With under three minutes left, the Phoenix Thunder were clinging to a four point lead against the New York City Bravest. On the next snap, a Phoenix defensive lineman sacked the opposing quarterback, forcing a fumble that provided a breakaway touchdown and an eleven point cushion.
This proved to be the pivotal play in the Thunder's 31-27 victory over the Bravest on June 9. In the first National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL) championship in three years to feature two fire department teams, Phoenix led through all four quarters despite a spirited effort from their New York counterparts at the end.
The NPSFL is a union of public safety agency football teams from throughout the United States. Both squads in the finals had a rivalry that traced back to Phoenix's 46-3 demolition of FDNY in 2003.
The Thunder will no doubt be feeling the joy of victory for awhile -- literally.
The level of competition exceeds what one might typically associate with an intramural-type contest. According to the president of the Phoenix Thunder, Phil Adams, 95 percent of the roster played college football, with a few participants having played for the NFL in past lives.
Professional caliber talent brings professional level hits. Injuries are not uncommon in the five game season, said Adams. The entire Phoenix Thunder roster was covered by a supplemental insurance program
But the league is not only about bumps, bruises, and bragging rights. "It's a real family. Close knit," said Adams, a former player. "Some whom I played with are still best friends."
He added that the contests provided opportunities to network with public safety professional from other regions as well. "Someone might know someone. We might go on road trips -- partying, having a good time."
Over 2,000 fans attended the championship game in Phoenix, Adams estimates. People of all stripes were in attendance, with the heaviest contingent being friends and family of the players, along with other curious firefighters and police.
To finance the NPSFL, every team within had to raise money for charity as well as for themselves. The Thunder operated on a budget of 65 thousand, according to Adams.
Fundraising was often done during Thunder during games, where a cut of the contributions was allocated to the local Thomas J. Pappas School for Children of Homeless Families -- a foundation started by a group of Phoenix firefighters in 1989.
In addition to contributing financially, members of the Thunder have helped put on a sports clinic for the K-5 school each year.
The Thunder also contribute to the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix.
Those interested in forming a team or making a contribution should visit the National Public Safety Football League's website at http://www.npsfl.com/about/index.php
