San Diego Fleet: A Short-Lived Naval Force in the AAF

San Diego Fleet

The San Diego Fleet was a professional American football team based in San Diego, California, that competed in the short-lived Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019. Despite the league’s brief existence, the Fleet managed to capture the attention of San Diego’s football fans, leaving U888 behind a unique chapter in the city’s sports history.

Formation and Identity:

The Fleet was one of the eight founding franchises of the AAF, a league created to provide a spring football option for fans and a developmental platform for players. Established in 2018, the team’s name and branding paid homage to San Diego’s deep naval history and presence. The team colors, battleship gray, gray, yellow, and white, further reinforced this naval theme. The Fleet played its home games at SDCCU Stadium, the former home of the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers), providing a familiar venue for local football enthusiasts.

Mike Martz and the Coaching Staff:

The Fleet’s head coach was Mike Martz, a veteran NFL coach with a Super Bowl ring as the offensive coordinator for the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams. Martz brought a wealth of experience and offensive expertise to the team. His coaching staff included other experienced coaches with backgrounds in both college and professional football.

The Inaugural and Only Season:

The AAF’s inaugural season kicked off in February 2019, with the Fleet playing their first game against the San Antonio Commanders. The team showed promise in the early weeks, displaying an exciting brand of football under Martz’s offensive system. They achieved some notable victories and quickly became a competitive force in the league.

Notable Players:

While the team’s time was short, several players stood out for their performances. Quarterback Philip Nelson led the offense, showcasing his arm talent and decision-making abilities. Running back Ja’Quan Gardner provided a spark in the running game, demonstrating his speed and agility. On the defensive side, players like linebacker AJ Tarpley made significant contributions.

Fan Support and Community Engagement:

The Fleet quickly gained a loyal following in San Diego. Fans embraced the team’s naval-themed branding and enjoyed the opportunity to watch professional football in the spring. SDCCU Stadium saw respectable attendance numbers for the Fleet’s home games, demonstrating the city’s continued passion for the sport. The team also engaged with the local community through various events and initiatives.

The Abrupt End:

Unfortunately, the AAF faced financial difficulties and abruptly ceased operations in April 2019, prematurely ending the Fleet’s season and the league’s existence. This sudden closure left fans and players disappointed and marked a sudden end to what had shown early promise.

Legacy and Impact:

Despite their short tenure, the San Diego Fleet left a mark on the city’s sports landscape. They provided a brief but exciting chapter of professional football in San Diego following the Chargers’ departure. The team’s existence also highlighted the talent and potential of players who sought opportunities to showcase their skills.

The Fleet’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges of launching new professional sports leagues. However, it also demonstrates the power of sports to unite communities and create memorable moments. Though the Fleet is no longer playing, their time in San Diego remains a part of the city’s sports history.

In summary:

The San Diego Fleet, while short-lived, represented a unique and exciting chapter in San Diego’s sports history. They brought professional football back to the city after the Chargers’ departure, albeit briefly, and provided fans with a taste of spring football. Their naval-themed branding and Mike Martz’s offensive system created a distinct identity for the team, which resonated with many San Diegans. Though their story ended abruptly with the AAF’s collapse, the Fleet’s impact on the city’s sports scene is undeniable.