Tombstone
Formed: 1962
Disbanded: Postseason 1973
First Game:
Last Game: November 23, 1973
Seasons: 11
States: 12
(CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, MA, MD, ME, NJ, PA, RI, VA)
Leadership
Trophy Case
Our Favorite Stuff
ACFL Logo T-Shirt
The Atlantic Coast Football League of 1962 – 1973 was likely the closest pro football has ever come to having a true “triple-A” minor league, similar to baseball. At the league’s peak in the late 1960’s, NFL teams such as the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins maintained farm clubs in the ACFL.
This ACFL design is also available today as a Crewneck or Hooded Sweartshirt, 3/4 sleeve Raglan or Women’s Tank Top 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!
Background
The Atlantic Coast Football League was a minor league loop that stretched, at various times, from northern New England west to New Jersey and as far south as Orlando, Florida. During the late 1960’s, many ACFL clubs formed working agreement with NFL and AFL parent clubs. A small (very small) number of players were able to leverage their ACFL experience into NFL careers. Perhaps the most notable was Pottstown Firebirds tight end Bob Tucker, who led the ACFL in receiving in 1969 before going on to an 11-year career with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He was one of the most productive pass-catching NFL tight ends of the 1970’s.
The league received national exposure in 1972 when NFL Films showed an hour long documentary on the 1970 Pottstown Firebirds championship season – Pro Football, Pottstown, Pa. – prior to the telecast of Super Bowl VI. Unfortunately, the league chose to take that season off to re-organize and was unable to capitalize on its fifteen minutes of fame.
The ACFL was active from 1962 to 1971, did not play in 1972, and then staged a final season in 1973 before folding for good.
Atlantic Coast Football League Franchise List
| Franchise | Years Active | ACFL Championships |
|---|---|---|
| Ansonia Black Knights | 1962-1963 | None |
| Atlanta Spartans | 1964 | None |
| Atlantic City Senators | 1966 | None |
| Baltimore Broncos | 1963 | None |
| Boston Steamrollers | 1965 | None |
| Boston Sweepers | 1963-1964 | 1964 |
| Bridgeport Jets | 1968-1971 & 1973 | None |
| Frankfort Falcons | 1962 | None |
| Harrisburg Capitol-Colts | 1968-1969 | None |
| Harrisburg Capitols | 1963-1967 | None |
| Hartford Charter Oaks | 1964 | None |
| Hartford Knights | 1968-1971 & 1973 | 1968 |
| Holyoke Bombers | 1965 | None |
| Indianapolis Capitols | 1970 | None |
| Jersey Giants | 1963-1964 | None |
| Jersey Jays | 1970 | None |
| Jersey Jets | 1965-1966 | None |
| Jersey Tigers | 1969 | None |
| Long Island Bulls | 1969-1970 | None |
| Long Island Chiefs | 1973 | None |
| Lowell Giants | 1966-1968 | None |
| Mohawk Valley Falcons | 1963-1965 | None |
| New Bedford Sweepers | 1965-1966 | 1965 |
| New England Colonials | 1973 | 1973 |
| New York Crusaders | 1973 | None |
| Newark Bears | 1963-1964 | 1963 |
| Norfolk Neptunes | 1970-1971 | 1971 |
| Orlando Panthers | 1970 | None |
| Paterson Miners | 1962 | 1962 |
| Pittsburgh Valley Ironmen | None | |
| Portland Sea Hawks | 1962-1964 | None |
| Pottstown Firebirds | 1968-1970 | 1969-1970 |
| Providence Steamroller | 1962-1964 | None |
| Quincy Giants | 1969 | None |
| Rhode Island Steelers | 1966 | None |
| Richmond Rebels | 1964 | None |
| Richmond Roadrunners | 1968-1969 | None |
| Richmond Saints | 1970 | None |
| Roanoke Buckskins | 1969-1971 | None |
| Scranton Miners | 1965-1966 | None |
| Scranton Pros | 1964 | None |
| Springfield Acorns | 1963-1964 | None |
| Stamford Golden Bears | 1962 | None |
| Virginia Sailors | 1966-1968 | 1966-1967 |
| Waterbury Orbits | 1966-1967 | None |
| Westchester Bulls | 1967-1968 | None |
| Westchester Crusaders | 1963-1964 | None |
| Western Massachusetts Pioneers | 1973 | None |
| Wilmington Clippers | 1966-1967 | None |
Atlantic Coast Football League Shop
##
45 Responses
Wonderful website about all these lesser known but nevertheless entertaining teams. Question- Was the ACFL a semi-pro league or professional? I hear the players got paid $50-$100 a week (about $400 in today’s money) but had to get jobs even during the season Keep up the good work! Thanks. Rick
Thanks Rick.
The ACFL was pro/semi-pro. Some of the players were on developmental assignments from NFL teams during the late 60’s, but not sure how they were compensated (i.e. whether those salaries came from the local club or from the NFL parent).
My father played for the hbg caps Walter Stevens Jr in the 60s is there any pictures of the teams
I have a collection of films, from 66-70 from Virginia Sailors, Roanoke Buckskins. These are actual game films, professionally filmed. 31 films total, looking for offers – let me know if you can point me in a good direction.
thanks,
chris
Hi Chris,
I am looking for any film of the Harrisburg Capitol-Colts from ’69. If you have anything in your collection, I would love for you to let me know and see if we can work something out.
Thanks,
Julie
I have heard of the Baltimore Bronco club moving to Hazleton Pa. as the Hazleton Mustangs Anywhere I can get more information? Thank yhou
My Father played QB for the Ansonia Black Nights in 1962 would anyone have any information about Him,
I played for the Westchester Crusaders in 1963 part of `64 and 1967 played 4 or 5 games with the Westchester Bulls . Played Rt. CB. #41 , it was a great time. I met some great guys , some had played in the NFL and the AFL . A few guys from the Bulls got to the NFL . I remembered playing Don Jonas {CFL}and Demsey the field goal kicker to mention a few. The sad thing I keep reading about teammates that we are losing every day. Myself being 74 yrs. old . I consider my self lucky to have played with and met some great team mates.
Thanks , Bob D`Avanzo #41 and #19
Bob D`Avanzo 1967 Westchester Bulls # 19 released after Harisburg , Pa . Game . 1963 part 1964 Westchester Crusaders # 41 Played DHB I`m 81 yrs. old now last time I wrote on the site was 1974.I did get in touch with a couple old old teammates , I know we lost some of our teammates . I wish I could in touch with some of my old teammate who are still out there .
Bob D`Avanzo
Bob D`Avanzo 1967 Westchester Bulls # 19 released after Harisburg , Pa . Game . 1963 part 1964 Westchester Crusaders # 41 Played DHB I`m 81 yrs. old now last time I wrote on the site was 1974.I did get in touch with a couple old old teammates , I know we lost some of our teammates . I wish I could in touch with some of my old teammate who are still out there .Please add this to my last input .
Bob D`Avanzo
Hi… my dad played for the 1967 Virginia Sailors championship team. Did the players get anything for winning the championship.. rings, trophy? And what happened to the actual trophy awarded to the organizations, if there was one?
Thx
Hey Bob
Just saw your latest comment this past January. I was your paper boy Daily Argus on Valentine St Mt Vernon NY. Hope you are doing well at 81 and I am now 74. Gosh you were only 7 yrs older than me and I delivered til I was about 14-15 yrs old. Always look back on the good old days and people I had a chance to meet. If you get time email me [email protected]. Now living in Northern Va for the last 42 yrs. an FYI played some football for a Yonkers NY team after the military. Loved it!!! Jhn
Hi Bob
My name is John Schappert I used to be your paper boy on Valentine St Mt Vernon NY and you almost always paid me on collection day for the Daily Argus. I know you lived on First Fl cannot remember the addy though. My sister Marie also said she knew you. I thought you had played football then but was not totally sure. I was just curious one day and looked the Crusaders and you up. Nice memories
God Bless
John
Chris Shafer
I spent some time during the ’69/’70 seasons bouncing
back and forth from the Long Island Bulls to their
NFL affiliate NY Giants. I do recall playing TE in
games against a Roanoke team that was the Saints
affiliate. I’m curious as to whether the Roanoke
Buckskins were the Saints affiliate and whether you might have films of 1969 or 1970 games against the
Long Island Bulls. Thanks for your time. Bob
Who was the quarterback for Providence Steamroller during 1962-1964 seasons?
Carl Mobley and Jerry Morgan
I was a child during the years of the Richmond Rebels, Richmond Roadrunners, Richmond Saints. I am looking for mrrchandise of those teams.
My Dad blocked for Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino on the Providence Steamrollers back in the 60’s. His name was Roger “Moose” Lafferty.
I played for the Lowell Giants in 1966 & was wondering if there were any alumni in the area. I live on Cape Cod
Virginia Sailors beat the LowellGiants in 1966 for the ACFL Championship, played in Alexandria at G.W. High School Stadium. Tom Dempsey played for the Giants and ended his career in New Orleans with the Saints. His 56yd FieldGoal was a record for many years.
Hi Dick Rogers,
I remember you. But I live in outside of Toronto Ontario.
Those were fun times. I enjoyed playing in the league.
I am looking for films against the Richmond Roadrunners in ’69? Would anyone happen to have or know where I can find?
Nice website. I played against Ansonia 1962 (Maurice Wadley). I played for Tinicum AC in Phila. We won by 30 or 40 points in Ansonia. I was with Tinicum a couple years, then Ridley TWP AA in Philly, then for Philadelphia Bulldogs in Continental, then Wilmington (DE) Comets in NAFL. We had connections with the Eagles, and our coach, Jack Ferrante was an All Star Eagle. We played up and down the East Coast – Pittsburgh PA to Mobile, AL. My last year playing was with Pensacola Navy Goshawks.
Mr Jim Kell Thank you,
To Dick Rogers…I was just meandering thru this website to reminisce a little about the old days and ran across your comments. I think I played football with you on the Waterbury Orbits during the season of 1967 and pulled out an old program of our game against the Lowell Giants and found our team picture with you in it. I’m a retired firefighter living in Burbank, Ca. I hope you’re doing well.
To John Carlo, I also remember playing against Tom Dempsey from that Lowell Giant team. He did later (1970) set the NFL record for a 63 yd. field goal for New Orleans against the Detroit Lions.
Great website for all of us almost-was’s. Only took me 50 years to discover it. Great times & great memories!!
My dad played for the Newark Bears in 63′. I had his contract around somewhere. I think they got paid $75 per game (played both ways) and food and beer. Steve Van Buren was involved with the team at the time. I will post some of the bears Merch when I get it out of storage. They were sponsored in part by Ballantine. Phil Granatelli (sp?) was the owner
Please check the pottstownfirebirds.org and let me know if there are any items from the team, videos or anything else, contact me via website information and im writing a book.
As a kid love to watch Providence Steamrollers at city stadium. Back then it was like watching the nfl today.
I remember the Jersey Giants co.ing to town. It was a great time for a 10 year old.
My father played for the Providence Steamrollers in 64′, does anyone have a program I may purchase?
Good morning Mr. Curtis, Do you have any ticket stubs or programs from 1964, my father played John Lashar – the archives had him listed as Jim Lasher. Any information you could provide would be wonderful. Thank you! Allison
MOHAWK VALLEY FALCONS PLAYED THEIR HOME GAMES IN HERKIMER, NY AND HAD A LOT OF LOCAL PLAYERS (BEN RIZZO (UTICA & MIAMI (FL) AND JIM PARKER (ROME) AND SYRACUSE PLAYERS SUCH AS FRED MAUTINO, DON KING AND OTHERS. IT WAS GOOD FOOTBALL AND WELL ATTENDED FOR THE MOST PART.
Does anyone have pictures from the Richmond Saints?
I went to a few of those Herkimer games, Ted. Didn’t the team have a big lineman named Bill Spatuzzi (or something close to that)?
I am interested in buying game films from the Continental Football League or ATlantic Coast Football League
you have a good memory. “big bill” was from utica and was anywhere from 270-300. i used to get a charge out of the pa announcer when he called out spatuzzi’s name whenever he made a tackle. those games were a lot of fun. below is from the utica paper.
READY FOR RUNNERS—Mohawk Valley Falcon tackle
Bill Spatuzzi If reported down to hit playing weight for
the team’s opener Saturday night on Herkimer’s Harmon
Field. The 6-1 Utican weighs 270, one of the biggest linemen in the Atlantic Coast Football League
I briefly worked for the Jersey Jay’s in 1970. There is one error in the directory. The Jersey Tigers, who played in Elizabeth, NJ, played in the ACFL in 1970, not 1969.
To Lance McAllister:
found these pictures of Bill Spatuzzi from 1963 which may be of interest to you. hopefully you’ll be able to open the links.
C:\Users\ted\Pictures\Annotation 2020-07-13 100037.png
C:\Users\ted\Pictures\bill spatuzzi.JPG
enjoy
I have a program from 09/22/2965. Scranton Miners first game vs. Holyoke Bombers in Scranton.
I was a kid living in Richmond VA from 1967 – 1975. I remember the Richmond Road Runners and the Richmond Saints as my dad took us to a few games here and there. JD Roberts coached the Richmond team and eventually was promoted to coach the New Orleans Saints during the 1970 season. I went to elementary school with his son Neal (same grade) and I remember them moving away in the fall of 1970.
I have two programs from 1968 games between the Harrisburg Cap Colts versus Westchester Bulls and Bridgeport Jets.
I played for the Quincy Giants in 1969 in the second half of the season. I’m looking for any film or programs with my name. I later was a coach with the New England Patriots. I’m an active member of the Patriots Alumni Club. I’m Rick Buffington. 774 526 9426. My website is coacbbuffconsulting.com
Hi Coach – my name is David R. Jenks and I am a 64-year old retiree and lifelong football fan currently living in Rhode Island. So impressed with your incredible bio and football journey – was even wondering if you had ever considered publishing your life story. Understand that you and several Patriots players and coaches did a youth football clinic on the base down here in Newport recently -as the son of a career Marine who played HS football at Camp Lejeune I can appreciate what you did for those kids and I wish to thank you and your staff for that. I have a whopper of a tale to tell from the old ACFL – (as a fan, not a player) and I don’t know if you would be at all interested in reading it – you are a busy man and I will understand if not. Regards , David R. Jenks
Does anyone know the uniform colors of the following defunct CT semi-pro teams?
Ansonia Black Knights
Bridgeport Jets
Hartford Charter Oaks
Hartford Knights (up through 1969)
Waterbury Orbits
Thanks.
The 1969 ACFL media guide shows
HARTFORD KNIGHTS-Black and Gold
BRIDGEPORT JETS- Green and White
The 1966 ACFL media guide shows
WATERBURY ORBITS-Green and White
The 1966 Continental League guide show
HARTFORD CH OAKS-Red and White
David Grey Knight coached a Long Island semi-pro football team. What team? The team went under sometime in the mid-to-late 1960s. Does anyone recognize the name of the coach and the team he coached?