View source for Cleveland Gladiators

{{short description|Arena football team}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox indoor American football team
| name = Cleveland Gladiators
| current = 
| logo = Cleveland Gladiators.png
| helmet = Cleveland Gladiators helmet.png
| founded = 1997
| folded = 2019
| city = [[Quicken Loans Arena]]<br />in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]
| misc = [http://www.clevelandgladiators.com ClevelandGladiators.com]
| uniform = 
| colors = Red, black, white<br />{{Color box|#EE2D24}} {{Color box|black}} {{Color box|white}}
| coach = [[Ron Selesky]]
| owner = [[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]]
| chairman =
| president = Kerry Bubolz
| general manager = 
| mascot = Rudi
| nicknames = 
| league =
'''[[Arena Football League]] ({{AFL Year|1997}}–{{AFL Year|2017}})'''
*American Conference (2004–2007, 2011–2015)
*National Conference (1997–2003, 2008–2010, 2016)
**[[Western Division (AFL)|Western]] (2004–2008)
**Midwest Division (2010)
**[[Eastern Division (AFL)|Eastern]] (1997–2003, 2008, 2011–2015)
| team_history =
* New Jersey Red Dogs (1997–2000)
* New Jersey Gladiators (2001–2002)
* Las Vegas Gladiators (2003–2007)
* Cleveland Gladiators (2008–2017)
| no_league_champs = 0
| no_conf_champs = 1
| no_div_champs = 3
| league_champs = 
| conf_champs =
*'''American:''' {{AFL Year|2014}}
| div_champs = 
*'''Eastern:''' {{AFL Year|2002}}, {{AFL Year|2011}}, {{AFL Year|2014}}
| playoff_appearances = {{AFL Year|1997}}, {{AFL Year|1998}}, {{AFL Year|2002}}, {{AFL Year|2003}}, {{AFL Year|2008}}, {{AFL Year|2011}}, {{AFL Year|2014}}, {{AFL Year|2015}}, {{AFL Year|2016}}, {{AFL Year|2017}}
| no_playoff_appearances = 10
| arena_years = 
*[[Continental Airlines Arena]] (1997–2002)
*[[Thomas & Mack Center]] (2003–2006)
*[[Orleans Arena]] (2007)
*[[Quicken Loans Arena]] (2008–2017)
}}

The '''Cleveland Gladiators''' were an [[arena football]] team based in [[Cleveland|Cleveland, Ohio]], and members of the [[Arena Football League]] (AFL). The Gladiators played their home games at [[Quicken Loans Arena]], which they shared with the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] and the [[Cleveland Monsters]] of the [[American Hockey League]]. The franchise was originally based in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]], and then later in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], before relocating to Cleveland for the [[2008 Arena Football League season|2008 AFL season]]. The Gladiators qualified for the playoffs eight times in their history, reaching the [[ArenaBowl]] in 2014.<ref name="Glads go to Arena Bowl">{{cite web|url=http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/10/the-cleveland-gladiators-will-play-in-arena-bowl-championship|title=The Cleveland Gladiators Will Play In Arena Bowl Championship|date=10 August 2014|website=cbslocal.com|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140812155703/http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/10/the-cleveland-gladiators-will-play-in-arena-bowl-championship|archive-date=12 August 2014}}</ref>

The Gladiators announced that they would not play the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to renovations on Quicken Loans Arena that required it to close during the NBA offseason and were granted a two-season hiatus. Before the team could return in 2020, the league filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations.<ref name=GleesonChap7>{{citation |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/11/27/arena-football-league-declares-bankruptcy-shuts-down/4322126002/|title=Arena Football League files for bankruptcy, ceases all operations |last=Gleeson|first=Scott |website=[[USA Today]] |date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref>

==Team history==

===New Jersey Red Dogs (1997–2000)===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:NewJerseyRedDogs.png|thumb|left|175px|The team's original logo as the New Jersey Red Dogs]] -->
The '''New Jersey Red Dogs''' entered the [[Arena Football League]] in 1997, along with the [[Nashville Kats]] and the [[New York CityHawks]]. Their ownership group, which was led by [[New Jersey]] radio entrepreneur E. Burke Ross, also included several ex-[[National Football League|NFL]] players, such as [[Joe Morris (American football)|Joe Morris]], [[Carl Banks]], and [[Harry Carson]]. The name "Red Dogs" reflected the sponsorship of the [[Miller Brewing Company]], the makers of [[Red Dog (beer)|Red Dog]] beer.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/nyregion/arena-football-team-runs-into-name-problems.html |title=Arena Football Team Runs Into Name Problems |date=January 19, 1997 |newspaper=New York Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407025434/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/nyregion/arena-football-team-runs-into-name-problems.html |archive-date=April 7, 2017 }}</ref> The Red Dogs played at [[Continental Airlines Arena]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]].

The AFL's intention was to add only New Jersey and Nashville for 1997. However, well after the awarding of the Red Dogs and Kats franchises, the owners of [[Madison Square Garden]] in New York City requested a franchise of their own, and the league granted this request. And so the CityHawks also began play in 1997. This affected the Red Dogs, in that the league then prevented the Red Dogs from advertising in New York. While [[North Jersey]] itself is very populous in its own right, the Red Dogs had hoped to be the team for the entire [[New York metropolitan area]]. Despite this setback, the Red Dogs management built a good team, which opened its history in memorable fashion. The team won 8 of its first 9 games, including a victory in their inaugural game on a last-second game-winning [[Field goal (football)|field goal]], a thrilling overtime victory against the [[Indiana Firebirds|Albany Firebirds]], a thorough thrashing of the [[New York Dragons|Iowa Barnstormers]] (runners-up in the previous year's [[ArenaBowl X]]), and also one game in which they scored a then-record 91 points against the [[Houston Thunderbears|Texas Terror]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19970622&id=uL4wAAAAIBAJ&pg=4230,993057 |title=New Jersey Set Record With 91 Points |date=June 22, 1997 |newspaper=Lakeland Ledger |access-date=August 6, 2014}}</ref> (This record has since been surpassed by the [[New York Dragons]], who scored 99 in a game against the [[Carolina Cobras]] in [[2001 in sports|2001]].)

The Red Dogs were led by head coach [[John Hufnagel]], who had been a quarterback and offensive coordinator for the [[Calgary Stampeders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]].  After his time with the Red Dogs, Hufnagel went on to be an offensive coach for several [[National Football League]] teams, including the [[New England Patriots]] and the [[New York Giants]].  He then became the head coach of the CFL's Stampeders for the [[2008 in sports|2008]] season, and won the [[96th Grey Cup|Grey Cup]] in his first season at the helm. Hufnagel brought in several players with CFL experience to the Red Dogs, including QB [[Rickey Foggie]] and offensive specialist [[Larry Ray Willis]].  The team's other main receiver was [[Alvin Ashley]], a player whose small size (150&nbsp;lb.) made him unlikely to play in the NFL but suited the more compact Arena game.

The Red Dogs slumped late in their first season, losing 4 of their final 5 games to finish 9–5, then losing to the [[Orlando Predators]] in the first round of the playoffs.

The Red Dogs finished 8–6 in [[1998 Arena Football League season|1998]], their second season, and won their first playoff game in Albany against the Firebirds.

Hufnagel left the Red Dogs after the 1998 season for a job with the NFL's [[Cleveland Browns]], and he was replaced by [[Frank Mattiace]], a former defensive lineman for the [[New Jersey Generals]] of the [[United States Football League|USFL]].  Star Larry Ray Willis was traded to the [[Milwaukee Mustangs (1994–2001)|Milwaukee Mustangs]] Following those losses, the Red Dogs slumped in 1999 to their first losing season, going 6–8, despite winning 3 of their first 4.

The Red Dogs made a significant trade following the 1999 season, a trade they never got to benefit from.  New Jersey sent Alvin Ashley to the Orlando Predators for wide receiver/defensive back [[Barry Wagner]], widely regarded as the greatest player in the league's history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cgi.canoe.ca/FootballArena/sep23_wag.html |title=New Jersey Red Dogs acquire Barry Wagner from Orlando |date=September 23, 1999 |publisher=Canoe Inc. |work=www.cgi.canoe.ca |url-status=usurped |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110608142932/http://cgi.canoe.ca/FootballArena/sep23_wag.html |archive-date=June 8, 2011 }}</ref> However, soon after the trade, the league and its players agreed to a new [[collective bargaining agreement]] that resulted in several veteran players—including Wagner—gaining free agency. Wagner then signed with the [[San Jose SaberCats]].

In [[2000 in sports|2000]], the Red Dogs, without Wagner, Ashley, and offensive mainstay Chad Lindsey, fell to 4–10.  Foggie lost his job as starting QB, replaced by [[Tommy Maddox]], at the time a failed NFL quarterback. Head coach Frank Mattiace left the team in mid-season and was replaced on an interim basis by [[Kevin Guy]], a former defensive back/wide receiver who had played two full seasons with the Red Dogs.

===New Jersey Gladiators (2001–2002)===
Before the 2001 season, the New Jersey team was sold to [[Jim Ferraro]], a lawyer from [[Miami, Florida]]. Ferraro changed the team name to the '''New Jersey Gladiators'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/red-dogs-become-gladiators/n-2707945 |title=Red Dogs become Gladiators |date=February 16, 2001 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=www.oursportscentral.com |access-date=July 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929001138/http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/red-dogs-become-gladiators/n-2707945 |archive-date=September 29, 2017 }}</ref> The new ownership appointed as head coach the ex-CityHawk boss [[Lary Kuharich]], who had won [[ArenaBowl VII]] in [[1993 Arena Football League season|1993]] with the Tampa Bay Storm; and it acquired Connell Maynor from Orlando to be the starting Quarterback. Maynor had led the Predators to victory in [[ArenaBowl XIV]] the previous season, and was named the game's MVP. An all-around threat, Maynor had played with the CityHawks under Kuharich in 1997, but took only one [[snap (football)|snap]] all season as the backup to [[Mike Perez (baseball)|Mike Perez]]. Instead, the CityHawks used Maynor as a wide receiver/linebacker, and one week he even won the award for the league's best "ironman" (player who plays both on [[offense (sports)|offense]] and [[defense (sport)|defense]], as 6 of 8 players used to play both sides of the ball in Arena Football).

The Gladiators reached the lowest ebb in franchise history during the 2001 season, winning only 2 out of 14 games. The club's top receivers attained roughly half the number of yards that Larry Ray Willis had achieved in each of the franchise's first two seasons, and the rushing leader was quarterback Maynor himself.

In [[2002 Arena Football League season|2002]], the club had another new coach, [[Frank Haege]], who had been a Red Dog assistant under John Hufnagel. After leaving the Red Dogs, Haege went on to coach the [[Quad City Steamwheelers]] of the AFL's minor-league circuit [[af2]]. Haege's Quad City team had dominated the af2 for two seasons, winning 31 of 32 regular-season games — including one win by a score of 103–3 — and two championships (Haege was later charged by the AFL with violating the af2 salary cap rules at Quad City, and was fined heavily by the league. Also, the Quad City team was banned from the af2 playoffs in 2002). The Gladiators' new quarterback for 2002 was Jay McDonagh, who had played under Haege. Former Red Dog Alvin Ashley was back with the club, seeing limited duty; however, this time around the main New Jersey receiver was [[Mike Horacek]], who had starred for the Iowa Barnstormers, and who later returned to that franchise to play for the Dragons. The Gladiators' fortunes turned around, and they had their first winning season since 1998, going 9–5 and hosting a playoff game for the first time (a loss to Orlando).

A few weeks before the start of the [[2003 Arena Football League season|2003]] season (the first one to begin in February instead of April, and the first one in which the league's games would be televised weekly by [[NBC]]), owner Ferraro moved the team to Las Vegas. The AFL schedules for the 2003 season had already been devised; so the Las Vegas Gladiators would play that season in the Eastern Division of the National Conference, before shifting in [[2004 Arena Football League season|2004]] to the American Conference's Western Division.

===Las Vegas Gladiators (2003–2007)===
<!--[[Image:LasVegasGladiators.png|thumb|right|175px|Las Vegas Gladiators logo]]-->
The '''Gladiators''' relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the [[2003 Las Vegas Gladiators season|2003 season]] and played their home games at the [[Thomas & Mack Center]] on the campus of the [[University of Nevada, Las Vegas]]. This arena was also the home of a previous Arena team, the [[Anaheim Piranhas|Las Vegas Sting]], in 1994 and 1995. In 2007, in an effort to increase attendance, the Gladiators moved to the [[Orleans Arena]]. The move did not have the desired effect; the Gladiators averaged 5,383 fans in 2007, down from 10,115 in 2006.

The Gladiators competed in the Western Division of the AFL's American Conference. The team went 31–50 in five years in Las Vegas, making the playoffs once.

===Cleveland Gladiators (2008–2017)===

====2008 season====
On October 16, 2007, it was announced in a press conference that the Gladiators would be relocating to [[Cleveland, Ohio]]. This would be the second arena football team to play be in the Cleveland area; the [[Cleveland Thunderbolts]] played at the [[Richfield Coliseum]] in [[Richfield, Ohio]], for three seasons from 1992 to 1994. Former [[Cleveland Browns]] Quarterback [[Bernie Kosar]] was announced as the public face of the team, as well as the President of football operations and minority owner. The Gladiators would play their home games at [[Quicken Loans Arena]], the home of the NBA's [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and the AHL's [[Lake Erie Monsters]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/news/?page=pressrel&article=7970 |title=Cleveland to compete in Arena Football League |date=October 16, 2007 |publisher=ArenaFan |work=www.arenafan.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112053433/http://www.arenafan.com/news/?page=pressrel&article=7970 |archive-date=January 12, 2008 }}</ref> The team also moved back to the Eastern Division of the National Conference for the first time since 2003. The team would still be known as the Gladiators and continue to retain the team colors of red, silver, and black.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2007/11/cleveland_arena_football_team.html |title=Cleveland Arena Football team to be named Gladiators |author=Mike Starkey |date=November 28, 2007 |publisher=Cleveland Live LLC. |work=www.cleveland.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110608142933/http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2007/11/cleveland_arena_football_team.html |archive-date=June 8, 2011 }}</ref>

On March 3, the Gladiators played their inaugural game in [[Quicken Loans Arena]], a 61–49 win over the New York Dragons. [[Raymond Philyaw]], the team's quarterback, was named the offensive player of the game after throwing for five touchdowns. The team's first season in Cleveland was a successful one, as they went on to have a winning record of 9–7. On June 21, the Gladiators clinched a playoff berth with a 47–35 win against the Columbus Destroyers as well as home field advantage for the first round.

Cleveland won its first playoff game in 10 years with a 69–66 win over the Orlando Predators. Raymond Philyaw threw for 436 yards (the second-most yards in AFL postseason history) and eight touchdowns, receiver Robert Redd caught a franchise best 204 yards and four touchdowns, and Brandon Hefflin had two interceptions and recovered a key fumble late in the game to seal the victory. The following week, the Gladiators advanced to their first conference championship game in team history when they beat the Georgia Force in the divisional round 73–70. Raymond Philyaw had eight touchdown passes and Robert Redd and [[Otis Amey]] each caught three touchdowns in the win. The 61 points scored by both teams in the second quarter was also an AFL record for combined points in a quarter. The Gladiators then traveled to Philadelphia to face the Soul in the National Conference Championship game. Unfortunately, their season ended one game short of the Arena Bowl with a tough 70–35 loss.

====2009: AFL suspends operations====
The National Conference Championship would be the Gladiators' last game for almost two years. The [[Arena Football League]] canceled its 2009 season and it seemed that operations would be suspended indefinitely. However, the league reorganized as Arena Football 1 before purchasing the assets of the Arena Football League, therefore assuming the AFL's history, and the Gladiators were revived for the 2010 season, with owner [[Jim Ferraro]] and Bernie Kosar returning as team president and Quicken Loans Arena continuing to act as the team's home field. On December 23, 2009, former [[Grand Rapids Rampage]] coach [[Steve Thonn]] was named as new head coach of the Gladiators.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/12/source_arena_football_will_ret.html |title=Indoor football returns in 2010 as Cleveland franchise takes part in 'Arena Football 1' |author=Dennis Manoloff |date=December 7, 2009 |publisher=Cleveland Live LLC. |work=www.cleveland.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212154000/http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/12/source_arena_football_will_ret.html |archive-date=December 12, 2009 }}</ref> Soon after, Arena Football 1 decided to re-adopt the Arena Football League name.

====2010 season====
During their first season in two years, the Gladiators hovered around .500 for the majority of the time. Highlights of the season included blowout victories over the Utah Blaze and the Iowa Barnstormers, but there were also some close losses attributed to poor special teams play. On July 17, during their 15th game of the season, the Gladiators were officially eliminated from playoff contention when their division rivals the Milwaukee Iron defeated the Orlando Predators. The Gladiators finished their 2010 campaign with a 7–9 record.

====2011 season====
The Gladiators returned in 2011 with Steve Thonn once again serving as head coach. [[John Dutton (quarterback)|John Dutton]] also returned as the team's starting quarterback. The Gladiators started their 2011 campaign successfully, upsetting the Spokane Shock, the defending ArenaBowl Champions, at their own arena. However, this victory was marred by an Achilles' heel injury to John Dutton in the final minutes, which would ultimately sideline him for the season. Fortunately, the team's backup quarterback [[Kurt Rocco]] performed well in his first Arena football start as the Gladiators 3–0. In their home opener, wide receiver [[Troy Bergeron]] set a Gladiator franchise record with six touchdown catches during the game. Unfortunately, the Gladiators were not able to post their best start in franchise history, losing the next two weeks. Injuries to Rocco during midseason led to third-string quarterback and Cleveland-area [[Case Western University]] alum [[Dan Whalen (quarterback)|Dan Whalen]] mounting second half comebacks. However, Rocco would eventually retake the starting position for the rest of the season.

Through 2011, the Gladiators were very strong at home but often mediocre on the road. Though they finished with a 7–1 record at Quicken Loans Arena, they were only 3–6 in away games. But the season ultimately ended with success, as the team beat their newest rival, the [[Pittsburgh Power]], to clinch the American Conference East Division and guarantee a spot in the playoffs. This was the second time in three seasons that Gladiators will enter the playoffs while in Cleveland, as well as the first time they have clinched the East Division.

The team entered the playoffs with a 10–8 record to face the Georgia Force in the first round. Despite playing at home, the Gladiators played poorly in the second half and were eliminated from contention, losing 50–41.

====2012 season====
On January 17, 2012, the Gladiators were sold to [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and [[Lake Erie Monsters]] owner [[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7469329/cleveland-cavaliers-owner-dan-gilbert-buys-cleveland-gladiators-arena-league |title=Dan Gilbert buys Arena League team |date=January 17, 2012 |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures. |work=[[ESPN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518225337/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7469329/cleveland-cavaliers-owner-dan-gilbert-buys-cleveland-gladiators-arena-league |archive-date=May 18, 2014 }}</ref>  With John Dutton back as the starting quarterback, the Gladiators began their 2012 campaign successfully, reaching a record of 6–3 at the midway point of the season. However, the team then went on a five-game losing streak, which included some controversy when on June 8, 2012, the Gladiators lost by forfeit to the [[Pittsburgh Power]]. This was the first ever game forfeited in AFL history, due to the Gladiators (representing the AFL players' union) going on strike to protest on-field safety concerns and contract disputes with AFL management.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/gladiators/index.ssf/2012/06/report_cleveland_gladiators_on.html |title=Cleveland Gladiators players' strike causes forfeit loss to Pittsburgh Power |date=June 8, 2012 |author=Dennis Manoloff |publisher=Cleveland Live LLC. |work=www.cleveland.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904095652/http://www.cleveland.com/gladiators/index.ssf/2012/06/report_cleveland_gladiators_on.html |archive-date=September 4, 2012 }}</ref> Though the Gladiators would end the streak with a Week 16 win against division rival Milwaukee, two more losses against Orlando and Utah officially eliminated the team from playoff contention.  The Gladiators finished the 2012 season at 8–10, second place in the East Division.

====2013 season====
The Gladiators' 2012–2013 offseason saw the departure of veteran quarterback John Dutton, who had been with the team for the past three seasons.  The team's fifth season in Cleveland was a struggle, as the Gladiators never were able to have any long sustained success over the course of the year, finishing at 4-14 (tied with [[Pittsburgh Power|Pittsburgh]] for the worst record in the entire Arena League).

====2014 season====
The Gladiators began the 2014 season winning their first nine games, more than doubling their entire win total from the previous season (four). They didn't lose a game until being defeated by the Pittsburgh Power 48–34 on May 31 – more than two months into the season.  On Saturday June 7, 2014, the Gladiators set a team record for points scored in a game when they defeated the [[Iowa Barnstormers]] 86–49.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clevelandgladiators.com/news/more/?article_id=717|title=Latest News|last=Anonymous|date=24 December 2014|website=Cleveland Gladiators|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140608131600/http://clevelandgladiators.com/news/more/?article_id=717|archive-date=8 June 2014}}</ref>  On July 12, 2014, following their 50–47 overtime win over the [[San Antonio Talons]], the Gladiators clinched the East Division Championship, and the #1 seed in the American Conference for the 2014 playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/07/13/gladiators-win-east-division-lock-up-first-place-in-american-with-overtime-win/|title=Gladiators Win East Division, Lock Up First Place In American With Overtime Win|date=13 July 2014|website=cbslocal.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715101934/http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/07/13/gladiators-win-east-division-lock-up-first-place-in-american-with-overtime-win/|archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref> On July 26, 2014, the Gladiators set an AFL record for wins in a single season by going 17–1 after defeating the [[Tampa Bay Storm]], 56–49. This gave the Gladiators home field advantage throughout the 2014 AFL playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CLEGladiators/status/493221661026418689|title=Cleveland Gladiators on Twitter|website=twitter.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818103759/https://twitter.com/CLEGladiators/status/493221661026418689|archive-date=2014-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://clevelandgladiators.com/news/more/?article_id=769|title=Latest News|last=Anonymous|date=24 December 2014|website=Cleveland Gladiators|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806131212/http://clevelandgladiators.com/news/more/?article_id=769|archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> On August 2, 2014, the Gladiators defeated the [[Philadelphia Soul]], 39–37, on a last second field goal by [[Aaron Pettrey]] in the first round of the AFL playoffs to advance to the American Conference finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/02/aaron-pettery-save-the-gladiators-season/|title=Aaron Pettrey saves the Gladiators season|date=2 August 2014|website=cbslocal.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806131405/http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/02/aaron-pettery-save-the-gladiators-season/|archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> On August 10, 2014, the Gladiators defeated the [[Orlando Predators]] 56–46 to win the American Conference Championship, and advance to the [[ArenaBowl]] for the first time in franchise history. In [[ArenaBowl XXVII]], the Gladiators were defeated by the [[Arizona Rattlers]], 72–32.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/arenabowl/spec-rel/082414aaa.html |title=Rattlers Roll to ArenaBowl Three-peat, 72-32 |access-date=2014-08-24 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317105438/http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/arenabowl/spec-rel/082414aaa.html |archive-date=2015-03-17}}</ref>

====2015 season====
The Gladiators opened the 2015 season by winning their first two games; however, on April 11 in an [[ArenaBowl XXVII]] rematch, the Gladiators lost to the Arizona Rattlers 49–41 in their home opener.  Overall, the Gladiators were not able to replicate the success of 2014, finishing with a regular season record of 8–10, second in the East Division. This overall record did qualify for the 2015 AFL playoffs, drawing the East Division Champion [[Philadelphia Soul]] in the first round.  The Gladiators' season ended on August 15 when they lost to Philadelphia 47–35 in the first round of the AFL playoffs.

====2016 season====
For the 2016 season, the AFL featured eight teams, due to a number of teams either folding or moving to other indoor football leagues.  As part of the restructuring, the Gladiators were moved from the American to the National Conference, so as to give each conference four teams.  They finished the regular season at 7–9, third place in the National Conference.

In the first round of the AFL playoffs, the Gladiators rallied and defeated the [[Los Angeles KISS]] 56–52 after trailing the bulk of the game.  The Gladiators then lost to the [[Arizona Rattlers]] 82–41 in the National Conference championship game, ending their season.

====2017 season====
In 2017, the AFL was reduced from eight teams down to five, due to teams folding or transferring to other leagues.  With only five teams, the AFL essentially played a round-robin style 14 game schedule, with the top four teams at the end of the season advancing to the playoffs.  The Gladiators finished at 5–9, clinching third place and a playoff spot.  Cleveland would go on to lose to the #2 seed [[Tampa Bay Storm]] 73–59 in the AFL semifinals to end their season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/recap/gladiators-outlasted-storm|title=Gladiators Outlasted by Storm|last=jjanavicius|date=14 August 2017|website=Cleveland Gladiators|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816064537/https://www.clevelandgladiators.com/recap/gladiators-outlasted-storm|archive-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>

====Suspension of operations: 2017====
In September 2017, it was announced that Quicken Loans Arena would be undergoing significant renovations during the 2018 and 2019 basketball offseason so as not to conflict with its primary tenant, the NBA's [[Cleveland Cavaliers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2017/09/game_on_cavs_announce_quicken_loans_transformation_will_go_forward.html |title=Cleveland Cavs announce Quicken Loans transformation will go forward |work=Cleveland.com |date=September 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106075001/http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2017/09/game_on_cavs_announce_quicken_loans_transformation_will_go_forward.html |archive-date=November 6, 2017 }}</ref> However, as the AFL season runs into the basketball offseason, the Gladiators had to take a two-year leave of absence beginning in November 2017 with hopes to return for the 2020 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/cleveland/cleveland-gladiators-to-take-2-year-hiatus-during-q-renovations/495249675 |title=Cleveland Gladiators to take 2-year hiatus during Q renovations |publisher=[[WKYC]] |date=November 28, 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

When the renovations were completed, the league suspended all city-based team operations for at least the 2020 season putting the Gladiators' plans on hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/kevin-kleps-blog/cleveland-gladiators-remain-hiatus-are-monitoring-arena-football-leagues-uncertain |title=Cleveland Gladiators remain on hiatus, are monitoring Arena Football League's uncertain future |website=Crain's Cleveland |date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> The AFL filed for bankruptcy November 27, 2019, and ceased operations.

==Notable players==
[[File:Gladiators offensive huddle.jpg|thumb|300px|The Gladiators in 2017]]

===Final roster===
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;" 
|-
! colspan=7 style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Cleveland Gladiators|border=2}};" | Cleveland Gladiators roster
|-
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Quarterbacks'''
{{NFLplayer|12|Tanner Marsh}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;2|Arvell Nelson}}

'''Fullbacks'''
{{NFLplayer|33|Jeramie Richardson}}

'''Wide receivers'''
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;6|Tom Gilson|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|10|Lonnie Outlaw}}
{{NFLplayer|19|Michael Preston|d=American football}}
{{NFLplayer|18|Quentin Sims}}
{{NFLplayer|17|Collin Taylor}}

| style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Offensive linemen'''
{{NFLplayer|55|Adam Bice|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|51|Alex Land|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|74|Bret Piekarski|rookie=y}}
{{NFLplayer|77|Aslam Sterling}}

'''Defensive linemen'''
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;3|Darryl Cato-Bishop}}
{{NFLplayer|56|Willie McGinnis}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;9|K. C. Obi}}
{{NFLplayer|99|Nick Seither}}
{{NFLplayer|50|Derrick Summers}}

| style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Linebackers'''
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;8|Terence Moore|d=American football}}

'''Defensive backs'''
{{NFLplayer|21|Marrio Norman}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;5|Fred Obi}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;4|Brandon Stephens|d=American football, born 1987}}
{{NFLplayer|20|Kenny Veal}}

'''Kickers'''
{{NFLplayer|23|Drew Basil}}

| style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Injured reserve'''
{{NFLplayer|11|Phillip Barnett|WR|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;1|Larry Brackins|WR|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|92|Zach Colvin|rookie=y|DL|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|11|Jamar Howard|d=American football|WR|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Jordan McCray|OL|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|13|Devin Wilson|WR|IR}}

'''Other league exempt'''
*''Currently vacant''

'''League suspension'''
{{NFLplayer|--|D. J. Brandel|OL|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Michael Carlisle|d=American football|rookie=y|LB|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|78|David Griffin|d=American football|OL|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|15|Jujuan Harley|rookie=y|DB|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|15|Stephen Panasuk|QB|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|21|Troy Pascley|rookie=y|WR|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|14|Aaron Pettrey|K|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;4|Marvin Ross|DB|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|13|Danny Southwick|QB|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|11|Antonio Vaughan|WR|Susp.}}
{{NFLplayer|10|Josiah Yazdani|rookie=y|K|Susp.}}

'''Inactive reserve'''
*''Currently vacant''

'''Refuse to report'''
{{NFLplayer|--|John Collins|d=American football|OL|DNR}}

'''Recallable reassignment'''
*''Currently vacant''

<small>''Rookies in italics''</small><br />
<small><span class="plainlinks">[https://web.archive.org/web/20150215012743/http://clevelandgladiators.com/team/roster/ Roster]</span> updated August 14, 2017</small><br />
{{small|23 Active, 18 Inactive}}

|}

===Arena Football League Hall of Famers===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
| colspan="5" style= "background: #EE2D24; color: white" align="center"| '''Cleveland Gladiators Hall of Famers'''
|-
!width=60px style="background: #000; color: white" |No.
!style="background: #000; color: white" |Name
!style="background: #000; color: white" |Year Inducted
!style="background: #000; color: white" |Position(s)
!style="background: #000; color: white" |Years w/ Gladiators
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 13 || [[Clint Dolezel]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2012 || style="text-align:center;"|[[Quarterback|QB]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2004–2005
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| -- || [[George LaFrance]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || style="text-align:center;"|[[Offensive Specialist|OS]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2000
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| -- || [[Stevie Thomas]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2012 || style="text-align:center;"|[[Wide receiver|WR]]/[[Linebacker|LB]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2001
|}

===Individual awards===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#EE2D24; color:white;"| '''AFL Offensive Player of the Year'''
|-
!  style="width:50px; background:#000; color:white;"| Season
!  style="width:150px; background:#000; color:white;"| Player
!  style="width:100px; background:#000; color:white;"| Position
|-
|{{AFL Year|2004}}||[[Marcus Nash (American football)|Marcus Nash]]||[[Offensive Specialist|OS]]
|}

{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#EE2D24; color:white;"| '''Lineman of the Year'''
|-
!  style="width:50px; background:#000; color:white;"| Season
!  style="width:150px; background:#000; color:white;"| Player
!  style="width:100px; background:#000; color:white;"| Position
|-
|{{AFL Year|1999}}||[[Robert Stewart (Arena football)|Robert Stewart]]||[[Offensive lineman|OL]]/[[Defensive lineman|DL]]
|}

{{col-2}}
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#EE2D24; color:white;"| '''Kicker Player of the Year'''
|-
!  style="width:50px; background:#000; color:white;"| Season
!  style="width:150px; background:#000; color:white;"| Player
!  style="width:100px; background:#000; color:white;"| Position
|-
|{{AFL Year|1997}}||[[Steve Videtich]]||[[Placekicker|K]]
|-
|{{AFL Year|2002}}||[[Steve Videtich]]||[[Placekicker|K]]
|}

{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#EE2D24; color:white;"| '''HERO Award'''
|-
!  style="width:50px; background:#000; color:white;"| Season
!  style="width:150px; background:#000; color:white;"| Player
!  style="width:100px; background:#000; color:white;"| Position
|-
|{{AFL Year|1999}}||[[Latish Kinsler]]||[[Defensive Specialist|DS]]
|-
|{{AFL Year|2012}}||[[John Dutton (quarterback)|John Dutton]]||[[Quarterback|QB]]
|}

{{col-2}}
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#EE2D24; color:white;"| '''AFL Rookie of the Year'''
|-
!  style="width:50px; background:#000; color:white;"| Season
!  style="width:150px; background:#000; color:white;"| Player
!  style="width:100px; background:#000; color:white;"| Position
|-
|{{AFL Year|2016}}||[[Marvin Ross]]||[[Defensive back|DB]]
|}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}
{{col-end}}

===All-Arena players===
The following Red Dogs/Gladiators players have been named to All-Arena Teams:
*'''QB''' [[Shane Austin]]
*'''FB''' [[Marlion Jackson]]
*'''FB/LB''' [[Frank Carter (American football)|Frank Carter]]
*'''WR/DB''' [[Alvin Ashley]] (2)
*'''WR''' [[Otis Amey]], [[Ben Nelson (American football)|Ben Nelson]], [[Dominick Goodman]] (2), [[Collin Taylor]]
*'''OS''' [[Marcus Nash (American football)|Marcus Nash]]
*'''OL''' [[Adam Tadisch]], [[Shannon Breen]], [[Joe Madsen]], [[D. J. Brandel]]
*'''OL/DL''' [[Robert Stewart (Arena football)|Robert Stewart]] (3)
*'''DL''' [[Anthony Hoke]], [[Willie McGinnis]] (2), [[Randy Colling]]
*'''LB''' [[Tim Cheatwood]]
*'''DB''' [[Marrio Norman]], [[Marvin Ross]]
*'''DS''' [[Damon Mason]]
*'''K''' [[Steve Videtich]] (4)
*'''KR''' [[Larry Beavers]]

===All-Ironman players===
The following Red Dogs/Gladiators players have been named to All-Ironman Teams: 
* '''WR/DB''' [[Alvin Ashley]] (1)
* '''DS/KR''' [[Adrian Lunsford]] (1)

===All-Rookie players===
The following Red Dogs/Gladiators players have been named to All-Rookie Teams: 
* '''FB/LB''' [[Jermaine Younger]] 
* '''WR/DB''' [[Dimitrious Stanley]], [[David Saunders (American football player)|David Saunders]], [[Dennison Robinson]]
* '''OS''' [[Michael Lewis (lineman)|Michael Lewis]]

==Head coaches==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
![[Head coach]]
!Tenure
!Regular season<br />record (W–L)
!Postseason<br />record (W–L)
|-
|[[John Hufnagel]]
|[[1997 Arena Football League season|1997]]–[[1998 Arena Football League season|1998]]
|17–11<ref name="AFOJH">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=18 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: John Hufnagel |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032221/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=18 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|1–2<ref name="AFOJH"/>
|-
|[[Frank Mattiace]]
|[[1999 Arena Football League season|1999]]–[[2000 Arena Football League season|2000]]
|9–15<ref name="AFOM">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=49 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Frank Mattice |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025031930/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=49 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–0<ref name="AFOM"/>
|-
|[[Kevin Guy]]
|2000
|1–3<ref name="AFOG">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=54 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Kevin Guy |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019034631/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=54 |archive-date=2008-10-19 }}</ref>
|0–0<ref name="AFOG"/>
|-
|[[Lary Kuharich]]
|[[2001 Arena Football League season|2001]]
|2–12<ref name="AFOK">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=25 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Lary Kuharich |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032426/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=25 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–0<ref name="AFOK"/>
|-
|[[Frank Haege]]
|[[2002 Arena Football League season|2002]]–[[2004 Arena Football League season|2004]]
|25–21<ref name="AFOH">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=61 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Frank Haege |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032035/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=61 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–2<ref name="AFOH"/>
|-
|[[Ron James (arena football)|Ron James]]
|[[2005 Arena Football League season|2005]]–[[2006 Arena Football League season|2006]]
|13–18<ref name="AFOJ">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=77 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Ron James |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032727/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=77 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–0<ref name="AFOJ"/>
|-
|[[Danton Barto]]
|[[2007 Las Vegas Gladiators season|2007]]
|2–14<ref name="AFOB">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=82 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Danton Barto |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032733/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=82 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–0<ref name="AFOB"/>
|-
|[[Mike Wilpolt]]
|[[2008 Cleveland Gladiators season|2008]]
|9–7<ref name="AFOW">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=71 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Mike Wilpolt |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025032323/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=71 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|2–1<ref name="AFOW"/><br />(2008 AFL Coach of the Year)
|-
|[[Steve Thonn]]
|[[2010 Cleveland Gladiators season|2010]]–[[2016 Cleveland Gladiators season|2016]]
|61–61*
|3–4<br />(2014 AFL Coach of the Year)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/21/gladiators-thonn-selesky-named-net10-wireless-coaches-of-the-year|title=Gladiators Thonn, Selesky Named NET10 Wireless Coaches of the Year|date=21 August 2014|website=cbslocal.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140822125539/http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/08/21/gladiators-thonn-selesky-named-net10-wireless-coaches-of-the-year|archive-date=22 August 2014}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ron Selesky]]
|[[2017 Cleveland Gladiators season|2017]]
|5–9<ref name="AFOS">{{cite web |url=http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=66 |title=ArenaFan Online: AFL Coaches: Ron Selesky |access-date=2008-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025031952/http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=coaches&coach=66 |archive-date=2006-10-25 }}</ref>
|0–1
|}

{{small|(*)}} {{small|One loss occurred via forfeit}}

==Front office/Coaching staff==
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Cleveland Gladiators|border=2}}; text-align: center;"|'''Cleveland Gladiators staff'''
|-
|colspan=7 align="right" |
|-
|valign="top"|
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | '''Front office'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/front-office-directory|title=Front Office Staff|last=Anonymous|date=24 December 2014|website=Cleveland Gladiators|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220014627/http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/front-office-directory|archive-date=20 February 2015|access-date=19 February 2015}}</ref>
*[[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]] (Majority Owner)
*Len Komoroski ([[CEO]])
*Kerry Bubolz (President of business operations)
*Mike Ostrowski (VP of Minor League Operations)

|width="35"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |
'''Head coach'''
*[[Ron Selesky]]

'''Assistant coaches'''
*[[Dominic Jones]] (assistant head coach, director of football operations)
*[[Siaha Burley]] (offensive coordinator, assistant director of player personnel)
*[[Chad Schofield]] (offensive line coach, football outreach and community ambassador)
*[[Clay Harrell]] (defensive line coach & strength and conditioning coach)

<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/football-staff|title=Football Staff|last=Anonymous|date=23 February 2015|website=Cleveland Gladiators|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309205458/http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/football-staff|archive-date=9 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref>
|}

==Media==
[[WKRK-FM]] was the team's radio home.  Tony Brown serves as play-by-play announcer, while WKRK-FM personality [[Dustin Fox]] serves as color analyst for home games. Select home games also aired on [[regional sports network]] [[Spectrum Sports (Ohio)]], during which the feed is simulcast on the radio. [[WHBC (AM)|WHBC]] host Kenny Roda served as field reporter for televised games.

==Season-by-season records==
{{main article|List of Cleveland Gladiators seasons}}

== Mascot and in-game entertainment ==
The Gladiators' mascot was a Trojan warrior dressed lion character named "Rudi",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/roster/rudiarius-rudi-lion|title=Rudiarius "Rudi" The Lion|publisher=Cleveland Gladiators|access-date=2016-09-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909071737/http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/roster/rudiarius-rudi-lion|archive-date=2016-09-09}}</ref> and the team also features cheerleaders known as the "Goddesses".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/goddesses|title=Gladiators' Goddesses|publisher=Cleveland Gladiators|access-date=2014-04-30|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327170003/http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/team/goddesses/|archive-date=2014-03-27}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Cleveland Gladiators}}
* [http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.923thefan.com/ Broadcast Website]

{{Cleveland Gladiators}}
{{Arena Football League}}
{{Cleveland Sports}}
{{Ohio Sports}}

[[Category:Cleveland Gladiators| ]]
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