Orlando Renegades

1985:After two terrible seasons in Washington, the Federals headed down south to the Sunshine State. Before eventually landing in Orlando, the team appeared to be on the way to Miami with the nickname Spirit of Miami. However, when the USFL announced plans to move to the fall in 1986, the Miami ownership group backed out, not wanting to go head-to-head against the Miami Dolphins. After the Miami deal fell through Central Florida businessman Donald Dizney step in and purchased the team and moved them to Orlando, where they would become the Orlando Renegades. The Renegades seemed to embrace a connection to Florida State and Seminole Nation with a tomahawk logo. The name Renegades comes from the horse that carries Chief Osceola on to the field in Florida State’s pregame ritual. After considering Howard Schnellenberger, when they were set to play in Miami, the Renegades hired Lee Corso a Florida State alum as their head coach. Like they had in Washington, the Orlando Renegades struggled early in the season dropping their first six games. The Renegades finally earned their first win in Week 7, beating the Memphis Showboats 28-17. The Renegades would play much better, the remainder of the season, posting a 5-7 record over the last 12 games as they finished with an overall record of 5-13. Reggie Collier was a dual threat at quarterback, passing for 2,578 yards with 13 touchdowns, while rushing for 606 yards with a team leading 12 touchdowns. Curtis Bledsoe was the Renegades leading rusher with 781 yards and three touchdowns, while Joey Walters led the team in receiving with 784 yards with five touchdowns.

1986:There was no reason not to believe the Orlando Renegades were going to be better in their second season as the USFL prepared for its move to the fall. However, that fall season was never played as the league was forced to fold, after a less than favorable award in the league’s lawsuit against the NFL.