Full Steam, No Surrender

Vital Info

Founded: 1984
Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Coach: Pepper Rodgers
Division: South

1986 Season

Record: 5-7
Next Game: Jacksonville Bulls
Key Stat from Previous Game: Generally known for their defense, Memphis exploded for 551 yards offense against San Antonio
Previous Game MVP: Kent Austin, QB, 33-46, 488 yards, 6 touchdowns, only 1 interception
Trend: Memphis went 3-1 in April and looks to continue that and secure a playoff spot.

Team History: Memphis Showboats

The Memphis Showboats joined the United States Football League as a proud Southern franchise with grit, flair, and a passion for entertaining football. Launching their campaign in 1984, the Showboats endured a rough debut season, finishing 3–15. Despite the tough results, the team began to build an identity around explosive special teams play, a scrappy defense, and the electric energy of return man Derek Crawford and tight end Gary Shirk.

In 1985, Memphis made a stunning turnaround. Behind the dynamic dual-threat quarterback Walter Lewis and a resurgent defense led by Mike Brewington and Leonard Coleman, the Showboats surged to an 11–7 regular season record. With highlight-reel plays, a bruising run game from Tim Spencer, and a deep roster of playmakers, they clinched a playoff berth and reached the second round, marking a major leap forward in the team’s development.

Though still a young franchise, the Showboats have quickly earned a reputation for resilience, entertainment, and steady improvement. From growing pains to postseason glory, Memphis has become a force to be reckoned with in the USFL landscape—and the riverboat is just picking up steam.