American Football Association (1979-1981)
Tombstone
Born: 1979 – AFA expansion franchise
Folded or Re-Branded (?): 1982 (replaced by Jacksonville Sunbirds)
First Game: May 26, 1979 (W 48-14 vs. Kentucky Trackers)
Last Game: August 23, 1981 (L 24-17 @ Chicago Fire)
AFA Champions: 1979
Stadium
The Gator Bowl
Opened: 1928
Demolished: 1994
Marketing
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owners: Garrett Newman, et al.
Background
The Jacksonville Firebirds were a briefly popular entry in the American Football Association (1977-1983), a rickety minor league outfit that began play in Texas and Oklahoma in 1977. The league, which played a spring/summer schedule, expanded across the Southeast in the late 1970’s and found a nice niche in Jacksonville, where the Firebirds began play in 1979. According to historian Bob Gill’s Minor League Football 1960-1985 encyclopedia, the Firebirds drew an astonishing 153,000 fans for 13 games at the Gator Bowl during their debut season.
The Firebirds’ charmed first season concluded with a 21-7 victory over the Carolina Chargers before an estimated Gator Bowl crowd of 25,000 on September 29th, 1979. Former University of Florida quarterback Don Gaffney passed for three touchdowns to lead the Firebirds to victory.
Gaffney holds an important place in college football history. On October 3, 1973 he became the first black man to start a Southeastern Conference football game at quarterback, when his Florida Gators traveled on the road to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Gaffney led the 2-6 Gators to a surprising upset of the 19th ranked Tigers that day. Gaffney would quarterback the Firebirds for all three of their seasons in Jacksonville.
Demise
The Firebirds eventually ran their course in Jacksonville after three seasons. In 1982, a club called the Jacksonville Sunbirds replaced them on the AFA schedule. It’s not entirely clearly whether that was simply a minor name change, the birth of an all new franchise, or what. If you’ve got any info, drop a line in the comments.
The American Football Association went out of business following the 1983 season, under pressure for players and relevance from the bigger-budget, far more ambitious United States Football League (USFL).
The USFL came to Jacksonville in 1984. Like the Firebirds before them, the Jacksonville Bulls established themselves as a top box office attraction in their league, leading the USFL in attendance in 1984 and finishing 2nd in 1985.
Jacksonville Firebirds Shop
Editor's Pick
Outsiders II
by Bob Gill with Tod Maher & Steve Brainerd
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Downloads
5-30-1981 Firebirds vs. Carolina Chargers Roster
5-30-1981 Jacksonville Firebirds vs. Carolina Chargers Roster
Links
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12 Responses
I played for the Orlando Americans in their lone season and remember this game. I believe we won that game as well. I was very impressed with Don Gaffney, great athlete. We had a lot of fun that season and a lot of us went on to play in the U.S.F.L. with various teams. Would love any information on the Orlando Americans you could send me?
Best Regards,
Brett Porche #33 – Punter
I actually attended an Americans game, must have been that summer. I had the ticket stub for years, wonder if I still do.
I currently have the Jacksonville firebirds program form August 4, 1979 in good shape no tears or cuts, Don Gaffney is featured and has a Firebird centerfold ad. Will be placing on Ebay for sale.
Was a member of the Firebird’s in 1980 enjoyed the experience of playing in the league Coach Bob William is oe ne of the Coaches that I admire for his fairness towards everyone it was a thrill
I played in 81 for Corky Rodgers and in 82 for Jerry Dish, great time and a great experience I will always treasure.
RIP Charlie Pickett #73, you taught me a lot when I had to switch positions to the DL
I cheered all 4 years for the Firebirds and the later called Sunbirds. The name had changed but the basic structure, leadership and team did not. Good memories with alot of good people. I’m sorry to hear about Charlie Pickett. He was a good person.
Hi – My wife & I had a good friend who cheered for the Firebird’s. Her name was Cheryl Ennis. Just wondering if you remember her? We have lost track of her over the years so have no idea where she might be. Thanks – have a good day.
I was a cheerleader for the Firebirds franchise! What great memories! Met my then husband who was one of the football players and had 2 awesome children! Loved my years cheering! Wish we could have a reunion of the Firebirds Sunbirds and Bulls!! ❤️
I am Malachi Beyah #51 Inside LB played for both organizations (theme song ring my bell ) was my favorite song, lol would love a reunion
Hey. This Jerry young. Rb. From. Ohio played the. Last. Season. In. 83.no 30. I remember. U. Well.good. Lb. Hey reply. Back. Love. To. Hear. From. U m
My dad, his business partner, his son and I went to every game. Charlie Hunt lived in the same apartments as my dad and I. We had a “chant” when we were on defense.
Malachi Beyah!
Charlie Hunt!
Now ya got the ball,
Y’all might as well punt!!!
Great way for a single father to spend time.with his 14 year old son.
Here is the ring from 1979