Established
1999
City
San Francisco Demons
League History
2001 / XFL
Team History
2001 / San Francisco Demons
Nickname
Demons – The San Francisco Demons of the XFL have a long and storied history that dates back to 2001. The team was founded by Vince McMahon, who owns World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). While many theories about the name “Demons” came about, one popular theory suggests an old Bay Area legend inspired it.
As the story goes, in 1849, during California's Gold Rush era, a group of miners discovered what they believed to be gold near San Francisco. Unfortunately, their discovery was only iron pyrite or "fool's gold." In frustration and anger over being tricked into believing they had struck it rich, these miners cursed at their misfortune and referred to themselves as "demons" due to their disappointment with not finding real gold.
This legend has been passed down through generations in San Francisco. This could explain why Vince McMahon chose this nickname when creating his XFL franchise in 2001 – because it pays homage both geographically and culturally to its roots deeply embedded within local folklore.
For sports fans living in or around San Francisco, this connection between past events from so long ago can still bring joy today, thanks primarily to those same Demons bringing excitement each week on game day! Whether you’re cheering for your home team or just visiting town for some football action, take time out before kickoff each weekend at least once season-long journey through history that started all way back during California’s Gold Rush days!
Championship
XFL Championships 0
Stadium
2001 / Pacific Bell Park
Owner
2001 / World Wrestling Federation
- 2001
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Demons Team Formation
The San Francisco Demons (originally named San Jose Demons) was a short-lived springtime American football team based in San Francisco, California. This team was part of the failed XFL begun by Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment and by NBC, a major television network in the United States. Originally they were to be based in San Jose but prior to ...
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 Demons
The San Francisco Demons are an iconic part of XFL history. Founded in 2001, the team was one of eight original teams to join the league and quickly became a fan favorite due to their high-flying offense and exciting play style. The Demons had a star-studded roster that included some of the biggest names in professional football, such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, wide receiver Terrell Owens, running back Michael Pittman, and defensive end John Engelberger. This talented group helped lead San Francisco to two consecutive division titles during their short time in the XFL before it folded after its first season.
Despite only spending one year playing together on a professional level, fans still look fondly upon this team for its memorable moments throughout that single campaign – from thrilling comebacks against opponents like Las Vegas Outlaws or New York/New Jersey Hitmen; to legendary performances by individual players like Owens’ record-setting five-touchdown performance against Birmingham Thunderbolts; these memories will live on forever within sports lore for years to come.
Even though they may have gone down as underdogs with just one season under their belt compared to other more established franchises across various leagues around North America, what made them stand out is how much heart they showed each game despite being up against insurmountable odds at times - something which has earned them respect amongst even casual sports fans today!
Most people may not remember every detail about this particular squad anymore since it's been almost 20 years since they last played together. There's no denying that these guys were pioneers who helped pave the way for future generations' success within the competitive American Football landscape, both then and now!
Sports Fan Products
Coach
2001 / Jim Skipper
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history