Seattle Rangers

Seattle Rangers
Founded 1967
Folded 1969
League Continental Football League
Based in Seattle, Washington
Arena Memorial Stadium
Owner Lafa Lane
Championships none
Division titles none

The Seattle Rangers were a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. The team was founded in 1967 as a member of the Continental Football League and played in the Western Division. The original franchise name of Jets was abandoned due to a lawsuit filed by the American Football League's New York Jets.[1] The NHL's New York Rangers reportedly pressured the team to change their name from Rangers in 1969.[2]

In May 1968, the Rangers signed a formal agreement with the Denver Broncos to act as a farm team of sorts for the AFL club.[3] Later in the year, football legend Ernie Nevers became a stockholder and member of the team's board, with the intent of helping the team become a member of the NFL or AFL.[4] Head coach Mel McCain was fired during the 1968–69 offseason.

Less than a year after attempting to purchase the Boston Patriots of the AFL, Rangers owner Lafa Lane announced his intention to sell a controlling interest in the Rangers.[5] Lane resigned as chairman and president of the team at the end of October 1969,[6] although the team did finish its season. With the end of the CFL in 1970, the Seattle Rangers also ceased operations although no official announcement was made.

Season-by-season

YearLeagueWLTFinishCoach
Seattle Rangers 1967CFL7603rd, Pacific DivisionMel McCain
Seattle Rangers 1968CFL7502nd, Pacific DivisionMel McCain
Seattle Rangers 1969CFL7503rd, Pacific DivisionDon White

References

  1. ↑ "Seattle Gridders Named". The Daily Chronicle. June 13, 1967.
  2. ↑ Cerf, Bennett (November 7, 1969). "Try and Stop Me". The Kane Republican.
  3. ↑ "Seattle, Denver Sign Agreement". The Nashville Tennesseean. UPI. May 5, 1968.
  4. ↑ "Ex-Grid Ace Nevers Joins Rangers Brass". The Arizona Republic. UPI. September 1, 1968.
  5. ↑ "Rangers' Owner Offers Club Away". The Arizona Republic. UPI. October 14, 1969.
  6. ↑ "Seattle Rangers President Resigns". The Bulletin. UPI. November 1, 1969.
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