The Peoria Pirates came to the af2 after the sale of the IFL to the AFL in 2000. The Pirates won the final Championship game in the IFL and would go on to win an Arena Cup game and appear in another, making them not only one of the most successful AF2 franchises, but one of the most successful indoor football franchises in history. The Pirates would finish the 2001 season at 7-9. However, they came back with a vengeance in 2002, going 11-5 in the regular season and eventually winning the Arena Cup game against the Florida Firecats 65-47. After a poor 2003 performance, the Pirates returned to glory in 2004, running the table in the playoffs. They would win on the road at Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, and Tulsa. In a rematch of the 2002 Cup game, it was the Firecats’ turn for revenge, as the Pirates would lose 39-26. The Peoria Pirates left the AF2 following the 2004 season to join the United Indoor Football League. (UIF) After two unsuccessful seasons in the UIF, the franchise folded. The Pirates were resurrected in 2008 under new management and inherited all the old league records. In their first year back, the Pirates went 4-12, winning just one game on the road. The team converted just 33% of third downs and scored only 40 points per game. The team did produce a 1,000 yard receiver in Phillip Brock, who caught 26 touchdowns and rushed for 15 more. In 2009, the Pirates were led by Luke Drone and Kent Smith, who combined to throw for 82 passing touchdowns and 20 picks. Unfortunately, the defense also gave up 82 touchdown scores. Brian Albrooks and Dante Ridgeway were the star wide-outs for the Pirates, combining for 50 receiving scores. The defense gave up 56 points per game, leading to a 5-11 season. While none of the wins were against playoff teams, the team did win three of four towards the end of the year and won its final four home games. Following the 2009 season, the Pirates franchise folded.