United States Football League (1984-1985)
Tombstone
Born: May 19, 1983 – USFL expansion franchise
Died: 1986 – Merged with New Jersey Generals
First Game: February 26, 1984 (L 20-17 @ Tampa Bay Bandits)
Final Game: June 29, 1985 (L 22-20 @ Birmingham Stallions)
USFL Championships: None
Stadium
Houston Astrodome (47,695)11985 Sporting News Official USFL Guide & Register
Opened: 1965
Closed: 2008
Marketing
Team Colors: Black, Gambler Red, Gray & Yellow Gold21985 Sporting News Official USFL Guide & Register
Ownership
Owners:
- Bernard Lerner, Jerry Argovitz, Alvin Lubetkin & Fred Gerson
- Jerry Argovitz, Alvin Lubetkin & Jay Roulier
Attendance
Tap (mobile) or mouse over chart for figures. Tilting your mobile device may offer better viewing.
Source: Kenn.com Attendance Project
Gamblers Gear
Houston Gamblers
USFL 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, CFL and WLAF jerseys.
Free Customization Included
Any name and number
Heavyweight sewn tackle twill
100% polyester
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Background
The Houston Gamblers were one of the most thrilling alternative pro football teams of all time and a major reason why the United States Football League continues to enjoy a healthy cult following 35 years after taking its final snap. The Gamblers had it all: an edgy name, cool colors, audacious roster raids against the NFL establishment, a record-shattering offensive scheme, and a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback who re-wrote pro football’s single-season passing record book as a rookie.
The Gamblers entered the USFL as one of six expansion franchises for the spring football league’s second season in 1984. The influx swelled the league membership from 12 to 18 clubs. Of the six expansionists, the Gamblers were the only team to post a winning record and advance to the playoffs. In fact, Houston posted the best record (13-5) in the USFL’s Western Conference thanks to an unstoppable offense that averaged over 34 points per game.
Houston appeared poised for even greater success in their second USFL season in the spring of 1985. But a combination of key injuries, league-wide turmoil and local financial troubles short-circuited the Gamblers’ second and final campaign.
Houston Gamblers Shop
THE STADIUM STORE
Astrodome 1965 T-Shirt
Houston’s “Eighth Wonder of the World”, opened in 1965, will forever be most closely associated with its titular Major League Baseball tenant.
But for those people of impeccable taste who make up the Fun While It Lasted core readership, the Astrodome is just as likely to stir memories of the building’s offbeat tenants: soccer’s Stars and Hurricane, or the Oilers, Texans and Gamblers of the gridiron. Or maybe even Brewster McCloud!
This Dome throwback design is also available in long-sleeve or as a crewneck or hooded sweatshirt at Old School Shirts!
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Houston Gamblers Video
1984 Houston Gamblers Highlight Video
Links
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