- 1985
-
Move to Orlando
In March 1984, with the Federals failing on the field and at the gate for a second straight season, Bernhard decided to sell the franchise. Florida real estate developer Sherwood “Woody” Weiser agreed in principle to buy the Federals for $5.5 million and made plans to relocate the team to Miami, Florida, with the name The Spirit of Miami for ...
History of the Renegades
The Orlando Renegades were a professional American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1985 to 1986. The team was based in Orlando, Florida, and played their home games at the Citrus Bowl. Founded by owner Don Dizney, they were one of two expansion teams added for the USFL's third season after its successful first two seasons.
The Renegades had an impressive debut season, finishing with a 10-8 record and making it to the Eastern Conference Championship game before losing to eventual champions Philadelphia Stars. They also boasted some impressive talent on both sides of the ball, including future NFL stars Reggie White and Steve Young and current head coach Mike Shanahan, who served as offensive coordinator during his time with them. Despite this success, however, financial issues plagued ownership which ultimately led them to fold after just two years due largely in part because of dwindling attendance figures caused by these problems coupled with competition from other local sports franchises such as NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning who began play shortly before their demise.
Despite only playing for 2 short years, the legacy left behind by The Orlando Renegades remains strong among diehard fans even today. They had some great players and brought excitement back into Central Florida area football following many lean years without any pro teams nearby. As such, they will always be remembered fondly despite not being around anymore.
Renegades Products
Established
1983
City
Washington D.C. – Orlando
League History
1983 – 1986 / United States Football League
Team History
1985 – 1986 / Orlando Renegades
1983 – 1984 / Washington Federals
Nickname
Renegades – The Orlando Renegades are a professional American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1985 to 1987. The team was based in Orlando, Florida, and was owned by Donald Dizney. The Renegades were one of the most successful teams in USFL history, making it to the playoffs all three years they were active. But what is their nickname's origin story?
The name "Renegades" comes from a famous 19th-century novel by James Fenimore Cooper called Last of the Mohicans, which tells about an Indian tribe known as “the Renegades” who fought against British forces during America's War for Independence. In addition to this literary reference, there is also some local lore associated with their nickname - namely that it refers back to Florida's past when Native Americans would often be called upon for assistance during times of conflict or crisis; thus honoring those brave souls who sacrificed much so we could have our freedom today!
In any case, whether you're an avid sports fan or just someone curious about where certain nicknames come from – you can rest assured knowing that your beloved Orlando Renegade has quite a unique origin story behind them! So next time you cheer on your favorite football team at Camping World Stadium, remember: it wasn't always easy being free, but thanks to those brave souls long ago, we can proudly call ourselves “Orlando Renegade Fans”!
Original USFL Team
No
Final USFL Team
Yes
Team’s Final Outlook
The Renegades were one of 8 teams selected to continue operations when the USFL elected to switch to a fall schedule in 1986, but the entire league collapsed before any fall games were played.
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
1985 / Citrus Bowl Stadium
*Washington D.C.*
1983 – 1984 / RFK Stadium
Owner
1985 / Donald Dizney
1983 – 1984 / Berl Bernhard
Coaches
1985 / Lee Corso (5 wins – 13 losses)
1984 / Dick Bielski (3 wins – 14 losses)
1983 – 1984 / Ray Jauch (4 wins – 15 losses)
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.
Accomplishments
Averaged 24,136 (50,050 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history
