The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team that is based in Birmingham, Alabama. They were founded in 2022 as an expansion team of the United States Football League (USFL) and are set to begin playing in the 2023 USFL season. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Birmingham Stallions, their upcoming season, and what fans can expect from this exciting new team.
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The History of the Birmingham Stallions
The Birmingham Stallions have a rich history in professional football, despite being a new expansion team in the USFL. The original Birmingham Stallions were a part of the United States Football League from 1983 to 1985. They were coached by Rollie Dotsch and played their home games at Legion Field. During their three seasons in the league, the Stallions made two playoff appearances and were led by quarterback Cliff Stoudt and running back Joe Cribbs.
In their inaugural season, the Stallions finished with a 9-9 record and made it to the playoffs, where they lost to the Michigan Panthers in the first round. The following year, they improved their record to 13-5 and made it to the USFL championship game, where they lost to the Philadelphia Stars. In 1985, their final season, the Stallions finished with an 11-7 record and made it to the playoffs, where they lost to the Memphis Showboats.
The New Birmingham Stallions
In 2022, the USFL announced that Birmingham would be getting a new expansion team, and they would be called the Birmingham Stallions. The team is owned by businessman Tim McMahon, who has a background in finance and real estate development. The head coach of the team is former NFL player and coach Jim Haslett, who has over 30 years of experience in professional football.
The Birmingham Stallions will play their home games at Protective Stadium, which is a brand new state-of-the-art facility that was completed in 2021. The stadium has a seating capacity of 47,100 and is located in downtown Birmingham.
The 2023 Season
The Birmingham Stallions are set to begin playing in the USFL in the 2023 season. They will be a part of the league’s Eastern Conference, which includes teams from cities such as Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia.
The Stallions have already begun building their roster for the upcoming season, and they have signed several players with experience in the NFL and other professional leagues. Some of the key players on the team include quarterback Garrett Gilbert, running back Justin Jackson, and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.
What to Expect from the Birmingham Stallions
The Birmingham Stallions are a team with a lot of potential, and fans should be excited about what they can accomplish in their first season. With a strong ownership group, experienced coaching staff, and talented players, the Stallions have all the pieces in place to make a run at the USFL championship.
Offensive Expectations
Offensively, the team will look to quarterback Garrett Gilbert to lead the way. Gilbert has NFL experience and has shown that he can be an effective passer at the professional level. Running back Justin Jackson will also be a key contributor on offense, as he has a proven track record of success in the NFL and other professional leagues.
Defensive Expectations
On defense, the Stallions will be led by linebacker Chris Covington and defensive tackle Will Sutton. Covington has NFL experience and is a strong tackler, while Sutton is a disruptive force on the defensive line and has the ability to get to the quarterback.
Key Players to Watch
The Birmingham Stallions have a solid roster with a number of players who could have a big impact on the team’s success in their debut season. Here are a few key players to keep an eye on:
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Garrett Gilbert, QB:
Gilbert is a former NFL quarterback who has experience with several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. He’ll be the leader of the Stallions’ offense and will be tasked with making plays and moving the ball down the field.
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Justin Jackson, RB:
Jackson is a running back with NFL experience, having played for the Los Angeles Chargers and the Washington Football Team. He’s a versatile player who can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and make defenders miss in the open field.
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Dorial Green-Beckham, WR:
Green-Beckham is a big, physical receiver who has played in both the NFL and the XFL. He has the ability to go up and make contested catches, and his size and strength make him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks.
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Chris Covington, LB:
Covington is a linebacker who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He’s a hard-hitting tackler who can make plays against the run and the pass.
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Will Sutton, DT:
Sutton is a defensive tackle who has played for the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. He’s a disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line and has the ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays.
With these players leading the way, the Stallions have the potential to be a competitive team in the USFL’s Eastern Conference.
Conclusion
The Birmingham Stallions are an exciting new team in the United States Football League, and fans should be looking forward to their debut season in 2023. With a strong ownership group, experienced coaching staff, and talented players, the Stallions have the potential to make a name for themselves in the USFL.
As a new expansion team, it will be interesting to see how the Stallions fare against established teams in the league. However, with a history of success in professional football and a strong foundation in place, the Stallions are well-positioned for success.
If you’re a football fan in Birmingham, the Stallions are a team you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on. With their exciting new roster and state-of-the-art stadium, the Stallions are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for fans. So mark your calendars for the 2023 USFL season and get ready to cheer on the Birmingham Stallions!
