Denver Gold

The team's original owner, Denver real estate mogul Ron Blanding, held fast to the USFL's original blueprint, keeping tight controls on expenses (including player salaries) while heavily marketing the team in the Rockies. The strategy paid off, as the Gold led the league in attendance during its inaugural season.

The Gold attempted to utilize some of the goodwill established by the rival NFL's Denver Broncos by involving former Broncos players and coaches in the Gold organization. The Gold's original coach was Red Miller, who led the Broncos to their first-ever Super Bowl. He was fired in the middle of the season and replaced by popular ex-Broncos quarterback Craig Morton. Despite one of the toughest defenses in the league, a weak offense kept the Gold out of the playoffs in 1983. Blanding, however, was more satisfied with the fact that he actually turned a profit. Unwilling to.... Read more

Years Played in USFL: 1983, 1984, 1985
Club Owner(s): Ron Blanding (1983), R. Douglas Spedding (1984-85)
Playing Site: Mile High Stadium, Denver Colorado.
Head Coach(es): Red Miller (1983, fired during season); Charley Armey (1983, interim);
Craig Morton (1983-84); "Mouse" Davis (1985)
Overall Record: 27-28-0 (27-27-0 regular season)