Memphis Express

Last updated
Memphis Express
Established 2018
Folded 2019
MemphisExpress.png
League/conference affiliations
Alliance of American Football
Current uniform
Team colorsRed, blue & white
   
Personnel
PresidentKosha Irby
Head coach Mike Singletary
Team history
Championships
League championships (0)
Conference championships (0)
Division championships (0)

The Memphis Express was a professional American football franchise based in Memphis, Tennessee. It was a member of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) during its single season in 2019. [1] They played their home games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, [2] and were coached by former NFL player and head coach Mike Singletary. [3]

Contents

On April 2, 2019, the league's football operations were reportedly suspended, [4] [5] and on April 4 the league allowed players to leave their contracts to sign with NFL teams. [6]

History

The Alliance of American Football announced the awarding of the third inaugural league team, Alliance Memphis, on May 4, 2018. [7] This announcement was followed by the May 10, 2018, announcement of Mike Singletary as the team's head coach. [3]

On July 30, 2018, the Alliance announced team Memphis had signed its first 29 players. [8] On September 20, the league announced four eastern inaugural franchises' names and logos including Memphis as the Memphis Express. [9] The name is derived from Memphis' significance as a mail and cargo transport city being the "World Headquarters" of FedEx (formerly Federal Express), with an airplane being featured in the logo. [10] (FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith had previously owned the Memphis Mad Dogs pro football team in the 1990s; as the AAF was a single-entity league that never progressed to selling individual franchises as originally planned, Smith had no involvement or investment with the Express, despite the use of the Express name and imagery.)

On January 5, 2019, training camp opened in San Antonio, Texas. [11] The final 52-man roster was released on January 30. [12] The Express' inaugural game, played against the Birmingham Iron at Legion Field on February 10, ended in a 26–0 shutout loss. [13] Their first home game was a 20–18 loss against the Arizona Hotshots during week 2. [14] Memphis notched their first win on March 2, with a 26–23 victory over the San Diego Fleet at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. [15]

On March 16, 2019, shortly after the Express fell to 1–5 in a 22–9 loss to the Salt Lake Stallions, the team announced they had signed Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel. [16]

On April 2, 2019, the league's football operations were suspended, [4] [5] and on April 4 the league allowed players to leave their contracts to sign with NFL teams. [6] On April 17, 2019, the league announced the cessation of business operations after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. [17]

Final roster

2019 Memphis Express final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Rights list


50 Active, 14 Inactive

Allocation pool

The Express' assigned area, which designated player rights, included the following colleges: [8]

Staff

Memphis Express staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks – David Lee
  • Wide receivers – Bobby Blizzard
  • Offensive line – Steve Marshall
 
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
  • Special teams coordinator/Running backs – Ty Knott

2019 season

2019 Memphis Express season
Owner Alliance of American Football
General manager Will Lewis
Head coach Mike Singletary
Home field Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Results
Record2–6
League place3rd (tie), Eastern Conference

Final standings

Eastern Conference
ClubW–LPCTCONFPFPADIFFSOSSOVSTK
(x)Orlando Apollos 7–1.8755–0236136100.406.375W2
(x)Birmingham Iron 5–3.6253–216513332.406.300W1
(e)Memphis Express 2–6.2501–4152194-42.578.500L1
(e)Atlanta Legends 2–6.2501–488213-125.609.438L3
Western Conference
ClubW–LPCTCONFPFPADIFFSOSSOVSTK
San Antonio Commanders 5–3.6253–21581544.516.450L1
Arizona Hotshots 5–3.6253–218614442.469.500W3
San Diego Fleet 3–5.3752–3158161-3.469.417L3
Salt Lake Stallions 3–5.3752–3135143-8.547.417W1
(x)–clinched playoff berth; (e)–eliminated from playoff contention

Schedule

Preseason

WeekDayDateOpponentResultsLocation
ScoreRecord
MondayJanuary 28at Salt Lake Stallions L 22–29 Alamodome

Regular season

All times Central

WeekDayDateKickoffTVOpponentResultsLocation
ScoreRecord
1SundayFebruary 103:00 p.m. CBSSN at Birmingham Iron L 0–260–1 Legion Field
2SaturdayFebruary 167:00 p.m. NFLN Arizona Hotshots L 18–200–2 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
3SaturdayFebruary 237:00 p.m.NFLNat Orlando Apollos L 17–210–3 Spectrum Stadium
4SaturdayMarch 23:00 p.m. B/R Live San Diego Fleet W 26–231–3Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
5SundayMarch 103:00 p.m.CBSSNat Atlanta Legends L 20–231–4 Georgia State Stadium
6SaturdayMarch 163:00 p.m.B/R Liveat Salt Lake Stallions L 9–221–5 Rice–Eccles Stadium
7SundayMarch 247:00 p.m.NFLN Birmingham Iron W 31–25 OT2–5Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
8SaturdayMarch 301:00 p.m.TNT Orlando Apollos L 31–342–6Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
9SaturdayApril 611:00 a.m. CBS at San Antonio Commanders Not played Alamodome
10SaturdayApril 137:00 p.m.NFLN Atlanta Legends Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium

Changed from original time and/or network. [18] [19]
[20]

Game summaries

Week 1: at Birmingham

Week One: Memphis Express at Birmingham Iron – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Express00000
Iron3601726

at Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama

Game information

Week 2: Arizona

Week Two: Arizona Hotshots at Memphis Express – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hotshots0061420
Express930618

at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

Game information

Week 3: at Orlando

Week Three: Memphis Express at Orlando Apollos – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Express0061117
Apollos906621

at Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Game information

Week 4: San Diego

Week Four: San Diego Fleet at Memphis Express – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Fleet1460323
Express31201126

at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

Game information

Week 5: at Atlanta

Week Five: Memphis Express at Atlanta Legends – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Express668020
Legends3110923

at Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Week 6: at Salt Lake

Week Six: Memphis Express at Salt Lake Stallions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Express09009
Stallions1630322

at Rice–Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

Game information

Week 7: Birmingham

Week Seven: Birmingham Iron at Memphis Express – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Iron8836025
Express08611631

at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

Game information

This was the first overtime game in AAF history. Despite newly signed quarterback Johnny Manziel playing a few series for the Express, starter Brandon Silvers led the team to a comeback victory, keeping its slim postseason chances alive. [28]

Week 8: Orlando

Week Eight: Orlando Apollos at Memphis Express – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Apollos31181234
Express0914831

at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

Game information

Media

In addition to league-wide television coverage through NFL Network, CBS Sports Network, TNT, and B/R Live, Memphis' games were also broadcast on local radio by KWNW, an iHeartMedia station branded as 101.9 Kiss FM. [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1997 Tennessee Oilers season</span> 38th season in franchise history, first in Tennessee

The 1997 Tennessee Oilers season was their 38th season overall and 28th in the National Football League (NFL). It was the team's first season in Memphis, Tennessee after moving from Houston, and they played at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

The 2014 season was the New Orleans Saints' 48th in the National Football League (NFL), their 39th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their eighth under head coach Sean Payton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Oakland Raiders season</span> 59th season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Oakland Raiders' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 59th overall, their 24th since their return to Oakland, and their first under head coach Jon Gruden since his rehiring by the organization. The Raiders finished the season with a 4–12 record, failing to improve upon their previous season's record of 6–10, and their worst since 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orlando Apollos</span> Professional American football team playing in the AAF

The Orlando Apollos were a professional American football franchise based in Orlando, Florida, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which began play in February 2019. The team played its home games at Spectrum Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Florida. They were coached by Heisman Trophy winner and former college and National Football League (NFL) head coach Steve Spurrier. NFL front office veteran Tim Ruskell was the general manager and longtime college athletics executive Michael P. Waddell was the team president.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlanta Legends</span> Alliance of American Football team

The Atlanta Legends were a professional American football franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which played one season from February 2019 to April 2019. They played their home games at Georgia State Stadium on the campus of Georgia State University. The Legends were one of two AAF teams based in a city that already had an NFL team. The Legends were coached by Kevin Coyle, one of two AAF coaches without prior head coaching experience, after the position became available when Brad Childress resigned a month before the season began. Billy Devaney was the general manager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salt Lake Stallions</span> Professional American football team based in Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake Stallions were a professional American football franchise based in Salt Lake City, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which began play in February 2019. The Stallions were the northernmost team in the AAF, as the league's only franchise north of the 35th parallel. They played their home games at Rice–Eccles Stadium. The team's head coach was Dennis Erickson, owner of a 179–96–1 record coaching college football and a 40–56 record coaching in the NFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arizona Hotshots</span> Former American football franchise

The Arizona Hotshots were a professional American football franchise based in Tempe, Arizona, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which played one season from February 2019 to April 2019. They played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University. The Hotshots were one of two AAF teams based in a city that already had an NFL team. The Hotshots were coached by former USFL player and college head coach Rick Neuheisel. Scott Brubaker was the team president and Phil Savage was the general manager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego Fleet</span> Professional American football franchise

The San Diego Fleet was a professional American football franchise based in San Diego, California, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). The league began play in February 2019, with the team playing its home games at SDCCU Stadium. They were coached by former NFL head coach Mike Martz. The team was one of the two professional football teams playing in San Diego, along with the San Diego Strike Force of the Indoor Football League, and the first since the former San Diego Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birmingham Iron</span> Defunct professional American football team based in Birmingham, AL

The Birmingham Iron was a professional American football franchise based in Birmingham, Alabama, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which played eight regular season games from February 2019 to April 2019. They played their home games at Legion Field. The Iron were coached by former National Football League player and coach Tim Lewis. Trey Brown was the executive vice president of football operations and Joe Pendry was the general manager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Antonio Commanders</span> Defunct American football franchise

The San Antonio Commanders were a professional American football franchise based in San Antonio, Texas, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). The league began play in February 2019. The team played their home games at the Alamodome. The team was led by head coach Mike Riley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Silvers</span> American football player (born 1994)

William Brandon Silvers is an American professional football quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Troy Trojans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Dallas Renegades season</span> American professional football season

The 2020 Dallas Renegades season was the first season for the Dallas Renegades as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Renegades played their home games at the Globe Life Park in Arlington and were led by head coach Bob Stoops.

The 2020 Houston Roughnecks season was the first season for the Houston Roughnecks as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Roughnecks played their home games at TDECU Stadium and were led by head coach June Jones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Los Angeles Wildcats season</span> American professional football season

The 2020 Los Angeles Wildcats season was the only season for the Los Angeles Wildcats as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Wildcats played their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park and were led by head coach Winston Moss.

The 2020 DC Defenders season was the first season for the DC Defenders as a professional American football franchise. They were playing as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by head coach Pep Hamilton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 New York Guardians season</span> American professional football season

The 2020 New York Guardians season was the only season for the New York Guardians as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Guardians played their home games at MetLife Stadium and were led by head coach Kevin Gilbride.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Arizona Cardinals season</span> 101st season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 101st in the National Football League (NFL), their 33rd in Arizona and their second under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. It was also the first full season since 1971 without the ownership of Bill Bidwill, who died during the 2019 season.

The 2020 Seattle Dragons season was the first season for the Seattle Dragons as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Dragons played their home games at CenturyLink Field and were led by head coach Jim Zorn.

The 2020 St. Louis Battlehawks season was the first season for the St. Louis Battlehawks as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Battlehawks played their home games at The Dome at America's Center and were led by head coach Jonathan Hayes.

The 2020 Tampa Bay Vipers season was the only season for the Tampa Bay Vipers as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season. The Vipers played their home games at Raymond James Stadium and were led by head coach Marc Trestman.

References

  1. "New pro football team could boost business in Memphis". WREG Memphis. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  2. Froyd, Crissy (August 27, 2018). "Zach Mettenberger and Antonio Andrews reunite in new pro league". Titans Wire. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Mike Singletary will coach Memphis team in upcoming Alliance of American Football". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  4. 1 2 Kercheval, Ben (April 2, 2019). "AAF operations suspended, league's future in doubt after eight games of first season". cbssports.com. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  5. 1 2 "AAF to immediately suspend operations". ESPN . April 2, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Schwartz, Nick (April 4, 2019). "AAF star Keith Reaser becomes first player to sign NFL deal after league shutdown". USA Today. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  7. "Memphis awarded Alliance of American Football team". Commercial Appeal. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  8. 1 2 Munz, Jason (August 1, 2018). "Alliance of American Football announces Memphis team has signed 28 players". The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  9. Benjamin, Cody (September 20, 2018). "LOOK: Alliance of American Football unveils logos of four pro teams that will debut in 2019". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  10. Munz, Jason (September 20, 2018). "Memphis' new pro football team now has a name and logo". The Commercial Appeal . Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  11. Thompson, Cole (January 5, 2019). "Alliance of American Football Training Camp Officially Underway in San Antonio". AAF.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  12. "Memphis Express sets final roster". Alliance of American Football . January 30, 2019. Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  13. Kercheval, Ben (February 10, 2019). "AAF Week 1 scores, highlights: Trent Richardson scores two TDs after slow start in Iron debut". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  14. "Hotshots come back to become first team with road win in AAF history". arizonasports. KTAR. February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  15. Mellor, Cam (March 3, 2019). "ReFocused: Memphis Express 26, San Diego Fleet 23". profootballfocus.com. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  16. Rubino, Dylan (March 16, 2019). "Memphis gets Manziel: Heisman QB joins Alliance". AAF.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  17. "AAF Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy". Front Office Sports. April 17, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  18. Florio, Mike (February 25, 2019). "AAF does its first-ever scheduling flex". NBC Sports . Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  19. "CBS SPORTS ELEVATES TWO ALLIANCE GAMES TO CBS TELEVISION NETWORK". Alliance of American Football . March 14, 2019. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
  20. "2019 Memphis Express Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  21. Filipe, Cameron (February 9, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 1, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  22. Filipe, Cameron (February 13, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 2, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  23. Filipe, Cameron (February 22, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 3, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  24. Filipe, Cameron (February 27, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 4, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  25. Filipe, Cameron (March 9, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 5, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  26. Filipe, Cameron (March 14, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 6, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  27. Filipe, Cameron (March 21, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 7, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  28. Anderson, Brett (March 24, 2019). "AAF Week 7 scores, updates, highlights: Johnny Manziel debuts, but other Express QB wins it in OT". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  29. Filipe, Cameron (March 28, 2019). "Alliance of American Football: Week 8, 2019". Football Zebras. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  30. Greer, Jarvis (December 14, 2018). "Local radio station tabbed as Memphis Express home". WMC-TV . Retrieved March 16, 2019.

Further reading