The team began operations in 2004 as the Odessa Roughnecks, a charter member of the Intense Football League (IFL).

In January 2010, Dale and Jay Morris of Midland, Texas purchased the Roughnecks from Allegiance Pro Sports.

It was announced on October 16, 2013, that a new team would replace the Roughnecks at the Ector County Coliseum in 2014 – the West Texas Wildcatters.

Through prayer shortly after, Abby and Tommy Benizio decided to purchased the franchise and moved to the Permian Basin along with their pet prairie dogs.

By the close of 2003, the franchise creatively announced the name of "Roughnecks" along with the unveiling of a logo fit for the community and a mascot who has become a staple in both Odessa and Midland known as Digger.

Lubbock defeated Odessa in overtime just one game shy of the championship but the season did not end without the success of leading the IFL in attendance and having promoted more players to the next level than any other team in the league.

On March 29, 2008, the Sioux Falls Storm of the United Indoor Football League lost to the Omaha Beef 34–18, ending their historic 40-game winning streak and giving them their first loss since July 15, 2005.