GDFL Celebrates “X Day” — A Decade of Gridiron Glory

Sunday, September 7, 2025 | Milton Frank Stadium | Huntsville, Alabama

The Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) is set to crown a new champion in Gridiron Bowl XVI, but before kickoff in Huntsville, we celebrate the legacy of the past 10 Gridiron Bowls — a stretch of unforgettable battles, dynasties, heartbreaks, and triumphs.

Gridiron Bowl XV (2024) — Racine Raiders (11th Title)

📍 Racine, WI | Historic Horlick Field

The Raiders denied the Upstate Predators in a 7–6 defensive classic, clinching back-to-back titles. MVP Joe Garcia III and QB Andre Locke delivered in the clutch, sealing Racine’s 11th national championship. (Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl XIV (2023) — Racine Raiders

📍 Landover, MD | Fairmont Heights Stadium

The Raiders overcame the West Sound Rebels in a 27–18 comeback win. QB Andre Locke accounted for 3 TDs, including the game-winner. The victory cemented Racine’s rise as the new standard of dominance.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl XIII (2022) — Syracuse Strong

📍 Las Vegas, NV | E.D. W. Clark Stadium

In blistering desert heat, Rashad Burns ran wild, scoring 3 TDs as the Strong shocked the Inglewood Blackhawks 24–20, bringing a national title back to New York.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl XII (2021) — Erie Express

📍 Erie, PA | Mercyhurst University Stadium

In a 42–40 shootout, QB Hannah hit WR Koran Williams late, and DEs Anthony Wise & Dejuan Smith sealed it with a last-second sack. The Express claimed their first-ever national championship in dramatic fashion.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl XI (2020) — COVID Season

The global pandemic forced the GDFL to cancel its season, prioritizing the health and safety of players, coaches, and fans.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl X (2019) — Oklahoma Thunder (4-Peat)

📍 Joplin, MO

In a defensive slugfest, the Thunder topped Middle Tennessee 24–12, claiming a record fourth straight title under Hall of Fame coach Rashid Lowe.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl IX (2018) — Oklahoma Thunder

📍 Birmingham, AL

The Thunder dominated the  Middle Tennessee Bulldawgs 38–15, securing a third consecutive championship and proving their dynasty was real.(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl VIII (2017) — Oklahoma Thunder

📍 Memphis, TN

The Thunder crushed the Chattanooga Eagles 51–12, becoming the first back-to-back champions in league history.Full Story

Gridiron Bowl VII (2016) — Oklahoma Thunder

📍 Tulsa, OK | Holland Hall

The Thunder edged the Nashville Storm 29–16 with a third-quarter surge. LB Shawn Jackson’s pick-six sealed the win, earning him MVP honors.

(Full Story)

Gridiron Bowl VI (2015) — Nashville Storm

📍 New Orleans, LA

The Storm outlasted the Crescent City Kings 31–28, securing their place in league history before the Thunder dynasty began.(Full Story)

🏟️ Legacy Meets Destiny

From Nashville’s early dominance, to the Oklahoma Thunder dynasty, to Erie, Syracuse, and Racine writing their chapters, the last decade has defined the GDFL as the premier stage for developmental football greatness.

Now, all eyes turn to Huntsville, Alabama on September 7, 2025, where a new champion will etch its name into the history books at Gridiron Bowl XVI.