Spring Football League

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The Spring Football League (also known as the SFL) existed for one mini-season. League official dubbed the mini-season "Festival 2000". The league's goal was to test cities, fans, stadiums, the media, entertainment, and football as a product. The SFL was founded by many ex-NFL players such as Eric Dickerson, Drew Pearson, Bo Jackson, and Tony Dorsett.

The SFL announced its formation on March 1, 2000. Raising a lot of questions on how the league would survive after many failed attempts. Bill Futterer, director of Spring Football League, said the league would play four games on Saturdays from April 29, followed by a championship game in Miami on May 27. Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Antonio were awarded teams.

During Festival 2000, musical entertainers such as The O'Jays, Mark Wills, and Poncho Sanchez were scheduled for SFL games. The SFL was riding a sinking ship. Attendance resembled little league football games, despite very competitive football games. After two weeks of play, SFL ended Festival 2000 with two games left. Houston and San Antonio, the only teams to go undefeated were awarded SFL Co-Champions. The SFL officials vowed the league would be back for 2001 season with a full schedule and eight teams.

The 2001 season never made it past the water cooler. The announcement of the XFL by the WWF destroyed the small chance of any return of the SFL. The SFL died very fast and quiet death.

The teams included: Houston Marshalls, Los Angeles Dragons, Miami Tropics, San Antonio Matadors.

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