Birmingham Americans
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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. 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, wide receiver Dennis Homan, and former St. Louis Cardinals and Auburn standout safety Larry Willingham. 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 beating 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. The team had the best attendance of any team in the WFL. 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. A new team came in 1975 Birmingham Vulcans.
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| World Football League |
| Birmingham Americans (1974) | Birmingham Vulcans (1975) | Charlotte Stars (1974) | Charlotte Hornets (1974-75) | Chicago Fire (1974) | Chicago Winds (1975) | Detroit Wheels (1974) | Florida Blazers (1974) | The Hawaiians (1974-75) | Houston Texans (1974) | Jacksonville Sharks (1974) | Jacksonville Express (1975) | Memphis Southmen (1974-75) | New York Stars (1974) | Philadelphia Bell (1974-75) | Portland Storm (1974) | Portland Thunder (1975) | San Antonio Wings (1975) | Shreveport Steamer (1974-75) | Southern California Sun (1974-75) |
