Since the first time of the original United States Football League (USFL) in the 1980s, the league is again playing in Memphis, Tennessee. The Memphis Showboats have returned, and on Saturday, the team played its first game at the Liberty Bowl against the Philadelphia Stars. Philadelphia played in last year’s league championship game, losing the championship to Birmingham.
The second edition Memphis Showboats is not the first time that professional football has been played in Memphis since 1984. In 1995, the Memphis Mad Dogs played in the Canadian Football League. The CFL Mad Dogs were an attempt by the league to expand play into the U.S. The franchise played just one season in 1995 and finished fourth in the CFL South division.
Although the franchise is new in the current “USFL II” edition, the team and franchise are not. The Memphis Showboats are, in effect, last year’s Tampa Bay Bandits that have relocated to Memphis.
Included on the Memphis roster are three former Arkansas Razorbacks. Tight end C.J. O’Grady, played tight end on last year’s Tampa Bay team and returns this year, playing closer to home. Former Arkansas quarterback, Cole Kelley, who later transferred to Southeastern Louisiana, is listed as the backup to starter Brady White. And highlighting the Razorbacks on the roster is former Hogs and NFL running back, Alex Collins.
Memphis lost their season opener to Philadelphia by the score of 27-23. Collins had a touchdown in the game, but also had a critical fumble late in the game. Kelley received some playing time but was later replaced by Brady White who finished the game.
The Showboats’ next game will be played April 22 when they travel to Birmingham, AL to play the defending league champion Stallions. USFL games are televised on the Fox Sports television network.
