History of American Football Association (1977–1983) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 29, 2025

American Football Association (1977–1983)

The American Football Association (AFA) was a professional American football minor league that existed from 1977 to 1983. It served as a developmental league for players hoping to reach the National Football League (NFL) or the Canadian Football League (CFL). The AFA provided an opportunity for players to gain experience and exposure, and for fans to enjoy professional football in smaller markets. Though short-lived, the AFA played a role in the landscape of professional football in North America during its existence.

1975: World Football League Folded

In 1975, the World Football League folded, leaving a gap that the AFA would later fill.

May 1977: AFA Founded in May

In May 1977, the AFA was founded to capitalize on the popularity of football in areas where the WFL was popular, while avoiding the overspending that led to the WFL's demise.

1977: AFA Founded

In 1977, the American Football Association (AFA) was founded as a professional American football minor league.

1978: AFA Agreement with California Football League

In 1978, the AFA entered an agreement for a loose affiliation with the California Football League. At the end of the season, the champions of each league would play in the "King Kong Bowl" to determine the "national champion".

1979: Billy Kilmer Coaches Shreveport Steamer

In 1979, Billy Kilmer, former NFL quarterback, was the coach of the AFA's Shreveport Steamer.

August 1980: Shreveport Steamer Game Check Estimate

In August 1980, Ron Higgins, a sports reporter for the Shreveport Times, estimated the average Shreveport Steamer game check to be about $35 per man.

1981: Billy Kilmer Named Commissioner

In 1981, Billy Kilmer was named commissioner of the AFA, working unpaid and encountering numerous problems.

1982: AFA Attempted Northern Expansion

In 1982, the AFA attempted to expand northward by absorbing other semi-pro teams in Buffalo, New York, Racine, Wisconsin, and Canton, Ohio.

1982: Carolina Chargers Re-emerged as Carolina Storm

In 1982, the Carolina Chargers, dropped out of the league mid-season but re-emerged under new ownership as the Carolina Storm.

1983: AFA Declined After Securing of USFL TV Contract

In 1983, after the USFL secured a TV contract while the AFA was only able to get a few of its teams onto local cable stations, the AFA eventually declined into semi-pro status and folded after its 1983 season.

1983: AFA Ended Operations

In 1983, the AFA ended operations, due to the strike that hit the NFL the year prior, as well as competition from the USFL.

1983: USFL Started Play

In 1983, the United States Football League began play, providing competition for the AFA.

1984: Bulls Join USFL as San Antonio Gunslingers

In 1984, the Bulls joined the United States Football League as an expansion team, playing as the San Antonio Gunslingers, as the Jacksonville Bulls had already claimed rights to the "Bulls" name.