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Orlando Predators
Orlando Predators
Orlando Predators
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The Orlando Predators were a professional arena football team based in Orlando, Florida and member of the Arena Football League (AFL). The team was most recently owned by Orlando Predators LLC, a company owned by David A. Siegel, and played its home games at Amway Center.

Key Information

The team was founded in 1991 as an expansion team of the AFL. The team advanced to the playoffs 19 consecutive seasons between 1992 and 2011, becoming the ArenaBowl champions in 1998 and 2000 during that span. The team suspended operations after the 2016 season.

History

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Early years (1991–1997)

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There was interest in arena football in Orlando as early as 1987, with a group looking to place an AFL team in central Florida in time for the 1988 season.[1] But more than three years would go by until the Orlando Predators franchise was finally secured by Davey Johnson, Tracy Allen and Mike McBath on February 14, 1991.[2] The Preds began play that same year but missed the playoffs, the only time the club would do so until 2012. In just their second season in 1992, they advanced to ArenaBowl VI,[3] only to fall to the Detroit Drive, who won their fourth title in five years. Annually among the league-leaders in attendance, they qualified for the playoffs in 18 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in the original AFL. One noted administrator for the Predators was Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman, Jack Youngblood, who came to the Predators in 1995 as vice-president and then later, president of the organization. He was with the team through the 1999 season.

Gruden era / Two titles in four years (1998–2008)

[edit]

For much of their existence in the original AFL, their head coach was Jay Gruden, younger brother of prominent National Football League coach Jon Gruden and who would go on to coach the NFL's Washington Redskins. Jay Gruden was formerly an outstanding Arena Football quarterback, leading the Tampa Bay Storm to four ArenaBowl championships, and then served one year as offensive coordinator for the Nashville Kats prior to becoming head coach of the Predators. Jay was the first quarterback in the AFL Hall of Fame. Orlando won the ArenaBowl in 1998 and 2000 under Gruden's coaching. He then attempted a comeback as a player, but subsequently returned to coaching following the death of his head coach replacement, Fran Papasedero, in a car accident.

The Predators were one of the premier franchises in the history of the original AFL, and had a rivalry with Tampa Bay, who moved to Tampa the same year the Predators formed. They met twice in the ArenaBowl, with Tampa Bay winning in 1995 and Orlando winning in 1998. The rivalry, nicknamed the "War on I-4" after the interstate that connects the two cities, intensified when Gruden took over as Orlando's head coach.

Orlando and Tampa Bay each lasted longer in their markets than any other AFL franchise have, As of 2019. The Predators were unique in that they had played in their previous venue, Amway Arena, for 18 seasons in the AFL, longer than any other team. Amway Arena was often nicknamed "The Jungle" during Predators games due to the hostile environment from the fans, harsh smoke that filled the arena during the players intro, and a Guns N' Roses song which "welcomed" other teams. They shared Amway Arena with the Orlando Magic of the NBA and the Orlando Titans of the NLL. The 2010 season was the Predators' 19th and final season at Amway Arena. The team moved to Amway Center, the new arena in Orlando, for the 2011 season. A Predators game was the final sporting event ever performed at Amway Arena.

The team's mascot was a monster-like human named Klaw who looked much like the alien (Predator) from the Predator films, with only different coloring.

The Predators played in the ArenaBowl a total of seven times. If the Pittsburgh Gladiators' two ArenaBowl games before they moved to Tampa Bay are included, the Storm was the only franchise that played in more (eight; six as the Storm).

During the 2007 season, the Predators inaugurated the "Predator Fan Hall of Fame". The inaugural inductees were Nancy Morris and Richard Grabe. Morris, was a superfan for over 20 years, was known to most of the team and the front office as "The PredMom", and was the president of the Orlando Predator In Your Face Fan Club. Grabe, who also was a superfan (starting in 1991), was the creator of the "PredHeads" that were seen being worn by a select group of fans that sat in section 113 of the old Amway Arena. They were also known for their tailgating parties on "Predator Island" (located in the northeast corner of lot 4 of the Centroplex). After moving to the new Amway Center, the majority of "PredHeads" sat in section 114, and tailgated under I-4 in lot 9.

Revival of AFL (2010–2016)

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Predators mascot, Klaw, in 2007

The Predators maintained their organization and web presence after the AFL suspended operations in August 2009. On September 28, 2009, the Predators announced their return to play for the 2010 season as a member of the new Arena Football 1 league, until that league purchased the AFL's assets and assumed the AFL's history.[4] With Jay Gruden obligated to the UFL by his contract with the Tuskers, eventually becoming the team's head coach, they hired former quarterback Pat O'Hara as their head coach for the 2010 season.[5] When the schedule for the league's season was announced on December 31, 2009, the Predators were slated to return to action on April 9, 2010.[6] In the 2010 season, the Predators finished with an 8–8 record. They qualified for the playoffs, but lost the conference championship to the Tampa Bay Storm by a single point as a last-second field goal attempt was unsuccessful.

In 2011, the Predators finished the regular season 11–7, but fell to the Jacksonville Sharks in the conference semifinals by a score of 63–48.

With a 4–14 record in 2012 under first-year head coach Bret Munsey, the Predators missed the playoffs for the first time since their inaugural season in 1991. Following the end of the season, Munsey was released as head coach.[7]

Under Doug Plank for the 2013 season, the Predators lost their first five games of the season. It was then that the team acquired veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia in a trade with the San Jose SaberCats. The Predators went on to win seven of their remaining thirteen games following the trade to finish the season with a 7–11 record, which was good enough to clinch a playoff berth. However, they were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Philadelphia Soul. With two weeks remaining during the regular season, Brett Bouchy sold his controlling interest in the team to The Pearsall Holdings LP for an undisclosed amount.[8] Plank retired following the season.[9]

The Predators moved to CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida in 2014,[10] after the Amway Center informed the team that they had defaulted on their lease for failing to meet attendance requirements.[11] On December 25, 2013, the Predators announced that Rob Keefe would become the seventh coach in franchise history.[12] In May 2014, it was announced that majority owner David Pearsall had sold the team to an undisclosed ownership group,[13] but the team was taken over by the AFL. In July 2014, reports began to surface that David A. Siegel had purchased the franchise with the intent to move the team back into the Amway Center.[14] On July 15, 2014, Siegel confirmed his purchase of the Predators.[15]

On December 8, 2014, the Predators suspended head coach Rob Keefe with pay while an investigation was ongoing by the Orange County Sheriff's Office into accusations of domestic violence.[16] The charges were since dropped.

During the week of June 18, 2016, the entire Arena Football League, including the hometown Predators, displayed patches and stickers "ORL" as a remembrance of the victims killed in the Pulse Nightclub massacre.[needs update]

On October 12, 2016, the Orlando Predators announced they had suspended operations due to the reduced number of teams in the AFL and other pending disagreements with the league.[17]

Revival in the National Arena League (2019)

[edit]
Main article: Orlando Predators (NAL)

In 2019, former Predator Kenny McEntyre launched a new Predators team in the National Arena League.[18] This Predators team would join the third incarnation of the Arena Football League in July 2023 with intent to play in 2024.[19]

Predator highlights

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The Predators made Arena Football League history in consecutive weeks during the 1992 season:

  • On June 13, 1992, the team defeated the San Antonio Force 50–0. San Antonio kicker Matt Frantz missed six field goals. This is the first game shutout in the history of indoor football. Although there have been shutouts in af2 and other indoor football leagues, it proved to be the only shutout ever recorded in the original AFL.[20]
  • On Friday, June 19, 1992, in a Week 4 road game against the Detroit Drive, quarterback Ben Bennett and the Predators trailed 42–32 with only 49 seconds left. In a miraculous feat of strength, wide receiver / defensive back Barry Wagner would catch two touchdown passes, get two two-point conversions, recover an onside kick, and make a game-ending tackle. With a safety added in, Orlando would win, 50–49. The comeback would become known as "The Miracle Minute". On the AFL's 20 Greatest Highlights Countdown, this comeback ranked #1.[21]

Players

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The Predators in 2015

Arena Football Hall of Fame members

[edit]
Orlando Predators Hall of Fame members
No. Name Year inducted Position(s) Years with Predators
84 Carl Aikens Jr. 2000 WR/DB 1992–1993
5 Ben Bennett 2000 QB 1991–1995
7 Jay Gruden 1999 QB 2002–2003
– Perry Moss 2000 Head coach 1991–1997
29 Durwood Roquemore 1999 WR/DB 1991–1996
?? Reggie Smith 2002 WR/DB 1991
?? Stevie Thomas 2011 WR/LB 2000
82 Barry Wagner 2011 WR/DB 1992–1997, 2007
22 Herkie Walls 2000 WR/DB 1991–1996

Individual awards

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All-Arena players

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The following Predators players were named to All-Arena teams:

All-Ironman players

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The following Predators players were named to All-Ironman teams:

All-Rookie players

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The following Predators players were named to All-Rookie teams:

Head coaches

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Name Term Regular season Playoffs Awards
W L T Win% W L
Perry Moss 1991–1997 59 25 0 .702 8 8 1992 & 1994 AFL Coach of the Year
Jay Gruden 1998–2001, 2004–2008 82 54 0 .603 11 7
Fran Papasedero 2002–2003 19 11 0 .633 3 2
Pat O'Hara 2010–2011 19 15 0 .559 1 2
Bret Munsey 2012 4 14 0 .222 0 0
Doug Plank 2013 7 11 0 .389 0 1
Rob Keefe 2014–2016 35 17 0 .673 1 3

Season-by-season

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Main article: List of Orlando Predators seasons

Notes

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Orlando Predators

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Orlando Predators are a professional arena football franchise based in Orlando, Florida, known for their high-energy style of play on a 50-yard field enclosed by padded dasher boards and featuring rebound nets behind the goalposts. Founded in 1991 as one of the original charter members of the Arena Football League (AFL), the team quickly established itself as a powerhouse, qualifying for the playoffs in 19 consecutive seasons from 1992 to 2011 and amassing a regular-season record of 198-134 from 1991 to 2016 during its original AFL tenure. Under head coach Jay Gruden, the Predators won AFL championships in ArenaBowl XII in 1998, defeating the Tampa Bay Storm 62-31, and ArenaBowl XIV in 2000, beating the Nashville Kats 56-34, marking the franchise's most celebrated achievements. The team played its home games at the Orlando Arena (later renamed Amway Center and now Kia Center) and was renowned for its passionate fanbase, rivalries like the "War on I-4" with the Tampa Bay Storm, and producing notable NFL talents such as quarterback Danny White early in the arena league era. After suspending operations following the 2016 season amid the AFL's challenges (with the league folding after 2019), a revival franchise using the Predators name joined the National Arena League (NAL) in 2019, compiling an 18-35 regular-season record through 2023, including a 4-8 mark that year. Transitioning to the newly reestablished AFL in 2024, the team finished the season with a 5-2 record, securing a playoff berth before losing in the first round. However, in early 2025, the Predators were terminated from the Arena Football One (AF1) league—a successor to the AFL—prior to the season's start, after owner John Cheney informed the league of the team's decision not to compete in order to facilitate a potential sale. As of November 2025, the franchise's future remains uncertain, with suspended operations and no announced return to active play, though its historical impact on arena football endures through two titles, over two decades of consistency, and contributions to the sport's growth in Central Florida.

History

Inception and early development (1991–1997)

The Orlando Predators were established in 1991 as an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League (AFL), with the league awarding the team to a group of local investors including former New York Mets manager Davey Johnson, businessman Tracy Allen, and Mike McBath. The franchise began play that year at the Orlando Arena, adapting to the AFL's unique indoor format on a 50-yard field with rebound nets and limited roster sizes to emphasize high-scoring, fast-paced action. In their inaugural 1991 season, the Predators posted a 3-7 record under head coach and general manager Perry Moss, who had been instrumental in developing arena football's rules during the league's formative years in the 1980s. Moss focused on building a roster suited to the format's demands, prioritizing versatile players capable of handling multiple roles due to the league's ironman system. The team did not qualify for the playoffs but drew an average attendance of 12,192 fans, signaling early community interest in the novel sport. The Predators rapidly improved in subsequent seasons, achieving a 9-1 regular-season record in 1992 and securing their first playoff berth, which culminated in an appearance in ArenaBowl VI, a 45-10 loss to the Detroit Drive. They followed with 10-2 and 11-1 marks in 1993 and 1994, respectively, reaching the semifinals each year but falling to the Tampa Bay Storm and Arizona Rattlers. By 1995, despite a 7-5 regular season, the team advanced to ArenaBowl IX, where they lost 48-35 to the Storm in a closely contested championship game that highlighted their growing competitiveness. The 1996 and 1997 seasons saw 9-5 and 10-4 records, with playoff exits to the Rattlers and Iowa Barnstormers, respectively, as Moss's strategies emphasized offensive efficiency and defensive rebound control. Throughout this period, the Predators cultivated a dedicated fan base, with average attendance rising steadily from 12,437 in 1992 to a peak of 15,638 in 1995, reflecting the excitement of their consistent postseason runs and the novelty of arena football in Central Florida. This early success laid the groundwork for further evolution under new leadership following the 1997 season.

Gruden era and championships (1998–2002)

The Jay Gruden era began when the Orlando Predators hired the former Tampa Bay Storm quarterback as head coach at the end of the 1997 season, marking a pivotal shift toward offensive dominance and playoff success. Gruden, who had previously served as offensive coordinator for the Nashville Kats in 1997, brought his experience from four ArenaBowl-winning seasons as a player to implement a high-powered, pass-heavy scheme that emphasized quick releases and creative play-calling. This hiring set the stage for the team's first championship, as Gruden also played limited snaps at quarterback during his inaugural coaching year. In the 1998 season, the Predators posted a 9-5 regular-season record, securing the second seed in the National Conference and embarking on a playoff run that culminated in ArenaBowl XII. They defeated the Nashville Kats 58-43 in the quarterfinals, the Arizona Rattlers 38-33 in the semifinals, and then routed the Tampa Bay Storm 62-31 in the championship game on August 23 at Tropicana Field, avenging prior losses to their rivals. Gruden's offense averaged over 50 points per game in the postseason, showcasing innovations like no-huddle tempos and intricate route combinations that exploited the confined arena field. Key roster moves included drafting wide receiver-linebacker Barry Wagner in the 1997 dispersal draft, who became a cornerstone with his dual-threat abilities, and trading for quarterback Tony Jones to stabilize the position. The victory drew a crowd of 17,230, contributing to the team's average home attendance of 14,781 across seven games. The 1999 campaign saw the Predators finish 7-7 in the regular season but advance as a wild-card team, upsetting the Tampa Bay Storm 41-19 in the quarterfinals and the Iowa Barnstormers 48-41 in the semifinals before falling 48-59 to the Albany Firebirds in ArenaBowl XIII on August 21 at the Knickerbocker Arena. Under Gruden, the offense continued its high-scoring trend, averaging 52.3 points per game league-wide but facing stiffer defensive challenges in the title game, where quarterback Connell Maynor threw for 315 yards and five touchdowns. Roster enhancements included acquiring defensive specialist Damon Mason via trade from the Milwaukee Mustangs, bolstering the secondary, though the team struggled with consistency amid injuries. Attendance remained strong, averaging 13,891 at home, with sellouts for key playoff home games exceeding 15,000 fans. Gruden's leadership peaked again in 2000 with an 11-3 regular-season record, the best in the Southern Division, leading to another deep playoff push. The Predators beat the Tampa Bay Storm 34-24 in the quarterfinals, the Arizona Rattlers 56-44 in the semifinals, and clinched their second title in three years by defeating the Nashville Kats 41-38 in ArenaBowl XIV on August 20 at the Orlando Arena, thanks to a game-winning 19-yard field goal by kicker David Cool as time expired. The offense, now featuring veteran quarterback Todd Bouzianis after a midseason trade acquisition from the Chicago Rush, set franchise marks with 634 total points scored, highlighting Gruden's adaptive schemes that integrated motion and screens effectively. Wagner earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, underscoring the impact of strategic drafts and trades. The ArenaBowl drew a franchise-record 15,989 attendees, part of a season average of 14,742, with multiple sellouts reflecting the growing popularity of the championship-caliber team. The 2001 season maintained momentum with an 8-6 record, though the Predators exited in the quarterfinals with a 26-41 loss to the Chicago Rush. Gruden's system continued to produce explosive games, such as a 69-35 regular-season rout of the Los Angeles Avengers, but defensive lapses prevented a third title. Attendance held steady at around 13,500 per home game, with sustained sellouts for rivalry matchups. Over the era, Gruden compiled a 36-20 regular-season mark, transforming the Predators into perennial contenders and elevating league-wide interest in arena football's offensive artistry.

Transitional years and challenges (2003–2009)

Following the success of the Jay Gruden era, which included ArenaBowl victories in 1998 and 2000, the Orlando Predators underwent significant transitional changes beginning in 2002. Gruden stepped down as head coach after the 2001 season to return to the playing field as quarterback, leading to the promotion of assistant Fran Papasedero to the head coaching position. Under Papasedero, the Predators achieved a 7-7 regular season record in 2002, advancing to the conference semifinals before losing 40-52 to the San Jose SaberCats. However, tragedy struck during the 2003 season when Papasedero was killed in a car accident on June 19, just after the team had compiled a strong 12-4 regular season mark and advanced to the playoffs, where they defeated the New York Dragons before falling to the Tampa Bay Storm in the conference semifinals. In response to Papasedero's death, former coach Jay Gruden returned to the sideline for the 2004 season, resuming his role through 2008 and bringing continuity amid the instability. The Predators maintained playoff appearances during this period, but their performance showed signs of decline compared to the championship years, with consistent but unremarkable regular season records of 10-6 in 2004, 2005, and 2006. These seasons included postseason wins, such as a 2006 conference semifinal victory over the Dallas Desperados, but early exits like a quarterfinal loss to the Chicago Rush in 2004 highlighted growing competitive challenges. By 2007 and 2008, the team's records dipped to 8-8 and 9-7, respectively, ending in first-round playoff defeats to the Philadelphia Soul and Cleveland Gladiators, reflecting roster turnover and the erosion of the dominant form from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The transitional years were further complicated by broader Arena Football League issues that strained operations across franchises, including the Predators. The league's aggressive expansion to 19 teams in 2006, following the end of its lucrative NBC broadcast deal, inflated costs and diluted talent pools, contributing to financial instability. Labor disputes between players and owners over salaries and benefits intensified amid these pressures, while the onset of the Great Recession in 2008 exacerbated investor pullbacks and revenue shortfalls from sponsorships and ticket sales. These external factors culminated in the AFL's board voting to cancel the entire 2009 season on December 15, 2008, suspending operations for all teams, including the Predators, as the league sought a restructuring plan that ultimately led to bankruptcy proceedings. The Predators' attendance, which averaged over 13,000 in the mid-2000s, began to soften by 2008, mirroring the league-wide economic challenges that halted their momentum.

AFL revival and suspensions (2010–2019)

Following the Arena Football League's (AFL) suspension of operations in 2009 due to financial difficulties, the league relaunched in 2010 with a reduced number of teams, including the Orlando Predators. The Predators, who had not played since 2008 amid the league's hiatus, returned under new ownership led by Kevin Sutter and played their home games at the newly opened Amway Center. In their comeback season, the team finished with an 8–8 regular-season record, securing the third seed in the American Conference South Division and extending their league-record playoff streak to 18 consecutive appearances. They advanced to the conference semifinals, defeating the Jacksonville Sharks 73–69, but fell in the conference championship game to the Tampa Bay Storm by a score of 62–63. The Predators built on this momentum in 2011, posting an 11–7 record and clinching the fourth and final playoff spot in the American Conference as the No. 4 seed. However, they were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Milwaukee Iron. The 2012 season marked a downturn, with the team struggling to a 4–14 record—the worst in franchise history at the time—and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1991, ending their storied streak. Low attendance and internal challenges contributed to the poor performance, leading to the midseason firing of head coach Bret Munsey. Despite these setbacks, the Predators demonstrated resilience in 2013 with a 6–12 record, though they again failed to qualify for the postseason. Financial pressures intensified in 2013 when the City of Orlando notified the Predators of a lease default at the Amway Center, citing insufficient attendance and failure to meet revenue guarantees. This prompted a temporary relocation to the CFE Arena on the University of Central Florida campus for the 2014 season, where the team improved to an 11–7 record and returned to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the American Conference, only to lose in the semifinals to the Tampa Bay Storm. Under new ownership by Westgate Resorts founder David Siegel, the Predators restructured their finances and secured a return to the Amway Center for 2015, signing a multi-year lease. That year, they captured the American Conference South Division title with a 12–6 record, marking their first division championship since 2001, and advanced to the conference semifinals before falling to the Jacksonville Sharks. The 2016 season saw further success on the field, with the Predators finishing 12–4 and earning the No. 2 seed in the American Conference while co-winning the South Division. They hosted a playoff game but were upset in the conference semifinals by the Jacksonville Sharks, 68–69. Off the field, however, league-wide contraction loomed large; the AFL operated with just eight teams that year, down from 14 in 2014. In October 2016, citing the "reduced number of teams remaining" and unresolved disputes with the league, the Predators suspended operations indefinitely, effectively pausing their participation after 25 seasons in the AFL. This decision came amid broader instability, as several franchises folded or relocated. The AFL limped forward without the Predators in 2017, expanding slightly to 13 teams but still grappling with financial woes and legal battles among owners. The league suspended several teams' operations that year, including the Tampa Bay Storm, but continued play. By 2018, the roster had shrunk to eight teams amid ongoing attrition and bankruptcy proceedings. The Predators remained dormant during this period, as no revival efforts materialized within the AFL framework. The league's final season in 2019 featured only five teams, culminating in the Philadelphia Soul's ArenaBowl XXXII victory over the Albany Empire. Shortly thereafter, the AFL filed for bankruptcy and dissolved permanently in November 2019, ending its second iteration after a decade of intermittent viability and multiple suspensions. The Predators' AFL era concluded without a return, leaving a legacy of adaptation amid league turbulence.

National Arena League participation (2019)

Following the suspension and eventual folding of the Arena Football League in late 2018, a revived Orlando Predators franchise joined the National Arena League (NAL) as an expansion team for the 2019 season, aiming to continue the legacy of the original team under new ownership led by former AFL Predator Kenny McEntyre. The team played its home games at the Amway Center in Orlando, a venue shared with the NBA's Orlando Magic, but experienced a noticeable drop in fan attendance compared to the AFL era's peaks of over 10,000 per game in the early 2000s. The NAL employed an eight-man indoor football format similar to the AFL, but with variations including adjusted overtime rules and emphasis on different blocking techniques to suit the league's smaller operational scale. In their lone 2019 season, the Predators compiled a 2–12 regular-season record, finishing last in the six-team league and failing to qualify for the playoffs; highlights included a road upset over the defending champion Carolina Cobras, but the campaign was plagued by financial mismanagement, such as unpaid player salaries, bounced checks, and limited practice time due to venue and logistical constraints. These issues prompted concerns about the franchise's viability, with players publicly warning of potential folding under the existing ownership, though the team ultimately underwent leadership changes to persist beyond 2019.

2024 AFL return and playoff run

In July 2023, the Orlando Predators announced their return to the Arena Football League (AFL) for the 2024 season as part of the league's relaunch with 16 teams, departing from the National Arena League where they had competed since 2019. The franchise was owned by John Cheney, a Port Orange resident who acquired sole ownership prior to the move. The Predators played their home games at the Kia Center in Orlando, finishing the regular season with a 5–2 record and securing a playoff berth as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Notable victories included a 57–49 road win over the Albany Firebirds on June 15, marking Albany's first loss of the season, and a 63–18 rout of the Wichita Regulators on June 22. These performances highlighted a strong offensive output, with the team scoring 314 points across seven games. In the playoffs, the Predators hosted the Nashville Kats in the Eastern Conference semifinals on July 5 at the Kia Center but fell 32–62 in a lopsided defeat. The loss ended their postseason run, though the franchise's return to the AFL generated renewed local interest, with reported attendance for select home games reaching around 2,500 amid promotional efforts tied to the league's revival on NFL Network.

2025 franchise termination

Following a successful 2024 season in the Arena Football League that included a playoff appearance, the Orlando Predators were invited to join the newly formed Arena Football One (AF1) as one of its inaugural members. In September 2024, AF1 announced a 10-team league for the 2025 season, explicitly including the Predators among the competing franchises, with their opening game scheduled against the Southwest Kansas Storm on March 8. On March 4, 2025, AF1 terminated the Predators' membership effective immediately after team owner John Cheney informed the league that the franchise would not participate in the season, citing financial difficulties and ongoing commitments related to a potential team sale. The decision came just days before the league's scheduled opener, disrupting preparations and leaving the Predators' roster and staff in limbo. AF1's official statement highlighted the move as a necessary response to the Predators' abrupt withdrawal, describing it as a significant breach of commitments to fans, players, and coaches, and emphasizing the league's intent to uphold stability for its remaining teams. In the aftermath, the Predators ceased all operations, with no games played in 2025 and no resumption announced. The league imposed a $1.2 million fine on the franchise for the termination, prompting Cheney to issue a statement denouncing the expulsion as retaliatory and threatening legal action against AF1. Discussions regarding the potential sale of the team, initially revealed as a factor in the withdrawal, remained unresolved as of November 2025, with no new ownership confirmed or alternative league affiliation secured. This episode exemplified the broader instability plaguing arena football leagues in the wake of the 2024 Arena Football League's collapse, which saw multiple teams fold mid-season and prompted the formation of AF1 amid ongoing financial and operational challenges across the sport. Several other planned AF1 franchises, including the Arizona team, also withdrew before the 2025 kickoff, reducing the league to eight active members and underscoring persistent issues with franchise viability and league governance.

Team operations

Arenas and facilities

The Orlando Predators' original home was the Orlando Arena, later renamed Amway Arena, where the team played from 1991 to 2010. This venue, with a seating capacity of 17,500, was well-suited for arena football, offering intimate sightlines that enhanced the fast-paced nature of the game and contributed to strong attendance during the team's formative years, including hosting their Arena Bowl victories in 1998 and 2000. In 2011, the Predators relocated to the newly opened Amway Center, a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 17,200 for arena football configurations, featuring advanced amenities such as improved lighting, sound systems, and premium seating options that elevated the game-day experience for fans. The team used this downtown Orlando venue through the 2013 season, returned for 2015 and 2016, and resumed play there in 2019 as a member of the National Arena League, benefiting from the arena's central location and co-tenancy with the NBA's Orlando Magic, which facilitated shared infrastructure and broader event integration. The Amway Center's design provided excellent visibility across all seats, minimizing obstructed views common in older arenas and supporting vibrant atmospheres during home games. Following a period of league suspension and revival efforts, the Predators returned to professional arena football in 2024 at the Kia Center, the rebranded Amway Center (renamed in December 2023), which maintains a capacity of approximately 18,000 for basketball and similar setups for football events. This modern venue, shared with the Orlando Magic, offered enhanced fan experiences through features like expansive concourses, diverse food options, and technology-driven enhancements such as LED boards, while its larger scale helped boost attendance during the playoff run by accommodating bigger crowds and improving accessibility in Orlando's entertainment district. The transition back to this facility underscored the franchise's ties to the city's sports infrastructure, though operational challenges ultimately led to its termination in 2025.

Ownership and administration

The Orlando Predators were founded in 1991 as an expansion team in the Arena Football League, with initial ownership held by a group of 26 local investors led by former Major League Baseball manager Davey Johnson. This partnership operated the team through its early years of growth and success, including multiple ArenaBowl appearances. Controlling interest was acquired in 1992 by businessman Donald Dizney and Jim English; the franchise was sold in 1996 for $2.3 million from Dizney's group to William Meris and Alan Siefer, averting potential financial strain as the Predators posted consistent attendance figures exceeding 10,000 fans per game. By the early 2000s, the team shifted to private ownership under Orlando Predators LLC, with Brett Bouchy serving as managing partner; this structure contributed to improved financial stability through targeted sponsorship deals and ticket sales, helping the franchise achieve profitability during the AFL's expansion era. The 2009 bankruptcy and suspension of the AFL prompted significant administrative shifts, with Bouchy's group leading the league's revival efforts in 2010 alongside other operators, ensuring the Predators' continuity despite league-wide revenue shortfalls from reduced national media exposure. In 2013, Bouchy sold his majority stake to David Pearsall of Pearsall Holdings LP, a move aimed at injecting fresh capital amid ongoing challenges like venue lease disputes and sponsor payment issues that led to a 2013 lawsuit from the City of Orlando over unpaid obligations totaling over $24,000. Pearsall's tenure was brief and tumultuous, marked by internal conflicts and poor performance, culminating in his departure in 2014; the team was then acquired by Westgate Resorts CEO David A. Siegel, who relocated games back to the Amway Center to boost local revenue streams. Following the original AFL's 2016 collapse under Siegel's ownership—exacerbated by league financial woes and the owner's failure to renew trademarks—the Predators suspended operations until a 2019 revival in the National Arena League (NAL) under independent ownership by Nathan Starling and the Tridico family, who acquired the lapsed intellectual property and focused on community sponsorships for sustainability. This group navigated the NAL's smaller scale, relying heavily on ticket sales and local partnerships, with John Cheney joining as a co-owner in 2021 to expand administrative oversight. In 2023, Cheney's group committed to the relaunched Arena Football League for the 2024 season, securing a spot at the Amway Center and emphasizing corporate sponsorships to offset operational costs estimated at $1-2 million annually. Financial pressures persisted, including player salary disputes and league instability, leading to the team's transition to Arena Football One (AF1) in late 2024; however, persistent revenue shortfalls from inconsistent attendance and sponsorship commitments resulted in membership termination in March 2025 under Cheney's leadership. In response, the organization announced a transition to new ownership with plans to return to play in the 2026 season. Throughout its history, the Predators' administration grappled with volatile indoor football economics, where ticket revenue often comprised 40-50% of income, supplemented by sponsorships but vulnerable to league disruptions and ownership transitions.

Personnel

Head coaches

The Orlando Predators' head coaching history reflects the franchise's ups and downs across multiple leagues, with leaders who shaped its identity from expansion team to championship contender. Perry Moss served as the inaugural head coach from 1991 to 1997, compiling a 59-25 regular season record and laying the groundwork for the team's defensive identity in the early Arena Football League (AFL) years. Under Moss, the Predators transitioned from a 3-7 debut season to consistent playoff appearances, emphasizing stout run defense and opportunistic plays that established a foundation for sustained competitiveness. Jay Gruden took over as head coach from 1998 to 2001 and 2004 to 2008, achieving an 82-54 regular season record, including two ArenaBowl championships in 1998 and 2000. Gruden, a former AFL quarterback, revolutionized the team's offensive strategy by prioritizing high-powered passing attacks, leveraging the confined arena field to maximize quick releases and wide-open routes that led to league-high scoring outputs during his tenure. His innovative schemes, often blending player-coach experience, contributed to multiple division titles and marked a shift toward aerial dominance, influencing subsequent AFL tactics. Following Gruden's initial departure, Fran Papasedero coached from 2002 to 2003 with a 19-11 regular season record, guiding the team to playoffs in both years. After Gruden's return, the Predators faced challenges in the late 2000s. Pat O'Hara coached from 2010 to 2011, amassing a 19-15 regular season record across two seasons marked by a 11-5 campaign in 2010 and an 8-8 in 2011; he was fired after a first-round playoff loss in 2011. Bret Munsey led the 2012 AFL season to a 4-14 finish. In the post-AFL suspension period, coaching changes aligned with league shifts and ownership transitions. The 2013 Indoor Football League (IFL) team was coached by Kevin Porter to a 4-10 record, while Rob Keefe led from 2014 to 2016 with a 16-26 tally, including a 7-7 playoff year in 2014. After suspensions, the 2019 National Arena League (NAL) revival under Doug Miller resulted in a 3-5 finish. Ben Bennett coached in 2020 (season cancelled due to COVID-19) and 2021. Jeff Higgins led the 2022 NAL team. Herkie Walls coached in 2023, posting a 7-5 record and a playoff berth. The 2024 AFL return featured EJ Burt as head coach, posting a 5-3 regular season record and a playoff berth that highlighted renewed strategic focus on speed and defense. Following the 2024 season, the franchise was terminated from Arena Football One in early 2025 prior to the season start, suspending operations with no active head coach as of November 2025. The Predators' coaching philosophy evolved from Moss's defensive-heavy approach—prioritizing stops and field position in the league's nascent run-balanced era—to Gruden's pass-first innovation, which became the AFL norm and persisted through later hires adapting to rule changes favoring offense. Firing and hiring patterns often tied to slumps, with owners replacing coaches after sub-.500 seasons or early playoff exits, reflecting pressure for immediate results in a volatile indoor football landscape. Under various leaders, standout players like quarterbacks and wide receivers thrived in tailored systems, contributing to the team's 21 playoff appearances.
CoachTenureRegular Season RecordPlayoff RecordChampionships
Perry Moss1991–199759–258–80
Jay Gruden1998–2001, 2004–200882–5411–72 (1998, 2000)
Fran Papasedero2002–200319–113–20
Pat O'Hara2010–201119–151–20
Bret Munsey20124–14—0
Kevin Porter2013 (IFL)4–10—0
Rob Keefe2014–2016 (IFL)16–260–10
Doug Miller2019 (NAL)3–5—0
Ben Bennett2020–2021 (NAL)2020: 0–0 (cancelled); 2021: partial—0
Jeff Higgins2022 (NAL)5–5—0
Herkie Walls2023 (NAL)7–50–10
EJ Burt2024 (AFL)5–30–10

Notable players

The Orlando Predators featured several standout quarterbacks who drove the team's success across multiple eras. Ben Bennett, the franchise's inaugural starting quarterback from 1991 to 1995, threw for over 10,000 yards and 200 touchdowns during his tenure, anchoring the offense in the team's early playoff appearances. Pat O'Hara led the 1998 championship run, completing 238 of 423 passes for 3,335 yards and 67 touchdowns, setting a then-franchise single-season record for passing scores en route to ArenaBowl XII victory. Connell Maynor quarterbacked the 2000 title team, amassing 3,116 passing yards and 54 touchdowns on 233 completions, providing steady leadership in high-stakes playoff games. Later, Shane Stafford revitalized the passing attack in 2007 and 2008, surpassing 8,000 combined yards with 4,317 in his debut season alone, while contributing to consistent divisional contention despite the league's transitional challenges. Joe Hamilton added dynamic playmaking from 2004 to 2006, earning All-Arena honors for his efficient distribution to receivers. Wide receivers and offensive specialists were pivotal to the Predators' high-octane aerial game, with Barry Wagner emerging as the archetype of versatility in the 1990s. Playing as a wide receiver/defensive back from 1992 to 1997 and briefly in 1999, Wagner recorded over 9,000 receiving yards and 150 touchdowns with the team, often logging ironman snaps on both sides of the ball while rushing for 598 yards and 69 scores in 97 games. His dual-role prowess earned him AFL All-Ironman honors multiple times, including in 1998 and 1999, and he ranks as the second-greatest player in league history per AFL selections. Siaha Burley complemented the attack as an offensive specialist from 2002 to 2005, exceeding 4,000 all-purpose yards and scoring 50 touchdowns, utilizing his speed for explosive returns and receptions. On the lines and in the defensive backfield, players like Ernest Allen and Rich McKenzie exemplified the physicality required in arena football's confined spaces. Allen, an offensive and defensive lineman across several seasons in the 1990s and early 2000s, disrupted opposing offenses with his pass-rushing ability while protecting the quarterback, contributing to four ArenaBowl appearances. McKenzie, serving as offensive lineman/defensive lineman from 1997 to 2001, earned Second-Team All-Arena and All-Ironman recognition in 1999 for his blocking that facilitated over 3,000 rushing yards team-wide and his tackles for loss on defense. Paul McGowan, a fullback/linebacker, secured two All-Arena nods in the mid-1990s for his run-stopping (over 100 tackles per season) and short-yardage conversions, bridging the gap between units effectively. In the 2024 AFL revival, quarterback Drew Powell emerged as a dual-threat leader, averaging 218.7 passing yards per game—second in the league—while adding rushing production to fuel a 5-3 regular season and playoff berth. His mobility and decision-making under pressure helped the Predators advance in the postseason before the franchise's 2025 termination. The Predators' rosters evolved to emphasize ironman performers who handled multiple positions, a necessity in arena football's eight-man format. Pioneers like Wagner and later Cory Fleming, who won AFL Ironman of the Year in 2004 as a wide receiver/linebacker with 1,200 combined yards and 20 tackles, allowed for fluid substitutions and sustained defensive intensity across eras. This approach peaked in the 1990s dynasty years, where such players enabled back-to-back championships by maximizing snaps without fatigue, and persisted into the 2010s with hybrid roles adapting to league suspensions and revivals.

Hall of Fame inductees and awards

The Orlando Predators franchise has produced several inductees into the Arena Football Hall of Fame, reflecting its prominent role in the league's early success. Herkie Walls, a standout wide receiver and defensive back who anchored the Predators' inaugural teams from 1991 to 1996, was inducted in 2000 for his speed, net-clearing returns, and contributions to three ArenaBowl appearances. Ben Bennett, the quarterback who led the team from 1991 to 1995 and in 1997, earning two ArenaBowl MVP honors, was enshrined in 2011 after passing for over 10,000 yards with Orlando. Barry Wagner, a versatile wide receiver and defensive back who played key seasons with the Predators from 1992 to 1997 and returned in 2007, joined the Hall in 2011 following a career that included three ArenaBowl titles and league records for two-way play. Jay Gruden, who coached the Predators to two ArenaBowl championships from 1998 to 2001 and 2004 to 2008 and briefly played quarterback for them in 2002–2003, was inducted in 1999 primarily for his playing career with the Tampa Bay Storm. Individual awards highlight the Predators' talent across eras. Barry Wagner captured the AFL Most Valuable Player award in 1995 and the Offensive Player of the Year in 1997, while earning Ironman of the Year honors a record five times during his tenure. Cory Fleming received the Ironman of the Year award in 2004 after a dominant season as a wide receiver and linebacker. The Predators boasted numerous All-Arena selections, particularly during Jay Gruden's coaching tenure from 1998 to 2008, with players like Wagner (eight first-team nods overall) and others contributing to at least 12 such honors in that period alone. Examples include multiple first-team All-Arena picks for defensive backs like Ahmad Carroll in 2008. All-Rookie and All-Ironman team recognitions further underscored the team's depth, with franchise totals exceeding 40 All-League selections across its history. In the 2024 AFL revival season, emerging talents on the final roster, such as quarterback Drew Powell—a three-time IFL MVP prior to joining—and wide receiver/defensive back Clarence Williams, earned pre-season Impact Player designations from league staff, signaling their potential amid the team's playoff run.

Seasons and achievements

Season-by-season records

The Orlando Predators competed in the Arena Football League (AFL) from 1991 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2016, with operations suspended in 2009 due to the league's hiatus. The franchise joined the National Arena League (NAL) for the 2019 season, sat out 2017–2018 and 2020 (the latter due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and returned to the AFL in 2024. The following table summarizes their regular season records, playoff outcomes, head coaches, and average attendance where available.
YearLeagueRegular season recordPlayoff resultsHead coachAverage attendance
1991AFL3–7Did not qualifyPerry Moss12,192
1992AFL9–1Won National Conference Semifinal vs. Cleveland Thunderbolts 50–12; Won National Conference Championship vs. Tampa Bay Storm 24–21 (OT); Lost ArenaBowl VI vs. Detroit Drive 38–56Perry Moss12,437
1993AFL10–2Won Quarterfinal vs. Miami Hooters 50–30; Lost Semifinal vs. Tampa Bay Storm 41–45Perry Moss13,680
1994AFL11–1Won Quarterfinal vs. Fort Worth Cavalry 41–17; Won Semifinal vs. Massachusetts Marauders 48–35; Lost ArenaBowl VIII vs. Arizona Rattlers 31–36Perry Moss14,062
1995AFL7–5Won Quarterfinal at San Jose SaberCats 55–27; Won Semifinal at Iowa Barnstormers 37–34; Lost ArenaBowl IX vs. Tampa Bay Storm 35–48Perry Moss15,638
1996AFL9–5Lost Wild Card at Arizona Rattlers 42–51Perry Moss15,567
1997AFL10–4Won Quarterfinal vs. New Jersey Red Dogs 59–14; Lost Semifinal at Iowa Barnstormers 38–50Perry Moss14,724
1998AFL9–5Won Quarterfinal vs. Nashville Kats 66–31; Won Semifinal at Arizona Rattlers 32–19; Won ArenaBowl XII at Tampa Bay Storm 62–31Jay Gruden14,529
1999AFL7–7Won Wild Card vs. Tampa Bay Storm 41–19; Won Quarterfinal at Iowa Barnstormers 48–41; Lost ArenaBowl XIII at Albany Firebirds 48–59Jay Gruden13,891
2000AFL11–3Won Quarterfinal vs. Tampa Bay Storm 34–24; Won Semifinal vs. Arizona Rattlers 56–44; Won ArenaBowl XIV vs. Nashville Kats 41–38Jay Gruden12,730
2001AFL8–6Lost Wild Card vs. Chicago Rush 38–60Jay Gruden12,317
2002AFL7–7Won Wild Card vs. Buffalo Destroyers 52–36; Won Quarterfinal at New Jersey Gladiators 41–38; Lost Semifinal at San Jose SaberCats 38–41Jay Gruden11,912
2003AFL12–4Won Quarterfinal vs. New York Dragons 49–28; Lost Semifinal at Tampa Bay Storm 48–59Jay Gruden12,149
2004AFL10–6Lost Wild Card at Chicago Rush 41–62Jay Gruden13,086
2005AFL10–6Won Wild Card at New York Dragons 37–35; Lost Quarterfinal at Georgia Force 28–49Jay Gruden13,327
2006AFL10–6Won Wild Card vs. Philadelphia Soul 59–21; Won Quarterfinal at Dallas Desperados 27–24; Lost ArenaBowl XX vs. Chicago Rush 61–69Jay Gruden13,794
2007AFL8–8Lost Wild Card at Philadelphia Soul 30–59Jay Gruden13,626
2008AFL9–7Lost Wild Card at Cleveland Gladiators 17–30Jay Gruden12,519
2009AFLDid not playAFL operations suspendedN/AN/A
2010AFL8–8Won Quarterfinal at Jacksonville Sharks 59–48; Lost Semifinal at Tampa Bay Storm 27–48Kevin Porter11,204
2011AFL11–7Lost Wild Card at Jacksonville Sharks 56–66Bret Munsey12,701
2012AFL4–14Did not qualifyBret Munsey12,612
2013AFL7–11Lost Wild Card at Philadelphia Soul 18–59Bret Munsey11,838
2014AFL11–7Won Quarterfinal vs. Pittsburgh Power 62–27; Lost Semifinal at Cleveland Gladiators 26–34Rob Keefe5,368
2015AFL12–6Lost Wild Card vs. Jacksonville Sharks 48–55Rob Keefe11,231
2016AFL12–4Lost Conference Semifinal vs. Jacksonville Sharks 32–48Rob Keefe11,737
2017–2018N/ADid not playNo league affiliationN/AN/A
2019NAL2–12Did not qualifyBryon LawsonNot available
2020NALDid not playSeason canceled due to COVID-19N/AN/A (Note: Secondary reference for context only; primary verification from league announcements)
2021NAL3–3Did not qualifyBen BennettNot available
2022NAL5–5Did not qualifyJeff HigginsNot available
2023NAL4–8Did not qualifyHerkie WallsNot available
2024AFL5–2Lost Conference Semifinal vs. Nashville Kats 32–62EJ Burt833
2025AF1Did not playFranchise terminated prior to seasonN/AN/A
Across all seasons, the Predators compiled an overall regular season record of 185–121, yielding a .605 winning percentage. The franchise advanced to the playoffs in 19 consecutive seasons from 1992 to 2011 (excluding the 2009 league suspension), the longest such streak in AFL history. In postseason play, they reached the ArenaBowl seven times, securing victories in ArenaBowl XII (1998) and ArenaBowl XIV (2000).

Championships and playoff history

The Orlando Predators achieved significant postseason success during their original tenure in the Arena Football League (AFL), appearing in seven ArenaBowls between 1992 and 2006, with victories in two of those contests. The team's playoff format evolved over the years, initially featuring an eight-team tournament with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the ArenaBowl championship, later expanding to include conference alignments and seeding based on regular-season performance. This structure allowed lower seeds like the Predators to advance through upsets, as seen in their improbable runs to multiple titles. Their overall playoff record stood at 24–22 across 46 games through the 2024 season, reflecting a .522 winning percentage that underscored their consistency in high-stakes environments. The Predators' first ArenaBowl appearance came in 1992 as the National Conference's top seed, following a dominant 9–1 regular season. They advanced by defeating the Cleveland Thunderbolts 50–12 in the semifinals and the Tampa Bay Storm 24–21 (OT) in the conference championship, both at home in the Orlando Arena. However, in ArenaBowl VI, they fell to the Detroit Drive 38–56 in Orlando, marking an early lesson in championship execution despite a strong home crowd of over 12,000 that energized the team throughout the playoffs. In 1994, the Predators returned to the ArenaBowl as the National Conference's No. 1 seed after an 11–1 regular season. Their path included a 41–17 quarterfinal win over the Fort Worth Cavalry and a 48–35 semifinal victory against the Massachusetts Marauders. Hosting ArenaBowl VIII at the Orlando Arena before a sellout crowd of 14,368, they led early but lost 31–36 to the Arizona Rattlers in a defensive battle that highlighted the visiting team's opportunistic play. The home environment provided a clear advantage in earlier rounds, with the Predators outscoring opponents by an average of 20 points in front of boisterous fans known for their intensity in the compact arena setting. The 1995 postseason saw the Predators as the No. 6 seed, embarking on a Cinderella run through the expanded playoff field. They upset the No. 3 San Jose SaberCats 55–27 on the road in the quarterfinals, then edged the No. 2 Iowa Barnstormers 37–34 in the semifinals. In ArenaBowl IX at the Tampa Bay ThunderDome—a neutral site but fierce rivalry matchup—they fell 35–48 to the Tampa Bay Storm, unable to overcome the hosts' late surge despite a competitive effort that kept the game close into the fourth quarter. This appearance reinforced the Predators' resilience as underdogs, though the lack of home-field support in the final proved costly. The Predators captured their first championship in 1998, entering as the National Conference's No. 4 seed after a 9–5 regular season marred by injuries. In a thrilling quarterfinal at home, they rallied to defeat the No. 5 Nashville Kats 66–31 before 12,766 fans. The semifinals required a road upset over the top-seeded Arizona Rattlers, 32–19, in a low-scoring affair where Orlando's defense forced key turnovers. Culminating in ArenaBowl XII at Jacksonville's Ice Palace—a neutral venue—the Predators demolished the Tampa Bay Storm 62–31, tying the largest margin of victory in ArenaBowl history and avenging prior rivalry losses with a dominant offensive display led by quarterback Mike Pawlawski. This title run exemplified the team's ability to peak in the playoffs, bolstered by the home crowd's energy in the opening round that set a confident tone. Orlando's second title came in 2000 as the South Division champions with an 11–3 record. Seeded No. 2 in the National Conference, they opened with a 34–24 quarterfinal win over the rival Tampa Bay Storm at home, extending their playoff dominance in that matchup to 3–0. The semifinals featured another road victory, 56–44 over the Arizona Rattlers, showcasing offensive firepower. In ArenaBowl XIV at Amway Arena—their first home-hosted championship—they edged the Nashville Kats 41–38 on a last-second 19-yard field goal by David Cool, thrilling a franchise-record playoff crowd of 15,989. The raucous home atmosphere, amplified by the arena's acoustics, rattled the visitors and contributed to Orlando's late-game composure in securing the repeat bid within three years. The 1999 season produced Orlando's most remarkable playoff journey as the No. 8 seed with a 7–7 regular season, the lowest winning percentage for an ArenaBowl participant at the time. They stunned the No. 1 Tampa Bay Storm 41–19 in the wild card at home, then upset the No. 2 Iowa Barnstormers 48–41 on the road in the quarterfinals—the first time an eighth seed reached the championship. However, in ArenaBowl XIII at Albany's Knickerbocker Arena, they led early but lost 48–59 to the Firebirds in a high-scoring thriller, undone by late defensive lapses despite the motivational boost from their underdog narrative. The Predators' final ArenaBowl appearance in 2006 came as the No. 2 seed after a 10–6 season. They dispatched the Philadelphia Soul 59–21 in the wild card and the Dallas Desperados 27–24 in the quarterfinals at home before 13,896 fans, capitalizing on the crowd's fervor to force turnovers. Yet in ArenaBowl XX at New Orleans Arena, they fell 61–69 to the Chicago Rush in a 130-point shootout, unable to sustain their defensive intensity from the prior round amid the neutral-site pressures. This loss marked the end of their original AFL playoff era, with home games consistently drawing 13,000-plus supporters who created an intimidating wall of noise in the 10,356-seat Orlando Arena.
YearArenaBowlOpponentResultScoreVenueAttendance
1992VIDetroit DriveLoss38–56Orlando Arena (Home)12,721
1994VIIIArizona RattlersLoss31–36Orlando Arena (Home)14,368
1995IXTampa Bay StormLoss35–48ThunderDome (Neutral)19,179
1998XIITampa Bay StormWin62–31Ice Palace (Neutral)17,222
1999XIIIAlbany FirebirdsLoss48–59Knickerbocker Arena (Neutral)13,659
2000XIVNashville KatsWin41–38Amway Arena (Home)15,989
2006XXChicago RushLoss61–69New Orleans Arena (Neutral)12,962
After a hiatus following the original AFL's 2019 suspension and the team's 2016 folding, the Predators revived in 2024 under the rebooted AFL, finishing 5–2 and earning a playoff berth as the No. 3 seed. Hosting the first-round matchup at Addition Financial Arena, they were routed 32–62 by the Nashville Kats, ending their brief return without advancing further. This loss highlighted challenges in rebuilding team cohesion against established rivals, though the home crowd of approximately 4,500 provided vocal support in the smaller venue. The franchise's termination in 2025 curtailed any additional postseason opportunities.

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