Full Steam, No Surrender

Vital Info

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

1986 Season

Record: 0-3
Previous Game MVP: Reggie White, DL, 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass defended, 2 hurries, and a forced fumble
Trend: As quarterback Walt Lewis struggles this year, Memphis lost two straight games by a combined score of 66-17.

Key Highlights

Reggie White continues to play well on defense.

Walt Lewis has shown some signs of brilliance.

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.