Orlando Starz
The Orlando Starz were a franchise in the Independent Women's Football League from 2000 to 2004 based in Orlando, Florida. The team won a Division championship in 2001, but struggled in 2003, compiling a 1-7 record. However, the Starz received worldwide attention due to Charlotte Chambers, at that time, a 69-year old defensive back dubbed the "Gridiron Granny."
Her story received play in media outlets throughout the world, and she appeared on numerous sports talk shows, including "The Best Damn Sports Show, Period" where she tackled Tom Arnold. She also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel where she tackled Ryan Seacrest, The Steve Harvey Show The Wayne Brady Show, CBS Early Show, David Letterman and many more. She was interviewed and written about in magazines all over the world as well.
The Starz were off to a 2-1 start in 2004 when owner Marsha Beatty suspended operations due to "internal conflict."
The league, The coaches, and many of the players were so corrupt, it was impossible to just have fun.
From 1999 until 2002 there was another "Orlando Starz" football team-this team was a men's Adult Semi Professional football team. The men's Starz donned uniforms much like the NFL Dallas Cowboys with blue and silver. The men's Starz were founded by Pennsylvania businessman, Andrew G. Haines. During the 2001 season Haines made off with most of the team's assest and leaving the team heavily in debt. Starz players Christopher Morrison and Randy Horn managed to finance the team for the balance of the 2001 season before changing the name to "Orlando Rage".