San Antonio Toros (1967–1973)
| Founded | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 1974 |
| League | Texas Football League (1967–1968) Continental Football League (1969) Trans-American Football League (1970-1971) Southwest Professional Football League (1972-1973) Mid-America Football League (1974) |
| Based in | San Antonio, Texas |
| Arena | Alamo Stadium North East Stadium |
| Championships | 5 (1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972) |
| Division titles | 5 (1967–1971) |
The San Antonio Toros were a professional minor league American football team based in San Antonio, Texas, that played from 1967 to 1973. The Toros were one of the most successful minor league teams in the southern United States, known for their strong fan support, high-scoring offenses, and multiple league championships across several regional circuits. The team finished with an all time record of 128–13.[1]
During their existence players were making between $100 and $300 per game.[2]
History
The Toros were founded in 1967 and joined the Texas Football League (TFL), a Texas-based minor league that served as a springboard for players and coaches seeking entry into the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). Coached initially by Perry Moss, the team quickly became a powerhouse, winning the TFL championship in their debut season in 1967.[3]
In 1969, it was announced that the High-level Continental Football League was adding the entirety of the eight-team TFL to its ranks. The TFL joined as a separate entity and was placed into the new Texas Division (itself split into East and West). The TFL teams were mostly scheduled to play against each other but did also play interleague contests.[4] The Toros would reach to CoFL final, but lost to the Indianapolis Capitols, 44–38 in overtime.
Following the dissolution of the COFL after the 1969 season, the Toros joined the regional Trans-American Football League (TAFL), competing against teams from Florida, Tennessee, and the Midwest. Under head coach Jim Bates, the team continued its winning tradition, capturing consecutive league titles in 1970 and 1971.[5]
In 1972, the TFL merged with other regional circuits to form the Southwest Professional Football League (SWPFL). The Toros participated in the league’s two seasons. The TAFL folded after the 1973 campaign, bringing an end to the Toros’ seven-year run as a pro team.[2]
The Toros continued to exist into 1974 season and joined the semi-pro Mid-America Football League, and even playing an exhibition game against the Houston Oilers on July 16. Because of a players' strike, the Oilers played with an all-rookie roster, narrowly defeating the Toros 13–7 in a much more competitive match than most NFL vs. non-NFL matches were at the time.[6]
Legacy
The San Antonio Toros were later inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of their championship history and contribution to professional football in Texas.[2] The team’s success also laid the foundation for later pro and semi-pro efforts in the city, influencing the formation of teams such as the San Antonio Charros and San Antonio Gunslingers.
In the 2020s, the name “San Antonio Toros” was revived for a new professional football team honoring the legacy of the original franchise.[7]
Season-by-season
| Season | League | Record | Finish | Playoffs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Texas Football League | 15-0[8] | 1st, Eastern Division | League Champions | Defeated Tulsa Thunderbirds 27-7 for TFL title[3] |
| 1968 | Texas Football League | 12-1[9] | 1st, Western Division | League Champions | Defeated Texarkana Titans 21-16 for TFL title |
| 1969 | Continental Football League | 7-4[10] | 1st, Texas Division West | Lost in the finals to Indianapolis Capitols 38-44(OT) | |
| 1970 | Trans-American Football League | 10–2[11] | 1st, South Division | League Champions | Defeated Fort Worth Braves 21-17 for TAFL title[5] |
| 1971 | Trans-American Football League | 9–3[12] | 1st, South Division | League Champions | Defeated Texarkana Titans 20-19 for TAFL title |
| 1972 | Southwest Professional Football League | 8-0 | 1st | - | Declared League Champions |
| 1973 | Southwest Professional Football League | 6-2 | 2nd, Eastern Division | Lost in the finals to Oklahoma City Wranglers 16-19 | League folded after season |
| 1974 | Mid-America Football League | ?? | ?? | ?? | Ceased operations after the season |
See also
References
- ^ Bragg, Roy. "Reunion of Toros rekindles special era". San Antonio Express-News.
- ^ a b c "San Antonio Toros". San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ a b "San Antonio Toros". Fun While It Lasted. September 24, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "TFL Aligns With Huge Continental". The Odessa American. Associated Press. January 26, 1969.
- ^ a b "The San Antonio Toros: South Texas' Scrappy Contenders of the Continental Football League". COFL Football. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Today in SA history (July 19, 2016).
- ^ "The San Antonio Toros: A Legendary Semi-Pro Football Team Returns". SA Snap Count. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "1967 Texas Football League Standings". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "1968 Texas Football League Standings". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "1969 Continental Football League Standings". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "1970 Texas Football League Standings". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "1971 Trans-American Football League Standings". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved 28 October 2025.