History of Texas Football League in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 2, 2025

The Texas Football League (TFL) was a short-lived minor league American football organization that existed from 1966 to 1968. Primarily based in the United States, the league later rebranded itself as the Trans-American Football League (TAFL) and operated from 1970 to 1971. The TFL and TAFL provided opportunities for players and coaches outside of the established professional leagues.

May 1966: Formal Announcement of TFL

The Texas Football League (TFL), initially with six teams from Texas and Oklahoma, was formally announced in May 1966. Two potential teams from Louisiana were not included.

1966: Texas Football League (TFL) Founded

The Texas Football League (TFL), a minor league, was established in 1966, operating primarily in the United States.

1967: Merger Offer Rejected

During the 1967-68 offseason, the TFL commissioner, George Schepps, rejected a merger proposal from the Continental Football League (CoFL).

1967: San Antonio Toros Championship Streak Begins

The San Antonio Toros began their five-year championship streak in 1967, eventually winning titles through 1971.

1967: TFL Expansion

The TFL expanded to eight teams and a two-division format in 1967.

1968: Challenge to CoFL

Commissioner Schepps challenged the CoFL to a championship game between the two leagues in 1968.

1968: End of Initial TFL Run

In 1968, the initial run of the Texas Football League (TFL) concluded.

January 25, 1969: TFL Joins CoFL

On January 25, 1969, the TFL joined the Continental Football League as a separate entity, forming the Texas Division.

1970: Formation of TAFL and Planned Expansion

Following the CoFL's dissolution in 1970, the San Antonio Toros formed the Trans-American Football League (TAFL) with plans for expansion into several major markets. However, it remained primarily Texas-based.

1970: Trans-American Football League (TAFL) Launch

The Trans-American Football League (TAFL), a new incarnation of the TFL, began operations in 1970.

1971: First Spring Football Season

In 1971, the TAFL became the first football league to play its entire season in the spring, attracting attention from Sports Illustrated.

1971: TAFL Folds, Spring Football Deemed "Dead"

The TAFL folded after its 1971 spring season due to low attendance, with the concept of spring football deemed unsuccessful at the time.

1971: End of TAFL

The Trans-American Football League (TAFL) ceased operations in 1971.

1974: San Antonio Toros Join Semi-Pro League, Exhibition Game vs. Oilers

The San Antonio Toros joined the semi-pro Mid-America Football League in 1974 and played an exhibition game against the Houston Oilers on July 16. The Toros narrowly lost against an all-rookie Oilers team due to a players' strike.