| Denver Gold | |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Folded | 1985 |
| Based in | Denver, CO, United States |
| Home field | Mile High Stadium |
| League | USFL |
| Conference | Western |
| Division | Pacific Division |
| Team History | Denver Gold (1983-1985) |
| Team Colors | Black, Old Gold, White (1983, 1984) |
| Head coaches | 1983 Red Miller (4-7) 1983 Charlie Armey (interim) (0-1) 1983-4 Craig Morton (12-12) 1985 Mouse Davis (11-8) |
| Owner(s) | 1983 Ron Blanding 1984-5 Doug Spedding |
The Denver Gold was a franchise in the United States Football League, an attempt to establish a second major professional football league in the United States, playing a springtime season, from 1983 to 1985. The Gold played their home games at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.
Contents |
History
Holding fast to the USFL's original blueprint
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.
Denver Broncos alliance and 1983 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 join the other teams in reckless spending, however, Blanding sold the Gold to auto dealer Doug Spedding for $10 million. Blanding was reportedly the only USFL owner who made a return on his investment.
1983 Denver Gold Game Results
(7-11-0), 3rd in Pacific Division
- Sun. Mar. 6 - (L) GOLD 7 vs. PHILADELPHIA STAR 13 (Att. 45,102) abc
- Sun. Mar. 13 - (L) GOLD 7 vs. BOSTON BREAKERS 21 (Att. 41,926)
- Sun. Mar. 20 - (W) GOLD 16 @ Chicago Blitz 13 (Att. 22,600) abc
- Mon. Mar. 28 - (W) GOLD 22 vs. OAKLAND INVADERS 12 (Att. 38,720) ESPN
- Mon. Apr. 4 - (W) GOLD 29 @ Michigan Panthers 21 (Att. 11,279) ESPN
- Sat. Apr. 9 - (L) GOLD 16 vs. TAMPA BAY 22 (OT) (Att. 46,848) ESPN
- Sun. Apr. 17 - (W) GOLD 9 @ Birmingham Stallions 7 (Att. 26,250)
- Sat. Apr. 23 - (L) GOLD 3 @ Arizona Wranglers 24 (Att. 21,557)
- Sun. May. 1 - (L) GOLD 29 vs. NEW JERSEY GENERALS 34 (Att. 47,940) abc
- Sun. May. 8 - (L) GOLD 3 @ Philadelphia Stars 6 (Att. 14,306)
- Sun. May. 15 - (L) GOLD 9 @ Boston Breakers 17 (Att. 4,173)
- Sun. May. 22 - (L) GOLD 10 vs. LOS ANGELES EXPRESS 14 (Att. 32,963)
- Fri. May. 27 - (L) GOLD 19 vs. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS 21 (Att. 38,829) ESPN
- Fri. June 3 - (W) GOLD 24 vs. WASHINGTON FEDERALS 12 (Att. 40,671)
- Mon. June 13 - (L) GOLD 10 @ Oakland Invaders 16 (Att. 26,840) ESPN
- Fri. June 17 - (W) GOLD 32 vs. ARIZONA WRANGLERS 6 ((Att. 42,621)
- Mon. June 27 - (L) GOLD 23 @ Tampa Bay Bandits 26 (Att. 46,128) ESPN
- Sun. July 3 - (L) GOLD 14 @ Los Angeles Express 21 (Att. 11,471)
1983 Denver Gold Roster
NO. NAME (POS) - GP/GS
- 3. SPEELMAN, Brian (K) - 18/0
- 7. JOHNSON, Ken (QB) - 11/9
- 9. GORTZ, Steve (P) - 18/0
- 12. KNAPPLE, Jeff (QB) - 9/2
- 12. WHITE, Alvin (QB) - 2/0
- 12. PENROSE, Craig (QB) - 5/4
- 13. MARTIN, David (CB) - 18/18
- 14. MORTENSEN, Fred (QB) - 10/3
- 17. TURK, Steve (QB) - IA/1G
- 20. LEWIS, Will (CB) - 16/7
- 21. DUMARS, David (SS) - 17/17
- 22. FORD, Glenn (RB) - 16/0
- 23. MILLER, Nate (CB) - 18/11
- 24. SYDNEY, Harry (RB) - 18/14
- 27. ALLEN, Anthony (CB) - 11/1
- 27. HARR, Ricky (FS) - 10/3
- 30. STAMPER, Scott (FB) - 7/0
- 32. SULLIVAN, Tom (FS) - 14/12
- 33. MOSLEY, Dennis (RB) - IA/1G
- 33. SPARKS, Robert (FS) - IA/3G
- 34. JOHNSON, Richard (RB) - 2/0
- 35. CANADA, Larry (FB) - 18/12
- 37. SMILO, David (SS) - 8/0
- 40. BLOUNT, Tony (SS) - 7/1
- 41. MATTHEWS, Bo (FB) - 18/6
- 42. TYLER, Maurice (FS) - 11/3
- 42. REESE, Jerry (SS) - IA/1G
- 43. MILLER, Terry (RB) - 11/2
- 43. JENKINS, Keith (SS) - 4/0
- 44. WHITE, Vincent (RB) - 7/2
- 50. GERKEN, Greg (LB) - 18/18
- 51. CANCIK, Phil (LB) - 6/3
- 52. DAVIS, Tom (C) - 18/18
- 53. NEWTON, Kelvin (LB) - 18/4
- 54. DeROSE, Mark (LB) - 1/0
- 54. KNAPTON, Bob (LB) - 9/0
- 55. CHOATE, Putt (LB) - 18/18
- 56. STEVENS, Joe (LB) - IA/1G
- 56. SCHNABEL, Tom (LB) - 6/1
- 57. BUNGARTZ, John (LB) - 16/1
- 58. BAREFIELD, John (LB) - 12/11
- 59. WHITTINGHAM, Kyle (LB) - 15/14
- 60. ATIYEH, George (NT) - 9/2
- 60. RAUSCH, Don (NT) - IA/3G
- 63. THOMPSON, Arland (G) - 1/0
- 63. McCLUNG, Bill (C) - 1/0
- 63. CAMPBELL, Joe (NT) - IA/4G
- 65. HYDE, Glenn (G) - 17/17
- 66. SILIPO, Joe (G/LS) - 16/1
- 67. HAUSAUER, Ron (G) - 15/15
- 68. POREMBA, Andy (DE) - 18/10
- 70. NORFLEET, Harold (T) - 10/3
- 72. HOPPOCK, Doug (T/G) - 16/15
- 73. ELISARA, Matt (NT) - 1/0
- 74. ROGERS, Steve (T) - 18/18
- 75. FEASEL, Greg (T/G) - 17/3
- 80. BALLAGE, Howard (WR) - 6/1
- 80. FISHER, Mike (WR) - IA/2G
- 80. DIRDEN, Johnnie (WR) - 7/7
- 81. JAMES, Vic (WR) - 18/17
- 82. PHEA, Lonell (WR) - 9/9
- 82. JONES, Lloyd (WR) - 6/0
- 82. GARCIA, Bubba (WR) - IA/1G
- 83. GREENE, Sammy (WR) - 2/0
- 83. BROWN, Ken (WR) - 3/0
- 83. MATHENEY, Rick (WR) - 3/0
- 84. JONES, Tim (WR) - IA/2G
- 85. GOOSBY, Darryl (TE) - 11/2
- 86. WILLIAMS, Kevin (WR) - 5/1
- 87. GABBIDON, Earl (TE) - 1/0
- 88. MAHER, Tom (TE) - 11/2
- 89. NIZIOLEK, Bob (TE) - 16/15
- 90. PERRY, Pete (DE) - 10/0
- 91. WHITE, Larry (DE) - 17/13
- 92. SHORT, Laval (NT) - 18/14
- 99. TURNER, Calvin (DE) - 17/16
1984 season
The Gold remained competitive again in 1984. The defense was not as good but Morton was able to improve the offense developing QB Craig Penrose into a consistent reliable player. Morton was widely seen as a players coach and it was widely reported that Spedding expected the Gold to make the playoffs in order for Morton to keep his job. This did not happen. The team finished one game out of the playoffs and Morton was fired.
1984 Denver Gold Game Results
(9-9-0), 3rd in Pacific Division
- Sun. Feb. 26 - (W) GOLD 27 @ Los Angeles Express 10 (Att. 32,082)
- Sat. Mar. 3 - (W) GOLD 17 @ Oklahoma Outlaws 14 (OT) (Att. 24,917)
- Sun. Mar. 11 - (L) GOLD 0 vs. MICHIGAN PANTHERS 28 (Att. 41,623) abc
- Sun. Mar. 18 - (W) GOLD 36 vs. TAMPA BAY BANDITS 30 (Att. 19,173) abc
- Sun. Mar. 25 - (W) GOLD 28 @ Memphis Showbaots 24 (Att. 21,213)
- Sun. Apr. 1 - (W) GOLD 17 vs. ARIZONA WRANGLERS 7 (Att. 31,666)
- Mon. Apr. 9 - (W) GOLD 35 vs. LOS ANGELES EXPRESS 27 (Att. 19,115) ESPN
- Sat. Apr. 14 - (W) GOLD 31 @ Pittsburgh Maulers 21 (Att. 16,773)
- Sun. Apr. 22 - (L) GOLD 18 @ New Orleans Breakers 20 (Att. 22,139) abc
- Sun. Apr. 29 - (L) GOLD 14 vs. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS 31 (Att. 35,262)
- Sat. May. 5 - (L) GOLD 17 @ Oakland Invaders 20 (OT) (Att. 19,331)
- Fri. May. 11 - (L) GOLD 17 vs. CHICAGO BLITZ 29 (Att. 45,299)
- Sat. May. 19 - (L) GOLD 6 @ Arizona Wranglers 41 (Att. 21,741)
- Fri. May. 25 - (W) GOLD 27 @ San Antonio Gunslingers 20 (Att. 20,077)
- Sun. June 3 - (L) GOLD 20 vs. HOUSTON GAMBLERS 36 (Att. 50,057) abc
- Fri. June 8 - (L) GOLD 19 vs. PHILADELPHIA STARS 21 (Att. 30,755)
- Sat. June 16 - (L) GOLD 7 @ New Jersey Generals 27 (Att. 28,915) 11-Live
- Fri. June 22 - (L) GOLD 20 vs. OAKLAND INVADERS 7 (Att. 32,623) ESPN
1984 Denver Gold Roster
NO. NAME (POS) - GP/GS
- 3. SPEELMAN, Brian (K/P) - 18/0
- 9. GORTZ, Steve (P) - 8/0
- 9. HOBART, Ken (QB) - 6/3
- 10. GAGLIANO, Bob (QB) - 8/1
- 11. REEVES, Ron (QB) - 3/0
- 12. PENROSE, Craig (QB) - 16/11
- 13. MARTIN, David (CB) - 13/13
- 14. MORTENSEN, Fred (QB) - 7/3
- 21. DUMARS, David (SS) - 18/18
- 22. STEWART, James (SS) - 1/0
- 23. MILLER, Nate (CB) - 18/18
- 24. SYDNEY, Harry (RB) - 18/18
- 25. HEMPHILL, Darryl (FS) - 18/2
- 27. ALLEN, Anthony (CB) - 15/4
- 30. TAYLOR, Derrick (CB) - 1/0
- 32. SULLIVAN, Tom (FS) - 16/10
- 33. MURRAY, Calvin (RB) - 8/0
- 34. JOHNSON, Bill (RB) - 13/1
- 37. BIESTEK, Bob (FB) - IA/5G
- 41. MATTHEWS, Bo (FB) - 18/3
- 42. HIGGINS, John (SS) - IA/1G
- 44. WHITE, Vincent (RB) - 17/11
- 46. PRESTON, Dave (FB) - 7/3
- 47. TRIMBLE, Steve (FS) - 16/9
- 50. GERKEN, Greg (LB) - 16/14
- 51. MATTHEWS, Bill (LB) - 6/3
- 52. DAVIS, Tom (C) - 18/18
- 53. NEWTON, Kelvin (LB) - 16/16
- 54. HOOD, Kevin (LB) - 18/5
- 55. HARPER, Jeff (LB) - 18/12
- 56. YARNO, John (LS) - 17/0
- 57. BUNGARTZ, John (LB) - 15/13
- 58. KIMMEL, Jon (LB) - 13/3
- 59. KNAPTON, Bob (LB) - 1/0
- 59. HUTHER, Bruce (LB) - 4/2
- 60. THORNTON, Bruce (DE) - 13/2
- 62. PAYTON, Doug (G/T) - 18/4
- 63. MOORE, Tim (DE) - 5/0
- 64. GILES, Jamie (NT) - 2/0
- 65. LEE, Oudious (NT) - 3/0
- 66. YARNO, George (G) - 18/18
- 68. EDWARDS, Dennis (DE) - 8/0
- 70. NORFLEET, Harold (T) - 14/4
- 71. CALL, Mike (NT) - 5/0
- 72. JOHNSON, Steve (NT) - 18/2
- 73. SHOOP, Mark (DE) - 5/0
- 74. ROGERS, Steve (T) - 18/17
- 75. FEASEL, Greg (G) - 16/15
- 76. MILLER, Matt (T) - 10/10
- 77. STALLS, Dave (DE) - 17/16
- 78. WAGNER, Ray (T) - 11/4
- 79. OGRIN, Pat (NT) - 18/17
- 80. HARRIS, Leonard (WR) - 18/15
- 82. BALHOLM, Neal (WR) - 7/0
- 83. BAILEY, Elmer (WR) - 15/15
- 84. ARNOLD, John (WR) - 17/0
- 86. WILLIAMS, Kevin (WR) - 18/3
- 87. HICKS, Victor (TE) - 16/9
- 88. HIRN, Mike (TE) - 11/0
- 89. NIZIOLEK, Bob (TE) - 15/9
- 99. TURNER, Calvin (DE) - 18/17
1985 Season
In hopes of getting over the hump, Spedding hired Houston Gamblers offensive coordinator Mouse Davis for the 1985 season. Davis was the chief advocate of the Run & Shoot offense in the USFL and had implemented the system in Houston that helped Make Jim Kelly a superstar.
Davis brought in former Chicago Blitz QB Vince Evans. Evans split time with Bob Gagliano, a 4th string QB under Morton. Neither QB was great running the offense, but good schemeing by Davis and talent at the other spots shot the gold up to 4th in the league in offense.
1985 Denver Gold Game Results
(11-7-0), 2nd in Western Conference
REGULAR SEASON
- Sun. Feb. 24 - (L) GOLD 10 @ Oakland Invaders 31 (Att. 23,622)
- Sun. Mar. 3 - (W) GOLD 40 @ Birmingham Stallions 23 (Att. 27,400)
- Sun. Mar. 10 - (W) GOLD 29 vs. PORTLAND BREAKERS 17 (Att. 17,870)
- Mon. Mar. 18 - (L) GOLD 17 @ Houston Gamblers 36 (Att. 33,747) ESPN
- Mon. Mar. 25 - (W) GOLD 16 vs SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS 2 (Att. 13,901)
- Sun. Mar. 31 - (W) GOLD 21 vs. ORLANDO RENEGADES 17 (Att. 10,217)
- Mon. Apr. 8 - (W) GOLD 28 vs. ARIZONA OUTLAWS 7 (Att. 12,769) ESPN
- Mon. Apr. 15 - (L) GOLD 17 @ Tampa Bay Bandits 33 (Att. 54,267)
- Sun. Apr. 21 - (W) GOLD 51 vs. LOS ANGELES EXPRESS 0 (Att. 13,165) ESPN
- Sat. Apr. 27 - (L) GOLD 17 vs. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS 33 (Att. 8,207) ESPN
- Sun. May. 5 - (L) GOLD 35 @ San Antonio Gunslingers 9 (Att. 9,753)
- Sun. May. 12 - (W) GOLD 42 @ Arizona Outlaws 28 (Att. 5,731)
- Sun. May. 19 - (W) GOLD 28 vs. NEW JERSEY GENERALS 24 (Att. 29,129) abc
- Thu. May. 23 - (L) GOLD 16 vs. OAKLAND INVADERS 31 (Att. 12,372) ESPN
- Thu. May. 30 - (W) GOLD 27 @ Los Angeles Express 20 (Att. 3,059) ESPN
- Sun. Jun. 9 - (W) GOLD 16 vs. HOUSTON GAMBLERS 13 (Att. 12,553) abc
- Fri. Jun. 14 - (L) GOLD 17 @ Portland Breakers 23 (Att. 18,953) ESPN
- Sun. Jun. 23 - (L) GOLD 6 @ Jacksonville Bulls 42 (Att. 32,428)
PLAYOFFS
- Sat. Jun. 29 - (L) GOLD 7 @ Memphis Showboats 48 (Att. 44,319) abc
(Denver forfeited home game advantage. Game was played in Memphis, TN)
1985 Denver Gold Roster
NO. NAME (POS) - GP/GS
- 3. SPEELMAN, Brian (K/P) - 10/0
- 8. EVANS, Vince (QB) - 18/8
- 9. ASMUS, Jim (K/P) - 10/0
- 10. GAGLIANO, Bob (QB) - 18/10
- 11. FISHER, Mike (QB) - DNP/18G
- 13. MARTIN, David (CB) - 11/11
- 22. BAIRD, Kerry (CB) - 2/0
- 23. MILLER, Nate (CB) - 17/17
- 24. CARSWELL, Ernie (SS) - 17/0
- 25. HEMPHILL, Darryl (SS) - 18/17
- 27. LOVEALL, Calvin (CB) - 18/1
- 28. SHIELDS, Lance (CB) - 7/7
- 30. HILL, Norman (FB) - IA/18G
- 32. SULLIVAN, Tom (FS) - 1/0
- 33. WILLIAMS, Donnie (FB) - IA/18G
- 34. JOHNSON, Bill (FB) - 18/18
- 37. GERHART, Todd (FB) - 18/0
- 40. DELANEY, Jeff (FS) - 17/3
- 42. HARRIS, Nate (FS) - 18/0
- 44. WHITE, Vincent (SB) - 14/14
- 47. TRIMBLE, Steve (FS) - 18/18
- 50. BLINKA, Stan (LB) - 18/13
- 51. GERKEN, Greg (LB) - IA/1G
- 52. DAVIS, Tom (C) - 18/18
- 53. McKIBBEN, Mike (LB) - 18/17
- 54. HOPE, Neil (LB) - 15/0
- 55. WALLS, Craig (LB) - 18/5
- 56. IRVIN, Terry (LB) - 18/1
- 57. BUNGARTZ, John (LB) - 3/1
- 58. KILKENNY, Tom (LB) - 18/0
- 59. NEVENS, John (LB) - 18/16
- 60. THORNTON, Bruce (DE) - 18/18
- 61. LOBERG, Greg (T) - 13/2
- 63. DOWNING, Walt (G) - 16/2
- 65. BUBEN, Mark (DE) - 4/0
- 66. YARNO, George (G) - 18/18
- 67. KALIL, Frank (C) - 3/0
- 69. HAUSAUER, Ron (G) - 4/0
- 70. MIKOLAS, Doug (DT) - 18/18
- 71. DAUSIN, Bryan (T) - 6/0
- 72. JOHNSON, Steve (DE/LS) - 18/0
- 73. TALIFERRO, Mike (DT) - 18/3
- 74. NEASE, Mike (G) - 18/16
- 75. FEASEL, Greg (T) - 9/9
- 76. MILLER, Matt (T) - 18/18
- 77. SINGLETARY, Reggie (DT) - 12/0
- 78. WAGNER, Ray (T) - 17/7
- 79. OGRIN, Pat (DT) - 16/14
- 80. HARRIS, Leonard (SB) - 18/18
- 81. HARRIS, Lonnie (WR) - 7/0
- 82. TURNER, Lonnie (WR) - 16/15
- 83. CALIP, Brad (SB) - 15/0
- 84. ARNOLD, John (WR) - 2/0
- 85. STEGALL, Gill (SB) - 18/4
- 85. HAINES, Kris (WR) - IA/2G
- 87. JOHNSON, Kelley (WR) - 9/2
- 88. LEWIS, Mark (WR) - 18/18
- 89. JOHNSON, Troy (WR) - 15/1
- 99. TURNER, Calvin (DE) - 18/18
Diminishing local support
Unfortunately, just after Davis took over, the USFL announced that it would switch to a fall schedule for the 1986 season. The vote destroyed the Gold's viability. While the Gold had been one of the USFL's attendance leaders (drawing over 40,000 fans per game in 1983), fans in the Denver area were not about to abandon the Broncos. Despite finally getting into the playoffs with an 11-7 record, the Gold's attendance crashed by over 20,000 to 14,400 fans per game.
As a result, despite finishing second in the Western Conference, they were forced to play on the road against the lower-seeded Memphis Showboats under pressure from ABC. The network, who had considerable influence over the USFL due to the structuring of the league's television contract, did not want the embarrassment of having a game played in a near-empty stadium.
Spedding also knew that the Gold could not hope to compete with the Broncos; shortly after the 1985 season, he cut a deal to merge the Gold with the Jacksonville Bulls. Instead they, and the USFL as a whole, were doomed by the ill-advised attempt to move the playing season to the fall in direct competition with the more established league. The league's high-stakes anti-trust suit against the NFL, awarded only $3 to the USFL. The jury cited the league's abandonment of Denver and several other major markets as one reason why it awarded the USFL only nominal damages. With no new funds to cover their irresponsible spending, the league folded.
Single season leaders
Rushing Yards: 1261 (1985), Bill Johnson
Receiving Yards: 1432 (1985), Leonard Harris
Passing Yards: 2695 (1985), Bob Gagliano
Season-by-season
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 7 | 11 | 0 | 3rd Pacific | -- |
| 1984 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 3rd WC Pacific | -- |
| 1985 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 7th WC | Lost Quarterfinal (Memphis) |
| Totals | 27 | 28 | 0 | (including playoffs) | |
External links
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