The Shreveport Pirates were a professional team that played Shreveport Pirates football in the Canadian Football League (CFL) during the mid-1990s. Based in Shreveport, Louisiana, the franchise brought Canadian football to the Deep South. Despite their brief run, the team’s competitive spirit and loyal fan support made them a memorable part of CFL history.
Established
1994
City
Shreveport
League History
1994 - 1995 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1994 - 1995 / Shreveport Pirates
Nickname
Pirates - The Shreveport Pirates are an iconic Canadian Football League team that has been around since 1994. The origins of their nickname can be traced back to the early days of professional football in Louisiana when the city was home to a semi-pro football team called the Shreveport Pirates.
Shreveport Pirates Origin
The original Pirates were founded in 1936 and played out of Fair Grounds Stadium, now known as Independence Stadium. They competed against other local teams across Louisiana throughout their nine-year existence before disbanding due to financial difficulties after World War II.
Their legacy is today with the modern-day CFL franchise that plays at Independence Stadium and proudly carries on its predecessor's name - The Shreveport Pirates! As sports fans, we should take pride in knowing our hometown teams have such deep roots within our community and continue to honor those who came before us by keeping alive these cherished traditions for generations to come!
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1994 - 1995 / Independence Stadium
Owner
1994 - 1995 / Bernard Glieberman and Lonnie Glieberman
- 1994
- 1995
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Shreveport Pirates Team Formation
The Pirates were created when Bernard Glieberman and his son Lonnie, owners of the Ottawa Rough Riders, expressed a desire to move the struggling franchise to the United States. The CFL rejected this move but engineered a deal in which the Rough Riders were essentially split in two. The Gliebermans received an expansion franchise in Shreveport, while a new ownership ... -
Pirates Close Shop
The problems continued off the field as the Gliebermans tried to relocate the team to Norfolk, Virginia. However, officials there broke off talks after learning that Glieberman faced several lawsuits in Shreveport. Notable about the move to Virginia was “the Great Tucker Caper” when the City of Shreveport tried to seize Bernard Glieberman’s 1948 Tucker (which was on loan to ...
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Shreveport Pirates History
The Shreveport Pirates were a Canadian Football League (CFL) team that represented Louisiana during the CFL’s brief expansion into the United States. The team competed from 1994 to 1995, marking an ambitious attempt to bring Shreveport Pirates football to the American South. Despite facing challenges, the Pirates remain an unforgettable part of CFL history.
The Shreveport Pirates football journey began in 1994 as one of four new expansion teams alongside the Las Vegas Posse, Birmingham Barracudas, and Memphis Mad Dogs. Owned by Bernard Glieberman and coached by Forrest Gregg, a former Green Bay Packers legend and Super Bowl champion, the team played its home games at Independence Stadium. Their inaugural season ended with a 3–15 record, but the Pirates showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly on offense.
In 1995, under new head coach John Huard, the Shreveport Pirates struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 5–13 record. The roster included several talented players such as quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver, running back Martin Patton, and receiver Joe Horn, who would later achieve NFL fame. Financial issues and low attendance, however, made it difficult for the franchise to sustain operations, ultimately leading to its dissolution after the 1995 season.
Pirates Achievements
Even with their brief time in the CFL, the Shreveport Pirates football legacy still resonates with fans who remember the excitement of professional football returning to Louisiana. The Pirates’ story serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by American-based CFL teams and how their efforts expanded the league’s reach beyond Canada.
Memorable 1995 Season Highlights
During the 1995 season, the Shreveport Pirates delivered some of their most thrilling performances, including a dramatic win over the Ottawa Rough Riders, showcasing the offensive strength of Shreveport Pirates football. Despite the tough competition, the team’s resilience and the local community’s passionate support ensured their place in CFL history as one of its most talked-about U.S. teams.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history