Established
1983
City
Tampa Bay
League History
1983 – 1986, 2022 / United States Football League
Team History
1983 – 1985, 2022 / Tampa Bay Bandits
Nickname
Bandits – The Tampa Bay Bandits were an American football team that played in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985. The team was based out of Tampa, Florida, and had a loyal fan base throughout its three-year existence. But what is the origin story behind their unique nickname?
When the USFL first announced plans for expansion teams in 1982, several cities across America began vying for a chance to have their franchise. One of those cities was Tampa, which submitted a bid under the name “Tampa Bay Buccaneers” – however it was rejected due to copyright issues with another NFL team already using that moniker. So instead, they decided on “Bandits” as their new identity and logo design featuring two crossed swords over an eye patch became synonymous with this upstart football league during its brief run from 1983-85 season before folding operations entirely after just two years on airwaves nationwide.
The reason why this particular mascot has remained so popular amongst sports fans even today can be attributed primarily due to how it ties into the local culture within Florida, where pirates often raided Spanish ships off coastlines centuries ago - making them notorious figures both feared & admired by many people living there who still remember tales passed down generations about these infamous buccaneers roaming high seas looking plundering any vessel unfortunate enough cross paths while also leaving behind iconic symbols such as Jolly Roger flags or blackened eyes patches symbolizing fearlessness when facing danger head-on no matter odds stacked against them. This connection between history and modern-day fandom makes perfect sense why Bandit remains one of the most recognizable mascots in professional sports worldwide despite having been defunct since the mid-1980s!
Championship
USFL Championship 0
Stadium
2022 - Present / Protective Stadium/Legion Field (Birmingham, Alabama)
1983 – 1986 / Tampa Stadium
Owner
2022 -Present / National Spring Football League Enterprises Co
1983 – 1986 / John F. Bassett
- 1983
- 1985
- 2022
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Bandits Team Formation
The Tampa Bay Bandits’ majority owners were Canadian businessman John F. Bassett (who was still in litigation against the NFL over his previous Memphis Southmen franchise from the World Football League in the mid-1970s) and Miami attorney Steve Arky. Minority owners included Hollywood mainstay Burt Reynolds, a former college football player who at that time one of the most popular ... -
The End of the Bandits
Bandits’ majority owner John Bassett was a strong proponent of the “Dixon Plan”, which was a plan formulated by the USFL’s founding owners that sought to build a sustainable league with budgetary restraint and a commitment to spring football. However, to gain a competitive advantage and draw attention to their teams, some owners attempted to sign more high-profile players to ... -
The Re-Formation of the Bandits
The Tampa Bay Bandits were one of eight teams that were officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021. On January 6, 2022, it was announced on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley was named the head coach and general manager for the Bandits.
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 Bandits
The Tampa Bay Bandits were a professional American football team that competed in the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to 1985. The team was based in Tampa, Florida, and played its home games at Tampa Stadium. Despite their short existence, the Bandits had an impressive history of success on the field, making it to two championship games and winning one USFL title during their three-year tenure.
Under head coach Steve Spurrier, who is now well known for his college coaching career with South Carolina and Florida universities, the Bandits made an immediate impact when they joined USFL in 1983 as part of its expansion teams that season. Led by quarterback John Reaves’ arm along with running back Gary Anderson’s legs, they advanced through playoffs before losing against Michigan Panthers in the league's first championship game held at Giants Stadium on July 17th, 1984, by a score of 28-24. In the 1985 season, again under Spurrier's guidance, the bandit managed to reach another Championship game but, this time around, defeated Oakland Invaders 23–3 at Mile High Stadium Denver Colorado, claiming their only league title.
Despite having a brief stint, the Tampa bay bandits have left a lasting impression on sports fans due to their achievements, including reaching playoffs both years and winning a single USFL crown during their 3-year stay. With 2022 marking the 40th anniversary since the last time bandit took the field, many are hoping for the return of their beloved franchise so more memories can be created same fashion as they did decades ago!
Sports Fan Products
Accomplishments
1985 / Division Championship Game (vs Oakland Invaders 27 – 30)
1984 / Division Championship Game (vs Birmingham Stallions 17 – 36)
Averaged 39,896 in 1983, 46,158 in 1984 and 45,220 in 1985 (74,315 seat stadium)
Only USFL franchise to have the same coach, owner, and home city throughout the league’s three-year existence.
*Blue is this team’s history