Birmingham Americans

The Birmingham Americans were the most successful of the World Football League franchises. Founded late December 1973, they led the league in attendance and had also won all 13 home games at legendary Legion Field. The Americans won the 1974 World Bowl and was granted the 1975 title, when the league ceased operations.

Franchise History

Businessman Bill Putnam was awarded an expansion franchise for the World Football League and secured a lease to play at Legion Field. Vince Costello, an assistant coach with the Cincinnati Bengals was chosen as Head Coach/General Manager. A few days after the announcement, he turned down the job to become an assistant with the Miami Dolphins. Jack Gotta, head coach of the Ottawa Rough Riders, was hired and put together a solid squad-including veteran quarterback George Mira, rookie passer Matthew Reed, fullback Charley Harraway, wide receiver Dennis Homan, and former St. Louis Cardinals and Auburn standout safety Larry Willingham.

Birmingham would compete in the Central Division, along with the Chicago Fire, Memphis Southmen, and Detroit Wheels. Their first game was played on July 10, 1974 against the Southern California Sun. The Ams won 11-7. They would go on to win their first 10 games. One memorable game was played against the Chicago Fire in Birmingham, while Hurricane Carmen poured down.

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 beating The Hawaiians in the semi-finals, 22-19, the Americans advanced to the league's title game, hosting the first ever World Bowl. Birmingham beat the Florida Blazers 22-21.

After the championship victory, members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department seized equipment, due to the teams debt. The Birmingham franchise was soon taken over by the re-formed "new" World Football League. A new team came in 1975 Birmingham Vulcans.

Trivia

Oakland Raiders quarterback Kenny Stabler was signed to Birmingham. Stabler was suppose to start during the 1976 season, but the Americans and league ceased operations.

External links

* [http://www.wfl1974.com/ Home of the Birmingham Americans & Vulcans]
* [http://www.birminghamprosports.com/ BirminghamProSports.com]