UFL optimistic about Showboats connecting with Memphis fan base
Memphis Showboats defense celebrates after a big play against Houston, Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis beat Houston 23-20. (Wes Hale/Special to The Daily Memphian file)
The Memphis Showboats are about to enter their second season in the United Football League and their third year since joining the USFL in 2023.
With 2025 spring training scheduled on March 1, UFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston, president and CEO Russ Brandon and new Showboats coach Ken Whisenhunt traveled to Memphis and spoke with media.
The Showboats’ recent tenure in the city hasn’t created many fireworks. Memphis posted a 5-5 record during the 2023 USFL season and went 2-8 in the inaugural UFL season last year.
The Showboats hope to have a better record this season while gaining more fan support. Johnston expressed his concern about the lack of fan engagement early last season. Still, he said he is optimistic about establishing a deeper connection with the Memphis fan base.
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Frank Bonner II
Frank Bonner is the Memphis Tigers football beat writer. He is originally from Indiana but arrived in Memphis after spending two years in Tulsa, covering Oklahoma State football and basketball. He covered high school sports in Columbus, Indiana for two years before getting his Master’s degree in Sports Journalism at IUPUI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.
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