Birmingham Americans
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Birmingham Americans
The Birmingham Americans were the most successful of the World Football League franchises. Founded late December 1973, they lead the league in attendance and had also won all 13 home games at legendary Legion Field. Led by Jack Gotta, the former Ottawa Rough Riders coach put together a solid squad-including veteran quarterback George Mira, rookie passer Matthew Reed, fullback Charley Harraway, and wide receiver Dennis Homan. During the offseason, Americans owner, Bill Putnam, signed some 20 NFL players, including such names as Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler, and Pittsburgh Steelers L.C. Greenwood.
As it turned out in that first, and only season, the Birmingham entry didn't need any NFL "futures." The Americans did well with its first squadron by shooting out of the gate to win their first 10 games. Although they slumped to a .500 record in the second half, it was enough to finish second, behind Central Division winning Memphis, at 15-5. After being The Hawaiians in the semi-finals, 22-19, the Americans advanced to the league's title game. It is at Legion Field that the first Birmingham team won the only WFL championship game the league ever staged, beating the Florida Blazers in World Bowl I, 22-21. Soon after, however, due to financial duress, the Americans' uniforms were confiscated for nonpayment. The Birmingham franchise was soon taken over by the re-formed "new" World Football League.
The 1975 entry in the WFL was known as the Birmingham Vulcans. and they were the best team in the league with a 9-3 record and the best at the box office until the league folded in midseason. The Americans/Vulcans developed a more considerable following than was typical of most WFL teams. When the league folded, Birmingham, and Memphis, attempted to get admitted into the NFL for the 1976 season, although unlike the similar and more extensive effort in Memphis which involved actual cash deposits toward season tickets it seemed to consist mainly of getting fans to sign a "statement of support" somewhat similar to a petition. When the Memphis effort failed, Vulcans followers were forced to accept the inevitable as well, and efforts to get the team admitted as an NFL franchise were abandoned.
External link
- Learn more about the Birmingham Americans and the Birmingham Vulcans at BirminghamProSports.com! (http://www.birminghamprosports.com/)