlaws football history. His leadership and experience brought credibility to the team. Running back Ernest Anderson also stood out, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in the 1984 season. Defensive standouts such as linebacker Gary Nord and defensive end Ron Crosby made critical contributions throughout their short tenure.
Legacy of the Oklahoma Outlaws
The Oklahoma Outlaws football may have existed for only two seasons, but their impact remains strong. As one of the few professional football teams to ever call Oklahoma home before the arrival of the Oklahoma City football market, their story remains an important part of the USFL Oklahoma Outlaws legacy. The franchise paved the way for future discussions about bringing more professional sports to the state and continues to be fondly remembered by devoted fans of Oklahoma Outlaws football.
Accomplishments
Averaged 21,038 fans (40,000 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history