Rhode Island Steelers

The Rhode Island Steelers were a minor league American football team based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. They began play in the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1966 as a minor league affiliate of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] Within weeks of the team's formation was announced, they selected former Pittsburgh Steelers/Dallas Cowboys running back Ray Mathews as head coach.[2]

Rhode Island Steelers
Founded1966
Folded1966
LeagueAtlantic Coast Football League
Based inPawtucket, Rhode Island
ArenaMcCoy Stadium
Championships0
Division titles0

The Steelers struggled both on and off the field. Early in the 1966 ACFL season the league provided financial assistance to the team to prevent them from leaving Pawtucket, where they never drew more than 3,000 fans for any home game.[3] The team's final game was a 48-7 loss to the Wilmington Clippers on October 1 in front of just 591 spectators. The next week the team announced they were withdrawing from the ACFL due to financial difficulties, having lost five games and tied one.

Season-by-season
YearLeagueWLTFinishCoach
Rhode Island Steelers 1966Atlantic Coast Football League0514th, Northern DivisionRay Mathews

Further reading
  • Ryczek, William (2014). Connecticut Gridiron: Football Minor Leaguers of the 1960s and 1970s. McFarland. ISBN 0786478330.

References
  1. "Steelers Take Coast Loop Farm". The Pittsburgh Press. March 2, 1966.
  2. "Steelers' Farm Team Selects Head Coach". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Associated Press. March 20, 1966.
  3. "League to Back Football Team". The Pittsburgh Press. UPI. September 11, 1966.
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