What Is 2012 Iowa Barnstormers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Iowa Barnstormers football team competed in the Arena Football League (AFL) during the 2012 season, finishing with a 9–9 record under head coach Mike Hohensee. They played home games at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines and advanced to the playoffs before losing in the first round.

Key Facts

The 2012 Iowa Barnstormers had a 9–9 regular season record
Head coach Mike Hohensee led the team for the third consecutive season
Played home games at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
Advanced to the 2012 AFL playoffs but lost in the first round
Finished 3rd in the Central Division of the National Conference

Overview

The 2012 Iowa Barnstormers were a professional indoor football team competing in the Arena Football League (AFL), marking their third season since rejoining the league in 2010. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the team played its home games at Wells Fargo Arena and was led by head coach Mike Hohensee, who had been at the helm since the team’s return to the AFL.

The Barnstormers aimed to build on their 2011 playoff appearance, entering the 2012 season with a mix of veteran leadership and new talent. Despite a mid-tier finish in the standings, the team managed to qualify for the postseason, continuing their reputation as a competitive mid-level AFL franchise.

Record: The 2012 Iowa Barnstormers finished the regular season with a 9–9 win-loss record, tying for fourth-best in the National Conference.
Division standing: They placed 3rd in the Central Division of the National Conference, behind the Chicago Rush and the Philadelphia Soul.
Head coach:Mike Hohensee served as head coach for the third straight year, bringing experience from previous AFL and college coaching roles.
Home venue: All home games were played at Wells Fargo Arena, which has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 for football games.
Playoff result: The Barnstormers qualified for the 2012 AFL playoffs but were eliminated in the first round after a loss to the Jacksonville Sharks.

Season Performance

The 2012 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with the Barnstormers alternating wins and losses throughout much of the season. Their offense relied heavily on quarterback quarterback J.P. Losman, who joined the team mid-season and brought veteran presence to the lineup.

Offensive leader: Quarterback J.P. Losman joined the team in May 2012, having previously played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders.
Passing stats: Losman threw for 2,127 yards and 45 touchdowns over 13 games, with a completion rate of 61.3%.
Top receiver: Wide receiver Taj Smith led the team with 1,023 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive standout: Linebacker Beau Bell recorded 8.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, earning him All-Arena honors.
Turnover margin: The team struggled with ball security, finishing with a –7 turnover differential, one of the worst in the league.
Attendance: Average home attendance was around 8,200 fans per game, reflecting solid regional support despite a losing record.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2012 Iowa Barnstormers’ performance can be better understood when compared to other AFL teams that season, particularly division rivals and playoff opponents.

Team	Record	Division Rank	Playoff Result
Philadelphia Soul	15–3	1st, Central	Lost in ArenaBowl XXV
Chicago Rush	11–7	2nd, Central	Lost in semifinals
Iowa Barnstormers	9–9	3rd, Central	Lost in first round
San Jose SaberCats	11–7	2nd, West	Lost in semifinals
Arizona Rattlers	15–3	1st, West	Won ArenaBowl XXV

The table shows that while the Barnstormers were competitive, they trailed behind top-tier teams like the Rattlers and Soul in both record and playoff success. Their 9–9 record placed them in the middle of the league, highlighting a team capable of winning but lacking the consistency to challenge for a championship.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was significant for the Iowa Barnstormers as it demonstrated their ability to remain competitive in a league undergoing financial and structural instability. Despite the AFL’s challenges, the team maintained a loyal fan base and continued to develop professional-level talent.

The Barnstormers’ consistent playoff appearances helped stabilize the AFL’s Central Division during a period of league contraction.
Developing players like Taj Smith provided a pathway to higher leagues, showcasing the AFL’s role in player development.
Their average attendance of 8,200 ranked in the top half of the AFL, indicating strong community support in Des Moines.
Hosting games at Wells Fargo Arena kept professional indoor football visible in a mid-sized market.
The team’s reliance on veteran quarterbacks like Losman highlighted strategic roster management in a short-season league.
Despite playoff elimination, the 2012 season laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the following years.

Ultimately, the 2012 Iowa Barnstormers exemplified resilience in a struggling league, maintaining operations and fan engagement even as the AFL faced broader challenges.