The Washington Federals were a professional football team that played in the USFL Washington Federals era during the early 1980s. Known for their resilience, the Washington Federals football team brought professional spring football to the nation’s capital. Despite their brief existence, they became a significant part of early USFL history and Washington’s football culture.
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
Federals – For sports fans, the USFL Washington Federals Football have a unique and exciting history behind their nickname. The team was founded in 1983 as part of the United States Football League (USFL). When it came time to choose a name for the franchise, owner Berl Bernhard wanted something that would reflect his hometown of Washington D.C., and pay homage to his beloved country - hence why they chose “Federals” as their moniker.
The USFL had originally intended for all its teams to be named after patriotic symbols or figures from American history; however, only two other franchises followed this plan – New Jersey Generals and Chicago Blitz – while most opted for more traditional names such as Bulldogs or Invaders. As such, when Bernhard decided on Federals, he was trying to stand out among his peers by choosing something genuinely original that celebrated America's past simultaneously!
Washington Federals Origin
The word "federal" itself dates back centuries before even George Washington himself took office in 1789; it comes from Latin origins meaning "about the league," which is fitting given how closely associated with unity this particular football team became during its three-year run in DC starting in 1983 through 1985 season before folding up shop due primarily financial issues caused by poor attendance numbers at games despite having some talented players like running backs Kelvin Bryant & Anthony Allen on the roster along with quarterback Doug Williams who later went onto win Super Bowl XXII MVP honors playing for Redskins following '87 season.
With so much pride wrapped up into one simple yet powerful name choice, there's no doubt why many folks still remember fondly today what once made them proud to be called “Washington Federals”!
Original USFL Team
Yes
Final USFL Team
No
Team’s Final Outlook
Bernhard was in a desperate situation, as he knew that he stood no chance going head-to-head with the Redskins. A few days later, Tampa Bay Bandits part-owner Donald Dizney stepped up and ended Bernhard’s suffering. Dizney bought the Federals, moving them to Orlando and renaming them the Renegades.
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)
- 1983
-
Federals Team Formation
The United States Football League founder Donald Dixon was a strong proponent of a USFL franchise in Washington, D.C., and insisted on one despite the dominance of the National Football League′s Washington Redskins in the Washington market. Real estate magnate Marvin Warner originally was slated to own the Federals, but when the USFL announced it was fielding a team in ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Washington Federals History
The Washington Federals were a professional football team that competed in the USFL Washington Federals era from 1983 to 1985. Founded in 1982, the Washington Federals football team was based in Washington, D.C., and played home games at the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. As one of the USFL’s original franchises, the team brought spring football excitement to the nation’s capital but struggled with performance and attendance throughout its short existence.
In their inaugural season under head coach Ray Jauch, the Washington Federals football team finished with a disappointing 7–11 record. The following year, under new head coach Joe Walton, the team showed improvement and finished 11–7 in the 1984 season. Despite facing challenges, the USFL Washington Federals continued to fight hard, showcasing young talent and determination on the field.
By 1985, the Washington Federals managed to build a competitive roster, finishing 12–6 and making a strong playoff push. They reached the conference championship game against the Los Angeles Express. However, without their star quarterback Doug Williams, who left for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team fell short, losing 34–23. This defeat marked the end of their playoff hopes and contributed to the team’s financial collapse.
The USFL Washington Federals franchise struggled with fan attendance, as competition from other major sports in the region — including MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and NHL’s Washington Capitals — made it difficult to build a strong following. Despite these challenges, the Washington Federals football team remained a symbol of resilience and local pride during their brief tenure in the league.
Federals Achievements
After the 1985 season, the franchise relocated to Florida and was rebranded as the Orlando Renegades for the USFL’s final year in 1986. This move marked the official end of the Washington Federals name but not their memory among dedicated fans. Many still recall the excitement of USFL football in D.C., especially the team’s gritty performances and loyal supporters who stood by them.
Playoff Appearance – 1985 Season
The Washington Federals football team reached the 1985 USFL Conference Championship, marking their best season. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Express, the USFL Washington Federals showed strong offensive improvement and defensive consistency that year.
Notable Players and Coaches
Head coach Joe Walton and quarterback Reggie Collier were among the most notable figures in Washington Federals history. Their leadership helped the team achieve its most competitive seasons in the USFL Washington Federals era, making them memorable names in Washington football history.
Though short-lived, the Washington Federals left an enduring mark on spring football and the city of Washington, D.C. Their story remains a fascinating chapter in USFL Washington Federals history — one that continues to be celebrated by fans who remember the energy and ambition of the team that once brought professional spring football to the capital.
Sports Fan Products
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Accomplishments
Averaged 13,850 in 1983 and 7,694 in 1984 (54,794 seat stadium)
*Blue is this team’s history