Detroit Wheels

Facts and information about the Detroit Wheels

• The Detroit Wheels folded, ceasing operations, before completing their first year in the World Football League.

• The Detroit Wheels lost to the Portland Storm in a game played in London, Ontario; this was one of the first and few games played in Canada by an American professional football team.

• One of the owners of the Detroit Wheels was Mike Ilitch, future owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.

• With Detroit unable to work a deal to play in Tiger Stadium, the Wheels played home games at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan – 37 miles from their hometown of Detroit.

• The starting Quarterback for the Detroit Wheels was Bubba Wyche, brother of NFL Quarterback, Head Coach, and announcer Sam Wyche.

• The Detroit Wheels lost to the New York Stars 37-14 in what would be the Stars last game in New York before the franchise moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Professional Wrestler Stan Hansen briefly played football for the Detroit Wheels.