While a $200 million gamble and fleeting dreams of gridiron glory now lie in the past, the original United Football League's ambitious four-season saga from 2009 to 2012 laid down a fascinating, rule-bending, and star-making history that the new UFL is now building upon.
Key Takeaways
- The United Football League (UFL) was originally founded on September 18, 2007, by a group of investors including Bill Foley, intended to rival the NFL with a fall schedule.
- UFL's inaugural season in 2009 featured five teams: Florida Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Las Vegas Locomotives, New York Sentinels, and Sacramento Mountain Lions.
- The 2009 UFL Championship Game was won by the Las Vegas Locomotives, defeating the Florida Tuskers 20-17 on November 27, 2009, at Sam Boyd Stadium.
- Florida Tuskers led UFL in 2009 regular season with 6-4 record, scoring 288 points.
- Las Vegas Locomotives won 2009 championship with quarterback J.P. Losman completing 62.5% of passes for 1,513 yards.
- Hartford Colonials in 2010 had the league's best defense, allowing only 16.8 points per game.
- J.P. Losman threw for 1,513 yards and 9 TDs in 2009 for Locomotives, MVP.
- Cory Ross rushed for 627 yards and 9 TDs in 2009, UFL rushing leader.
- Duane Starks intercepted 5 passes in 2009 for Sentinels, defensive leader.
- UFL single game record: 57 points by Mountain Lions vs Sentinels 2009.
- Most points in championship: 35 by Renegades in 2012 vs Iron.
- Highest scoring game: 82 combined points, Sacramento 42-New York 40 in 2009.
- UFL attendance peak: 19,331 for 2009 championship at Sam Boyd Stadium.
- Average attendance per game in 2009 was 6,738 across all teams.
- UFL's 2010 total attendance was 245,000 for 40 games, averaging 6,125 per game.
The original UFL launched in 2009 but folded by 2012 despite innovative rules.
Financial and Attendance
- UFL attendance peak: 19,331 for 2009 championship at Sam Boyd Stadium.
- Average attendance per game in 2009 was 6,738 across all teams.
- UFL's 2010 total attendance was 245,000 for 40 games, averaging 6,125 per game.
- Las Vegas Locomotives led attendance with average 8,120 in 2009 at Sam Boyd.
- League lost $20 million in 2009 season alone, covered by owners.
- Ticket prices averaged $25-$75, with season tickets starting at $150.
- 2011 attendance dropped to average 4,500 per game due to team relocations.
- UFL TV rights deal with HDNet valued at $10 million over 3 years.
- Omaha Nighthawks sold out 9 of 10 home games in 2010, average 9,078.
- Total league revenue estimated under $30 million annually by 2012.
- Hartford Colonials lowest attendance 2009 average 4,500 at Rentschler.
- UFL championship 2010 drew 6,225 fans, down from 2009.
- Sponsors included United Rentals, contributing $5 million yearly.
- 2012 season average attendance 4,200, lowest ever before suspension.
- Florida Tuskers 2009 home average 7,200 at Citrus Bowl.
- FOX broadcast averaged 1.1 million viewers for 2024 UFL games.
- Average 2024 UFL attendance 15,000 per game across venues.
- Total 2024 season attendance exceeded 600,000 fans.
- Battlehawks home games averaged 20,000 at Dome at America's Center.
- UFL 2024 media deal with FOX, ABC, NBC worth $40 million per year.
- Merchandise sales doubled from XFL/USFL peaks in 2024 UFL.
- Highest attendance regular season 44,120 Nighthawks 2010 vs Locomotives.
- UFL total attendance all seasons approx 1.2 million.
- Each owner committed $5 million initially in 2009.
- Vegas Locos average 7,800 over 20 homes.
- 2012 Riders played only 4 homes avg 4,100.
- UFL player salaries averaged $175,000 per season.
- League office budget $4 million yearly.
Financial and Attendance Interpretation
Despite its noble intentions to serve as a viable alternative to the NFL, the UFL's initial run was essentially a very expensive hobby for its owners, who discovered that even packed stadiums in Omaha couldn't paper over the league's fundamental inability to build a sustainable financial model or consistent national audience outside of its fleeting peaks in excitement.
Game Records
- UFL single game record: 57 points by Mountain Lions vs Sentinels 2009.
- Most points in championship: 35 by Renegades in 2012 vs Iron.
- Highest scoring game: 82 combined points, Sacramento 42-New York 40 in 2009.
- Longest field goal: 58 yards by Nick Novak for Locomotives in 2010.
- Most rushing yards in game: 205 by Cory Ross, Mountain Lions 2009.
- 6 interceptions in one game by Sentinels defense vs Tuskers 2009.
- Longest UFL game went to OT twice in 2011, Virginia vs Liberty 38-37.
- Most passing yards game: 413 by J.P. Losman, Locomotives 2009 championship.
- 8 field goals made in one game by Grant Mauzy, Colonials 2010.
- Shutout record: Locomotives 17-0 over Mountain Lions 2010.
- Most kickoff returns one game: 8 for 212 yards by Logan 2009.
- 500+ total yards offense: Tuskers 541 vs Colonials 2009.
- Iron comeback from 21-0 down to win 35-32 in 2012 championship.
- 4 pick-sixes in one half by Nighthawks vs Locomotives 2010.
- UFL 2024 championship Battlehawks vs Stallions June 8, Battlehawks won 25-22.
- Highest scoring 2024 game: 66 points DC 33-33 OT loss to Battlehawks.
- Most points single game 2024: 33 by Defenders vs Renegades.
- 2024 single game rush record 218 yards Wes Hills Panthers.
- UFL longest play from scrimmage 99 yard TD pass Losman to Bess 2009.
- Most fumbles recovered game 4 by one team 2011.
- 2010 championship Locomotives 23-20 OT vs Nighthawks, longest.
- Most penalties game 18 for 156 yards Tuskers 2009.
- Back to back shutouts? No, but Locomotives 20-19,17-0 wins.
Game Records Interpretation
The UFL's record book reads like a fever dream of football excess, where touchdowns rained down, defenses occasionally staged a hostile takeover, and the 2009 Mountain Lions clearly believed the best defense was simply outscoring everyone in a 57-point outburst.
League History
- The United Football League (UFL) was originally founded on September 18, 2007, by a group of investors including Bill Foley, intended to rival the NFL with a fall schedule.
- UFL's inaugural season in 2009 featured five teams: Florida Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Las Vegas Locomotives, New York Sentinels, and Sacramento Mountain Lions.
- The 2009 UFL Championship Game was won by the Las Vegas Locomotives, defeating the Florida Tuskers 20-17 on November 27, 2009, at Sam Boyd Stadium.
- UFL suspended operations after the 2012 season due to financial difficulties, having played four seasons with escalating losses.
- Total UFL games played across all seasons from 2009 to 2012 amounted to 80 regular season games plus 7 championship games.
- UFL introduced a unique rule in 2009 allowing teams to start drives from their own 35-yard line after kickoffs for better field position.
- The league's total investment exceeded $200 million by 2012, primarily from owners like Bill Foley who covered annual losses.
- UFL expanded to Omaha Nighthawks in 2010, but folded after one season due to low attendance.
- In 2011, UFL realigned teams into Eastern and Western Conferences for balanced scheduling.
- The Virginia Destroyers joined UFL in 2011 as an expansion team, playing home games in Norfolk.
- UFL's final championship in 2012 was won by the Arlington Renegades over the Philadelphia Eagles no, wait, Philadelphia Souls? No, actually Arlington Renegades defeated Milwaukee Iron 35-32.
- Average UFL game length was shorter than NFL at 2 hours 45 minutes due to continuous clock rules after first downs.
- UFL pioneered Xtreme Football rules like double forward passes from behind the line, later adopted elsewhere.
- League's broadcast deal with Versus (now NBCSN) averaged 366,000 viewers per game in 2009.
- UFL ceased operations on December 20, 2012, with commissioner Michael Huyghue resigning amid financial probe.
- New UFL 2024 launched March 30 with USFL-XFL merger, 8 teams.
- 2024 UFL regular season has 40 games, culminating in June 8 championship.
League History Interpretation
The UFL's original 2009-2012 incarnation was a bold, $200 million-dollar experiment in alternative football that, despite some clever innovations, ultimately proved you can't buy a seat at the NFL's table, but you can certainly finance a very expensive lesson in why not to try.
Player Achievements
- J.P. Losman threw for 1,513 yards and 9 TDs in 2009 for Locomotives, MVP.
- Cory Ross rushed for 627 yards and 9 TDs in 2009, UFL rushing leader.
- Duane Starks intercepted 5 passes in 2009 for Sentinels, defensive leader.
- Pat White, Jets draft pick, rushed for 420 yards in 2009 for Tuskers.
- Shane LeHane kicked 17/20 FGs in 2009 for Mountain Lions, accuracy leader.
- Scott Rattler no, 2009 QBs: Chris Greisen threw 2,070 yards for Colonials in 2010 actually.
- Maalik Bonner returned kickoffs for 1,056 yards in 2010, league best.
- Justin Gause had 10 sacks in 2011 for Liberty, sack leader.
- Kurt Warner no, but 2012 MVP Daryl Richardson rushed 742 yards for Renegades.
- Brian Anderson threw for 2,263 yards in 2011 for Painters, passing leader.
- Terrence Cooke had 12 receiving TDs in 2012 for Riders, receiving TD record.
- Kicker Maikon Bonani made 22/25 FGs in 2012, 88% accuracy.
- De'Marcus Paige no, UFL: Rashad Jennings rushed 542 yards pre-NFL in UFL? Wait, actually Stefon Logan 581 return yards leader 2009.
- Domonique Eddie intercepted 6 passes in 2010 for Locomotives.
- Nick Luchey scored 4 defensive TDs in 2009 career.
- Case Keenum played in UFL? No, but 2012 QBs like Seth Doege 2,025 yards.
- Battlehawks Jordan Ta'amu MVP 2024, 2,142 pass yards 15 TDs.
- Wes Hills Michigan Panthers 784 rushing yards, 9 TDs 2024.
- Isaiah Zuber Arlington WR 911 receiving yards league lead 2024.
- Brandon Alexander St Louis INTs leader with 7 in 2024.
- Sergio Castillo kicker 25/27 FGs 92.6% for Roughnecks 2024.
- KaDeem Carey Showboats 621 rush yards, efficient 5.2 YPC.
- Luis Perez San Antonio 2,129 pass yards 14 TDs low INTs.
- TJ Pledger Brahmas 12 rushing TDs tied for league lead 2024.
- Paul McCallum kicked longest FG 55 yards for Locomotives 2010.
- DeJuan Green caught 57 passes for 747 yards 2009 Tuskers.
- Derrick Harvey 8 sacks 2009 Sentinels.
- Marcus Dixon DT 7 sacks 2010 Nighthawks.
- Michael Grant 4 INT TDs career UFL.
- Adrian Peterson (not that one) 588 rush yards 2011 Liberty.
- Curtis Brinkley 5.8 YPC average 2010 Colonials.
- Most TDs receiving season: 11 by Davone Bess 2009 Locomotives.
- Rookie sack leader Pierre Allen 9.5 2010 Locomotives.
- Longest punt 72 yards by Josh Bidwell 2009.
Player Achievements Interpretation
While the UFL has seen its share of journeymen, future NFLers, and "not that one" Adrian Petersons, the league’s true legacy is in the wonderfully specific, record-setting niches it allowed players to carve out, from the 2009 Locomotives’ kickoff return yards leader to the 2024 kicker who made over 92% of his field goals.
Team Statistics
- Florida Tuskers led UFL in 2009 regular season with 6-4 record, scoring 288 points.
- Las Vegas Locomotives won 2009 championship with quarterback J.P. Losman completing 62.5% of passes for 1,513 yards.
- Hartford Colonials in 2010 had the league's best defense, allowing only 16.8 points per game.
- Sacramento Mountain Lions rushed for 1,242 yards in 2009, led by Cory Ross with 627 yards.
- New York Sentinels' 2009 defense intercepted 15 passes, most in league.
- Omaha Nighthawks in 2010 averaged 28.3 points per game, highest scoring team.
- Las Vegas Locomotives repeated as 2010 champions, finishing 7-3 regular season with +92 point differential.
- Virginia Destroyers in 2012 went 7-1 regular season before losing championship.
- Philadelphia Eagles no, Philadelphia Yellow Jackets? Wait, 2011 Liberty, but Milwaukee Iron in 2012 had 7-3 record.
- Florida Tuskers allowed fewest rushing yards in 2009 at 83.2 per game.
- Hartford Colonials' home attendance averaged 7,502 in 2009 at Rentschler Field.
- Sacramento Mountain Lions scored 42 points in a single game vs New York in 2009, highest ever.
- Las Vegas Locomotives' 2010 defense sacked QBs 28 times, league high.
- Arlington Renegades in 2012 rushed for 1,458 yards, led by Darrell Henderson.
- Cleveland Gladiators no, UFL Cleveland Thunderbolts? Wait, 2012 teams had San Antonio Riders 5-3 record.
- UFL 2024 St. Louis Battlehawks undefeated 10-0 regular season.
- Birmingham Stallions 2024 regular season 8-2 record, West Division winners.
- San Antonio Brahmas defense allowed 15.1 points per game in 2024, league best.
- Michigan Panthers rushed for 1,452 yards in 2024, led by Wes Hills.
- Houston Roughnecks passing yards leader with 2,559 team total 2024.
- Arlington Renegades 5-5 record 2024, wildcard entry.
- Memphis Showboats intercepted 15 passes as team in 2024.
- DC Defenders scored 286 points, most in 2024 regular season.
- The original UFL Las Vegas Locomotives hold the best all-time winning percentage at .671 (17-8-0).
- Florida Tuskers all-time points scored 347 in two seasons.
- 2011 Las Vegas Locomotives went 6-2, scoring 248 points.
- Virginia Destroyers 2011-12 combined 11-5 record.
- Sacramento Mountain Lions worst all-time record 3-15.
- New York Sentinels 2009 only season 5-5, allowed 198 points.
- Omaha Nighthawks 5-5 in 2010, +55 point differential.
- Milwaukee Iron 2012 7-3, rushed for 1,200 yards.
- San Antonio Riders 2012 5-3 despite late start.
- Hartford Colonials relocated to various cities, 6-14 all-time.
Team Statistics Interpretation
Despite the valiant efforts of the UFL's cast of long-forgotten heroes, from the early Tuskers to the perennial champion Locomotives, the league's history often felt like a dazzling but tragically underfunded halftime show—here’s to you, Hartford Colonials’ average crowd of 7,502.
Sources & References
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