Shadetree Sorcerer

WLAF: The Thunder shocks the Mean Machine

ORLANDO, FL - The Portland Thunder was the first pro football franchise to use the "Thunder" nickname back in the World Football League (WFL) in 1975 after picking up the rubble of the city's original WFL team, the Portland Storm in 1974. The World League of American Football (WLAF) re-introduced America to the "Thunder" in Orlando in 1991. The team only played two years in Florida and are known more for their hideous logo, bright fluorescent team colors and tacky uniforms than anything else. The "Thunder" nickname reemerged in 1991 when NFL Europe expanded to Berlin, Germany and this version was successful on the field winning the World Bowl three times in 2001, 2002 and 2004. NFL Europe folded after the 2007 season and when the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City begining with the 2008-09 season, the team was renamed the "Thunder" based on the city being a frequent victim of powerful storms due to its location within Tornado Alley, plus OKC's housing of the US Army's 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds, from 1920 to 1968. Throwback Week