Memphis Grizzlies T-Shirt

Product Info

• 100% Cotton (52% Cotton 48% Polyester for heather colors)
• Extra Soft
• Lightweight
• Classic Fit
• Ships in 3-5 business days

Team: Memphis Southmen (Grizzlies)
Years Active: 1974-1975
Home: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (Memphis, TN)

The Memphis Southmen began as the Toronto Northmen, charter members of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974. Owner John Bassett made quite a bold move signing three players  (Larry Csonka, Paul Warfield, and Jim Kiick) from the Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL), for a then unheard of some of $1 million each. Before the team could play a down in Ontario, though, the government threatened to enact a law to prevent any American football teams or leagues from operating in Canada. Bassett moved the team to Memphis and renamed them the Southmen, a name fans and the local media were not keen on. Inspired by the team’s helmet logo, they became unofficially known as the Grizzlies. Despite the three Dolphins not being available until 1975, the Southmen fared well both on the field and at the gate right from the start. After the league folded halfway through the second season, Bassett along with the owners of the Birmingham franchise, petitioned to join the NFL but were denied.

Notable Players

• Larry Csonka
• Jim Kiick
• Paul Warfield
• Danny White
• Ed Marshall
• Gary Hirk
• John Huarte

This product is an historical representation of the defunct team in the description. The product is in no way affiliated with any existing team, league or other organization.