The San Antonio Texans made their mark in CFL history as one of the most memorable American-based teams. Founded after the relocation of the Sacramento Gold Miners, the San Antonio Texans CFL team brought exciting football action to Texas. Despite their brief existence, they remain a unique chapter in professional Canadian football history.
Established
1993
City
Sacramento - San Antonio
League History
1993 - 1995 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1995 / San Antonio Texans
1993 - 1994 / Sacramento Gold Miners
Nickname
Texans - The San Antonio Texans are one of the most storied franchises in Canadian Football League (CFL) history. The team was established in 1995 and has become a beloved institution for sports fans throughout Texas. But many don’t know that the Texan's nickname has roots deep within Texas culture.
The franchise's original name was “San Antonio Gunslingers,” which paid homage to both their location and to legendary Wild West figures like Wyatt Earp, Billy The Kid, and Jesse James, who were all known for their gun-slinging abilities. However, this name didn't last long due to its potentially negative connotations, so they decided on another moniker: “Texans” - paying tribute not only to the state but also its rich heritage of cowboys & outlaws alike!
San Antonio Texans Origin
This new identity fits perfectly with San Antonio's unique blend of culture & tradition, from rodeos & ranching activities at nearby ranches such as King Ranch or Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park rides. There's something here for everyone! Plus, being called "Texans" gave them an instant connection with other teams across North America, including NFL's Houston Texans team, further solidifying their place in professional sports leagues worldwide!
It wasn't until 2000 when they officially adopted "San Antonio" before "Texans," making sure everyone knew exactly where this fantastic football club came from every time you heard about them or saw them play on television screens around North America – no matter how far away you may be geographically speaking!
So next time you hear someone talking about San Antonio Texans CFL action, remember that behind those famous words lies a story deeply rooted in Texan pride & heritage, something we should all take pride in knowing whenever we cheer on our favorite teams each season!
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1995 / Alamodome
*Sacramento*
1993 – 1994 / Hornet Stadium
Owner
1993 - 1995 / Fred Anderson
- 1995
- 1996
-
Relocation to San Antonio
Unable to persuade Sacramento State to upgrade Hornet Stadium to something approaching CFL standards, Anderson tried to build a new stadium, but those plans fizzled. Neither of the other two stadiums in the Sacramento area, Toomey Field and Charles C. Hughes Stadium, offered anything significantly better; like Hornet Stadium, they were both inadequate even for temporary use. The failure of ... -
Texans No More
However, only two months after the Grey Cup, the Mad Dogs and Pirates had both folded. The Barracudas were about to be euthanized as well, as there was no prospect of the CFL approving their proposed sale and relocation to Shreveport. Speros was seriously considering moving his team to Montreal, in response to pressure from the league office. Anderson was not ...
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San Antonio Texans History
The San Antonio Texans hold a special place in the history of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Originally, the franchise began as the Sacramento Gold Miners, who later relocated to San Antonio, Texas, in 1995 to become the Texans. The move made them the final and most successful U.S.-based CFL team, creating a lasting mark in both American and Canadian football history.
The San Antonio Texans CFL team played their home games at the Alamodome, where they quickly gained popularity among Texas football fans. Under head coach Kay Stephenson, the Texans finished their 1995 season with a solid 12–6 record — the best performance by any American CFL franchise. The team’s balanced offense and tough defense made them one of the strongest clubs in the South Division that year.
Led by quarterback David Archer and running back Mike Saunders, the Texans built a strong offensive unit that dominated several key matchups. They reached the playoffs in their lone season, advancing to the division final before losing to the Baltimore Stallions — who went on to win the Grey Cup. Despite the short lifespan, their success gave hope for future CFL expansion into the United States.
Unfortunately, after the 1995 season, the San Antonio Texans CFL faced challenges when the CFL decided to end its U.S. expansion due to financial and travel difficulties. As a result, the team was disbanded in 1996, marking the end of an experimental but memorable era for San Antonio Texans football and the CFL.
Texans Achievements
Strongest U.S. CFL Team (1995 Season)
The San Antonio Texans CFL squad achieved a remarkable 12–6 record, the best among all American CFL teams. Their playoff run that year proved that American teams could compete at the same level as Canadian franchises.
Outstanding Player Performances
Quarterback David Archer threw for over 4,000 yards, while running back Mike Saunders rushed for more than 1,000 yards, making them one of the most dynamic offensive duos in the San Antonio Texans football legacy. Their performance still stands out in CFL history as one of the strongest displays by an international expansion team.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history