The Carolina Cobras were an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League. The team was formed prior to the 2000 season, which endured a player strike.
The team was originally based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but moved to Charlotte following its third season.
History They played their home games in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena, now called the Lenovo Center, prior to the 2003 season. The team was based in the Charlotte Coliseum through 2004. Coaching staff included: Ed Khayat, John Gregory, Ron Selesky, Ray Jauch. On September 20, 2004, prior to the arrival of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, the league announced the termination of this franchise; its players were made available to the other AFL teams in a dispersal draft.
Legacy The Cobras' legacy in Charlotte was actually meant to fill open dates at the Charlotte Coliseum when the original Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans. When the Charlotte Bobcats began play, the Cobras were no longer necessary.
The Cobras' name (previously used for one year by the Charlotte Cobras of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League) is now in use by the city of Charlotte for its works team in the National Public Safety Football League.
Season-by-season ArenaBowl championsArenaBowl appearanceDivision championsPlayoff berth
SeasonLeagueConferenceDivisionRegular seasonPostseason resultsFinishWinsLossesCarolina Cobras2000AFLNationalSouthern5th3112001AFLNationalEastern3rd77Lost Wild Card Round (Indiana) 58–412002AFLNationalSouthern2nd68Won Wild Card Round (Grand Rapids) 72–64 Lost Quarterfinals (Arizona) 61–592003AFLNationalSouthern4th0162004AFLNationalEastern2nd610Total2252(includes only regular season)12(includes only the postseason)2354(includes both regular season and postseason)
Notable players
Arena Football Hall of Famers Carolina Cobras Hall of FamersNo.NameYear inductedPosition(s)Years w/ Cobras 12 Cory Fleming 2013 WR/LB 2002
All-Arena players The following Cobras players have been named to All-Arena Teams: WR/LB Cory Fleming (1)
All-Ironman players The following Cobras players have been named to All-Ironman Teams: WR/DB Cornelius White (1) WR/LB Cory Fleming (1)
All-Rookie players The following Cobras players have been named to All-Rookie Teams: OL/DL Silas DeMary
References
External links Carolina Cobras at ArenaFan.com