Los Angeles Cobras

History

Main article: 1988 Los Angeles Cobras season

On March 16, 1988, it was announced that team would be nicknamed the Cobras, as well as the introduction of head coach Ray Willsey. The Cobras played their home games at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, which they shared with the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. The team's logo consisted of an interlocking "LA" in which the left upright of the "A" was formed by the hooded head and "neck" of a cobra.

The team debuted April 30, 1988 against the New York Knights. The Cobras started the season 0–3, but finished the season 5–3–1, clinching a playoff spot.

Despite a lineup that featured former NFL all-pro receiver Cliff Branch, ex-UCLA quarterback Matt Stevens and future Arena Football Hall of Famer Gary Mullen, Los Angeles drew dismal crowds: just 7,507 per game, second-worst in the AFL. The Cobras lost in the semifinals to the Chicago Bruisers, 29–16. It turned out to be their last game ever as the Cobras folded after the 1988 season, temporarily cutting the league down

Season-by-season

|- |1988 || 5 || 6|| 1 || 4th || Lost Week 1 (Chicago 29-16) |- !Totals || 5 || 7 || 1 |}

Notable players

Roster

Arena Football League Hall of Famers

All-Arena players

The following Cobras players were named to All-Arena Teams:

• QB Matt Stevens
• WR/DB Gary Mullen

Notable coaches

Head coaches

Staff

• Head coach: Ray Willsey
• Assistant coach: Lew Erber
• Running back & special teams coach: Russ Steele
• Football operations coordinator: Larry Westbrook
• Trainer: Nick Ortenzo
• Equipment manager: Marty Hopkins

Media

• The Cobras are also featured in the film Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects starring Charles Bronson. One scene takes place during a Cobras/Bruisers game, presumably the final regular season contest played July 14, 1988 (this game also had the distinction of ending 37-37, making it the first tie game in arena football history). The film was released in early 1989.
• The Cobras were also featured as an unlockable team in EA Sports' Arena Football.

References

References

1. Lonnie White. (March 17, 1988). "Arena Football : Ray Willsey Will Coach L.A.'s Cobras". [[Los Angeles Times]].
2. Lonnie White. (April 30, 2013). "Cobras, Arena Football Make L.A. Debut Tonight". [[Los Angeles Times]].
3. Lonnie White. (May 21, 1988). "Now, Matt Stevens' Job Is to Turn the Cobras Around". [[Los Angeles Times]].
4. Lonnie White. (July 23, 1988). "L.A. Is a Tough Arena for Indoor Football : Cobras Are Still Making Some Gains Despite Competition for Sports Dollar". [[Los Angeles Times]].
5. Lonnie White. (April 6, 1988). "Branch, Stevens Head Cobra Picks". [[Los Angeles Times]].
6. "Box Score LA @ Chicago July 23, 1988". ArenaFan.