Tombstone
Born: 2000 – XFL founding franchise
Folded: May 10, 2001
First Game: February 4, 2001 (W 22-20 vs. Birmingham Thunderbolts)
Last Game: April 7, 2001 (W 16-3 @ Las Vegas Outlaws)
XFL Championships: None
Stadium
The Liberty Bowl
Opened: 1965
Marketing
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owner: XFL
Attendance
Maniax Merch
Memphis Maniax XFL
Logo T-Shirt
Of the various and sundry ways that Vince McMahon’s pro wrestling-influenced XFL courted controversy in 2001, the name of its Memphis Maniax might have been one of the more unexpected. The “Maniax” branding drew criticism from mental health advocacy groups in Tennessee and nationwide, who particularly noted the connection between the wild-eyed figure in the logo and the spelling of the word ‘Maniax”, which seemed to connote a connection with violent attacks. Team officials declined to make any changes to the name or logo.
This design is also available today in sizes Small through 5 XL from Old School Shirts.
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Background
The Memphis Maniax were one of eight franchises during the one and only season of the XFL, a failed joint venture between World Wrestling Entertainment and NBC.
The team was mediocre on the field, finishing at 5-5 and out of the playoffs under Head Coach Kippy Brown. Memphis’ best known players were the 1994 Heisman Trophy-winning running back Rashaan Salaam and former Virginia Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller. Both were first round draft picks in the NFL and both are considered among the higher profile draft busts of the 1990’s.
Another NFL draft round flop was former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Shante Carver. Carver washed out in Dallas but found his stride in the XFL. He was one of three Maniax players voted to the 2001 All-XFL team, along with offensive lineman Glenn Rountree and Mike Sheldon.
Name Controversy
The XFL actively courted controversy in several areas, such as some sluttier-than-usual cheerleader promos, but it isn’t clear if the league realized their team names themselves might come under attack. The league’s other Southern franchise in Birmingham, Alabama was originally set to be called the “Blast”, but was quickly changed to the “Thunderbolts” after complaints that the original name conjured memories of Birmingham’s 1998 abortion clinic bombing by Eric Rudolph and the wave of racially motivated Klan bombings during the Jim Crow era. In Memphis, the Maniax name drew the ire of mental illness advocates, including Michael Faenza, President of the National Mental Health Association. Detractors objected to the term “maniac”, to the googly-eyed lunatic in the team’s logo and to the inferred association with ax murderers. The XFL elected not to change this name, however.
The End
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon announced the demise of the league in May 2001, less than three weeks after the playing of the first “Million Dollar Game”, i.e. the league’s championship game. Low ratings and enthusiasm from the league’s TV partners at NBC and UPN were a key factor.
Trivia
The Maniax were the fourth professional football team to play in Memphis’ Liberty Bowl, following the Memphis Southmen (1974-75) of the World Football League, the Memphis Showboats (1984-1985) of the United States Football League and the Memphis Mad Dogs (1995) of the Canadian Football League. (Yes, the Canadian Football League).
Memphis Maniax Shop
OUR FAVORITE STUFF
Memphis Maniax
XFL Replica Jersey
When it comes to Replica Jerseys, we turn to our friends at Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable USFL, WFL, WLAF and XFL jerseys.
Free Customization Included
Any name and number
Heavyweight sewn tackle twill
100% polyester
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XFL MINI-HELMETS
Memphis Maniax
XFL Mini-Helmet
This XFL Mini Helmet is available through Royal Retros.
15 oz. mini helmet
Made in the Bike style worn by the Maniax in 2001
- Typically ships in 3-5 business days
Fulfilled by 417 Helmets
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Maniax Logo T from 503 Sports
Editor's Pick
This Was The XFL
ESPN Films 30 for 30 (DVD)
Directed by Charlie Ebersol
Charlie Ebersol, son of XFL co-founder Dick Ebersol (NBC Sports), directs this ESPN 30 for 30 documentary re-telling of the star-crossed 2001 season of Vince McMahon’s pro football/pro wrestling mash-up, the XFL. Weirdly, the process of making this film inspired Charlie Ebersol to try his own hand at running a spring football league. Ebersol’s equally messy Alliance of American Football would ultimately become a saga worthy of its own 30 for 30 treatment someday.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVTi1g1MTOg
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Memphis Maniax Video
Maniax host the Orlando Rage at the Liberty Bowl. Week 5 of the 2001 season.
2001 profile of Maniax defensive end (and former NFL 1st round draft pick) Shante Carver
In Memoriam
Running Back Rashaan Salaam passed away on December 5, 2016. The former Heisman Trophy winner was 42 years old. New York Times obituary.
Downloads
2-17-2001 Maniax vs. San Francisco Demons Roster
2-17-2001 Memphis Maniax vs. San Francisco Demons Roster
Links
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