Detroit Wheels Mini Helmet

Team: Detroit Wheels
Years Active: 1974 
Stadium: Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, Michigan (15,500)

Team Info

The Detroit Wheels were charter members of the World Football League (WFL). The franchise was awarded in December 1973 to a group of 29 investors that included Marvin Gaye, Esther Gordy Edwards (sister of Motown Records' Berry Gordy), and future Tigers and Red Wings owner, pizza magnate Mike Ilitch. Unable to play in Briggs (Tiger) Stadium as promised by then Mayor Coleman Young, the Wheels wound up playing their home games at Rynearson Stadium on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. The wheels came off the Wheels quickly, however. Despite the high-profile ownership group, no one wanted to put more money into the team. The diminishing crowds took to playing frisbee during games. During one game, the P.A. announcer stated the Wheels would be out of town the following week, and the crowd cheered, Looking to move or sell his team, owner Portland Storm owner Robert Harris convinced the Wheels to host their Week 9 match-up in his hometown of  London, Ontario. The game drew 5,000 fans, though media reports put the number at closer to 2,500. After the 14th week of the season, the Wheels, along with the Jacksonville Sharks, folded.

Notable Players

• Bubba Wyche
• Stan Hansen

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.