 | |
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2007 |
| Based in | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Home field | Amsterdam Arena |
| Head coach | Bart Andrus |
| League | NFL Europe |
| Colors | Admirals Blue, Orange, Green, White, Light Blue |
| Mascot(s) | Albert the Albatross |
| World Bowls (1) | World Bowl XIII (2005) |
The Amsterdam Admirals were a professional American football team based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, playing in the NFL Europe.
The Admirals were formed in 1995 as part of the NFL's plan to restart the World League of American Football, to be based entirely in Europe. The Admirals were one of three new teams, the others being the Scottish Claymores based in Edinburgh and the Rhein Fire based in Düsseldorf, Germany, to join the old World League's European Division teams: the Barcelona Dragons, the Frankfurt Galaxy, and the London Monarchs.
The Admirals began playing their home games at the old Olympisch Stadion, built in 1928 for the Summer Games. They played there for two years until the Amsterdam ArenA was completed in 1996. When the Admirals were forced to schedule their last home game of the 2000 season against the Claymores away from the ArenA as Euro 2000 preparations were finalized, they made a return to the Olympisch Stadion in what turned out to be one of the most unusual games in American football history. The end zone at the north end of the stadium was ruled unsafe by the officials as the surface was in poor condition, so it was decided that the teams would change ends at every change of possession and play towards the other end zone.
They qualified for the 1995 World Bowl with a 9–1 regular season record, but lost to the Frankfurt Galaxy by a score of 26–22. Ten years later, in their eleventh year of existence, the Admirals won their first World Bowl by defeating the defending champion Berlin Thunder 27–21 in the championship game's 13th edition. The next season, they failed to defend their title against the Frankfurt Galaxy 22–7 in World Bowl XIV.
Under the "Player Continuity Program", the Admirals contracted linebacker Derrick Ballard and running back Jonathan Smith for the 2007 season.
| Season | League | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| 1995 | WLAF | 9 | 1 | 0 | .900 | 1st (League) | 0 | 1 | .000 | Lost to Frankfurt Galaxy in World Bowl III |
| 1996 | WLAF | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 3rd (League) | – | – | — | Out of playoffs. |
| 1997 | WLAF | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 4th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 1998 | NFLE | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | 3rd (League) | – | – | — | Out of playoffs. |
| 1999 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 4th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2000 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 4th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2001 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 5th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2002 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 5th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2003 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 5th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2004 | NFLE | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 3rd (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| 2005 | NFLE | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | 2nd (League) | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | World Bowl XIII champions |
| 2006 | NFLE | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | 1st (League) | 0 | 1 | .000 | Lost to Frankfurt Galaxy in World Bowl XIV |
| 2007 | NFLE | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 5th (League) | – | – | — | No playoffs. |
| Total | 68 | 62 | 0 | .523 | 1 | 2 | .333 | |||
| # | Name | Term | Regular season | Postseason | Achievements | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC | Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | GC | Won | Lost | Win % | ||||
| 1 | Al Luginbill | 1995–2000 | 60 | 34 | 26 | 0 | .567 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 | — |
| 2 | Bart Andrus | 2001–2007 | 70 | 34 | 36 | 0 | .486 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .500 | World Bowl XIII championship NFL Europe Coach of the Year (2005) |
Source: Kenn.com
| Year | Games | Total | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Admirals (World League) | |||
| 1995 | 5 | 72,767 | 14,553 |
| 1996 | 5 | 50,094 | 10,019 |
| 1997 | 5 | 73,425 | 14,685 |
| Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe) | |||
| 1998 | 5 | 79,263 | 15,853 |
| 1999 | 5 | 61,444 | 12,289 |
| 2000 | 5 | 54,985 | 10,997 |
| 2001 | 5 | 66,292 | 13,258 |
| 2002 | 5 | 58,322 | 11,664 |
| 2003 | 5 | 57,208 | 11,442 |
| 2004 | 5 | 62,496 | 12,499 |
| 2005 | 5 | 64,386 | 12,877 |
| 2006 | 5 | 67,106 | 13,421 |
| Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europa) | |||
| 2007 | 5 | 58,390 | 11,678 |
| 13 | 65 | 826,178 | 12,710 |
Mike Evans – DE (1995–1997) Adam Vinatieri – K (1995) Jonathan Kirksey – DT (1995, 1998–2001)
Frank Temming – RB (1995–2000) Silvio Diliberto – K (1997–2004) Kurt Warner – QB (1998) Derrick Levake – OL (1999–2000) Rafael Cooper – RB (2002) Mike Evans – DE (1995–1997) Jamie Martin – QB (1995) Brad Lebo – QB (1995)
Darren Bennett – P (1995) Adam Vinatieri –K (1996) Will Furrer – QB (1995–1996) Mario Cristobal – OG (1995–1996) Jay Fiedler – QB (1997) Ta'ase Faumui – DE (1998) Kurt Warner – QB (1998) Jake Delhomme – QB (1998) Tom Nütten – OG (1998) Joe Douglass – WR (1998–1999) Dan Gonzalez – QB (1999) Jim Kubiak – QB (1999–2000) Ron Powlus – QB (2000)
José Cortéz – K (2000)
Francesco Biancamano – P/K (1999–2000) Spergon Wynn – QB (2001) Kevin Daft – QB (2002) Shaun Hill – QB (2003) Clint Stoerner – QB (2004) Gibran Hamdan – QB (2004–2006) Kurt Kittner – QB (2005) Jarrett Payton – RB (2005) Ruvell Martin – WR (2005) Cory Peoples – S (2005) Norman LeJeune – S (2005) Jeff Roehl – OL (2006) Jared Allen – QB (2006) Glenn Pakulak – P (2006–2007) Shawn Morgan – LB (2006) Derrick Ballard – LB (2005–2007) 2007 contract player Jonathan Smith – RB (2005 & 2007) 2007 contract player Chris Wing – DE/LB (1999)
Carl-Johan Björk – LB (2005–2007)| Highest pass rating, season (qualifiers) | Most passes attempted, season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Year | Rating | Player | Year | Attempted | |
| Gibran Hamdan | 2006 | 113.4 | Will Furrer | 1996 | 368 | |
| Most passes completed, season | Highest average gain, season (qualifiers) | |||||
| Player | Year | Completed | Player | Year | Average | |
| Shaun Hill | 2003 | 220 | Gibran Hamdan | 2006 | 10.06 | |
| Most consecutive passes attempted, none intercepted | Most games, 100 or more yards pass receiving, season | |||||
| Player | Year | Attempted | Player | Year | Games | |
| Ron Powlus | 2000 | 156 | Skyler Fulton | 2006 | 6 | |
| Most consecutive games, 100 or more yards pass receiving | Most yards gained, career | |||||
| Player | Year | Games | Player | Year | Yards | |
| Matthew Hatchette | 2003 | 4 | Joe Douglass | 1998–1999 | 624 | |
| Longest punt return | Most Opponents' Fumbles Recovered, season | |||||
| Player | Year | Yards | Player | Year | Fumbles | |
| Matthew Hatchette | Amsterdam vs. Berlin, 5/31/03 | 101 | Karmeeleyah McGill | 1995 | 4 | |
| Longest Fumble Return | ||||||
| Player | Year | Yards | ||||
| Derrick Ballard | Amsterdam vs. Berlin, 3/18/06 | 95 | ||||
| Most passes completed, season | Fewest Passes Completed, season | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Completed | Year | Completed | |
| 2003 | 271 | 1997 | 116 | |
| Fewest Yards Gained, season | Fewest rushing touchdowns, season | |||
| Year | Yards | Year | Touchdowns | |
| 1997 | 1208 | 2000 | 1 | |
| Most Points, Both Teams, game | Most punt returns, season | |||
| Year | Points | Year | Yards | |
| 5/31/03 (vs. Berlin) | 94 (51–43) | 1998 | 39 | |
| Most yards gained on Punt Return, game | Most yards gained on Punt Return, Both Teams, game | |||
| Year | Yards | Year | Yards | |
| 5/11/96 (vs. London) | 175 | 5/11/96 (vs. London) | 201 | |
| Fewest Yards Gained on Kickoff Return, game | Most yards gained on Kickoff Return, Both Teams, game | |||
| Year | Yards | Year | Yards | |
| 5/28/00 (vs. Frankfurt) | 2 | 5/31/03 (vs. Berlin) | 451 (188–263) | |
| Fewest Fumbles, season | Fewest Fumbles Lost, season | |||
| Year | Fumbles | Year | Fumbles | |
| 2003 | 7 | 2003 | 2 | |
| Most Fumbles Lost, Both Teams, game | Most Opponents' Fumbles Recovered, season | |||
| Year | Fumbles | Year | Fumbles | |
| 5/13/95 (vs. Barcelona) | 8 (4–4) | 1995 | 20 | |
| Most Opponents' Fumbles Recovered, Both Teams, game | Fewest Yards Penalized, Both Teams, game | |||
| Year | Fumbles | Year | Yards | |
| 5/13/95 (vs. Barcelona) | 8 (4–4) | 5/18/97 (vs. Scotland) | 25 (15–10) | |
| Most Yards Penalized, Both Teams, game | Fewest yards allowed by Defense, rushing, season | |||
| Year | Yards | Year | Yards | |
| 6/1/02 (vs. Frankfurt) | 294 (116–178) | 2000 | 654 | |
Source: NFLEurope.com
The Scottish Claymores, known in shorthand as Scotland, were an American football team based in Scotland. The franchise played in the World League of American Football between 1995 and 2004, initially playing all home games at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh and latterly sharing home games with Hampden Park, Glasgow. In ten seasons of NFL Europe play, the Claymores reached the World Bowl on two occasions, with victory in World Bowl '96 but defeat in World Bowl 2000. Their name derives from that of the Claymore, a double-edged sword historically used in Scottish clan warfare. One notable player was Gavin Hastings, a Scottish rugby international who was used as a place kicker in 1996.
The Rhein Fire were a professional football team in the NFL Europe, formerly the World League of American Football. Established in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1995, the franchise resurrected the name of the former Birmingham Fire team which was active during the 1991–1992 WLAF seasons.
The Berlin Thunder were a professional American football team in NFL Europe.
The 2006 Amsterdam Admirals season was the 12th season for the team in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Bart Andrus in his sixth year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in first place with a record of seven wins and three losses. In World Bowl XIV, Amsterdam lost to the Frankfurt Galaxy 7–22.
The 2007 Amsterdam Admirals season was the 13th and final season for the franchise in the NFL Europa League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Bart Andrus in his seventh year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA and Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in fifth place with a record of four wins and six losses. The National Football League (NFL) announced the closure of its European branch on June 29, ending the Admirals' 13-year existence.
The 2007 Cologne Centurions season was the fourth and final season for the franchise in the NFL Europa League (NFLEL). The team were led by head coach David Duggan in his second year and played its home games at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany. When Duggan gave up coaching after week nine due to health issues, defensive coordinator John Lyons was elevated to the position of interim head coach for the final game. They finished the season in third place with a record of six wins and four losses. The National Football League (NFL) announced the closure of its European branch on June 29.
The 2004 Berlin Thunder season was the sixth season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Rick Lantz in his first year, and played its home games at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. They finished the regular season in first place with a record of nine wins and one loss. In World Bowl XII, Berlin defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 30–24. The victory marked the franchise's third World Bowl championship.
The 2004 Rhein Fire season was the tenth season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Pete Kuharchek in his fourth year, and played its home games at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. They finished the regular season in fifth place with a record of three wins and seven losses.
The 1995 Frankfurt Galaxy season was the third season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Ernie Stautner in his first year, and played its home games at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany. They finished the regular season in second place with a record of six wins and four losses. In World Bowl '95, Frankfurt defeated the Amsterdam Admirals 26–22. The victory marked the franchise's first World Bowl championship.
The 1996 Frankfurt Galaxy season was the fourth season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Ernie Stautner in his second year, and played its home games at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany. They finished the regular season in second place with a record of six wins and four losses. In World Bowl '96, Frankfurt lost to the Scottish Claymores 32–27.
The 1995 Amsterdam Admirals season was the inaugural season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Al Luginbill, and played its home games at Olympisch Stadion and De Meer Stadion in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in first place with a record of nine wins and one loss. In World Bowl '95, Amsterdam lost to the Frankfurt Galaxy 26–22.
The 1996 Amsterdam Admirals season was the second season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Al Luginbill in his second year, and played its home games at Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in third place with a record of five wins and five losses.
The 1997 Amsterdam Admirals season was the third season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Al Luginbill in his third year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in fourth place with a record of five wins and five losses.
The 2004 Amsterdam Admirals season was the tenth season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Bart Andrus in his fourth year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in third place with a record of five wins and five losses.
The 2004 Cologne Centurions season was the inaugural season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Peter Vaas and played its home games at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany. They finished the regular season in fourth place with a record of four wins and six losses.
The 2005 Amsterdam Admirals season was the 11th season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Bart Andrus in his fifth year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in second place with a record of six wins and four losses. In World Bowl XIII, Amsterdam defeated the Berlin Thunder 27–21. The victory marked the franchise's first and only World Bowl championship.
The 1996 Scottish Claymores season was the second season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team was led by head coach Jim Criner in his second year, and played its home games at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland. They finished the regular season in first place with a record of seven wins and three losses. In World Bowl '96, Scotland defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 32–27. The victory marked the franchise's first World Bowl championship, in its second active season.
The 1995 Scottish Claymores season was the inaugural season for the franchise in the World League of American Football (WLAF). The team played its home games at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland. They finished the regular season in sixth place with a record of two wins and eight losses.
The 1999 Amsterdam Admirals season was the fifth season for the franchise in the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). The team was led by head coach Al Luginbill in his fifth year, and played its home games at Amsterdam ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They finished the regular season in fourth place with a record of four wins and six losses.
The 1995 World League of American Football season was the third season of the professional American football league organized by the NFL. It was the league's first season with six teams based only in Europe.
