2001 Rampage selected as the 12th greatest team in AFL history

Published on May 18, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The 2001 Grand Rapids Rampage, which began 5-0, won six games in the final minute of play or in overtime and eventually won ArenaBowl XV, has been selected as the 12th greatest team in league history. Grand Rapids finished the regular season 11-3 and then defeated Chicago and Indiana in the playoffs. In ArenaBowl XV, the team beat Nashville 64-42 thanks in part to Terrill Shaw's ArenaBowl record-breaking performance of 12 catches for 172 yards and five touchdowns.

As a tribute to the AFL's 20th anniversary season, a historical committee formed by the AFL selected the 20 Greatest Players, Games, Moments and Teams in league history. The results have been released throughout the season.

In all, only four non-ArenaBowl champions made the list, including the 1992 & 1994 Orlando Predators, 1994 Albany Firebird and 1996 Iowa Barnstormers. Good teams may possess a great offense or a great defense. But the best team in Arena Football history - the 2002 San Jose SaberCats -- possessed both and used them to dominate the League like no team ever has.

The 2002 SaberCats became the first team to begin the season 12-0, lost only one game by a single touchdown and executed the most dominating win in ArenaBowl history, 52-14, over the Arizona Rattlers despite the loss of their starting quarterback for the season in Week 13. San Jose was also the first team to score at least 50 points in every game and the defense held seven of its final eight opponents to under 50 points.

The esteemed Historical Committee consists of a diverse mix of AFL personalities, all with a strong knowledge of the league and its history. The members are: HOWARD BALZER, a journalist who has covered the AFL since its inception; HUNKIE COOPER, a former player and current assistant coach who retired with the record for career all-purpose yards; DARRYL HAMMOND, an active player who played in his 16th season this year; MIKE HOHENSEE, head coach of the Chicago Rush, who has been involved with the AFL for all 20 seasons; JOE KAUFFMAN, the president of ArenaFan Online; GEORGE LAFRANCE, a former player who won five ArenaBowl championships; BILL NIRO, an AFL founder; and GENE NUDO, head coach of the Arizona Rattlers, whose career has spanned 19 of the AFL's 20 seasons.

2007 Rampage season tickets are on sale now. Please call the Rampage ticket office at 616.559.1871 to reserve your seats on Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena for eight exciting, hard-hitting, non-stop action games of Arena Football.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 18, 2006


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