History of Houston Gamblers (UFL) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2026

The Houston Gamblers are a professional American football team based in Houston. They are a member of the United Football League (UFL) and are owned and operated by Alpha Acquico (Dwayne Johnson) and Fox Corporation.

2020: Roughnecks Home

In 2020, TDECU Stadium was the Roughnecks' home.

November 22, 2021: USFL Franchise Announcement

On November 22, 2021, the Houston Gamblers were officially announced as one of eight USFL franchises on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

January 6, 2022: Kevin Sumlin Named Head Coach and General Manager

On January 6, 2022, Kevin Sumlin was announced as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Houston Gamblers on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

April 17, 2022: First Game and Victory

On April 17, 2022, the Houston Gamblers played their first game against the Michigan Panthers, winning 17-12. Nick Vogel scored the first points for the franchise. The team did not qualify for the USFL playoffs.

September 2022: Robert Morris Named General Manager

In September 2022, Robert Morris was announced as the new general manager for the Houston Gamblers.

November 2022: Gamblers to Play in Memphis

In November 2022, the USFL announced that the Houston Gamblers would play at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee for the 2023 season.

2022: USFL Founding Member

In 2022, the Houston Gamblers were a founding member of the USFL, named after the 1980s USFL team, but played home games in Birmingham, Alabama.

2022: Rivalry Start

Since 2022, the Houston Roughnecks have shared a rivalry with the Birmingham Stallions called the Double Down Derby.

2022: Start of the Period

The period began in 2022.

2023: Shared Stadium

During the 2023 season, the Houston Roughnecks shared Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, with the Memphis Showboats.

2023: Curtis Johnson Hired as Head Coach

In 2023, Curtis Johnson was hired as the new head coach of the Houston Gamblers after Kevin Sumlin joined the Maryland Terrapins coaching staff.

2023: Roughnecks Home

In 2023, TDECU Stadium was the Roughnecks' home.

2023: Continued Play in Memphis

In 2023, the Houston Gamblers continued to play their home games in Memphis, Tennessee, as a guest of other USFL teams.

February 1, 2024: Roughnecks Announce Venue

On February 1, 2024, the Roughnecks announced an agreement to play the 2024 season at Rice Stadium.

September 13, 2024: Return to TDECU Stadium Announced

On September 13, 2024, the Roughnecks announced their return to TDECU Stadium.

2024: Record Against Birmingham

As of 2024, the Houston Roughnecks hold a 2-4 record against Birmingham in the Double Down Derby.

2024: United Football League

In 2024, the Houston Gamblers became part of the United Football League (UFL).

2024: Game for Number One Pick

In 2024, the Houston Roughnecks and Memphis Showboats played against each other with the number one overall pick in the 2025 UFL draft at stake; the Showboats won.

2024: Merger and Branding Change

In 2024, the USFL and XFL merged to form the UFL. The Houston Gamblers adopted the branding of the Houston Roughnecks and played at Rice Stadium.

2024: End of the Period

The period ended in 2024.

June 2, 2025: Regular Season Record

As of June 2, 2025, this entry refers to regular season data.

August 2025: Potential Team Relocations

By August 2025, incoming UFL co-ownership had indicated it would be moving between two and four teams from the USFL Conference.

October 3, 2025: Houston Spared from Relocation

On October 3, 2025, Houston was unexpectedly spared from relocation as the league chose to relocate Memphis, Michigan and the San Antonio Brahmas.

October 7, 2025: Return to Houston Gamblers Name

On October 7, 2025, the UFL announced that the Roughnecks would be rebranding, returning to the Houston Gamblers name for the 2026 season. The color scheme was updated to Gamblers red and black, and the team would be moving into Shell Energy Stadium.