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Thunder Name Team Award Winners

August 6, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Thunder announced their team award winners at a private banquet at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel on Monday night.

And the two dual award winners spanned coast-to-coast. Former Oregon standout Darron Thomas earned accolades as Ironman of the Year and Fan Favorite. Throughout the season, Thomas passed for 14 touchdowns, ran for 10, caught a pass, caught an interception and returned it for a touchdown, and made several special teams tackles. Baltimore native Douglas McNeil III took home Offensive Player of the Year and Best Celebration trophies. Just a day earlier in the franchise's first playoff game in Arizona, McNeil scored five touchdowns, pushing his season total to 23 despite missing a few games.

Outstanding AFL rookies were also a big part of the story, with Thomas, McNeil III, Western Oregon's Bryce Peila, Max Jean-Gilles, K.C. Obi and Varmah Sonie all earning team awards in their first AFL season.

Owner Terry Emmert took home the inaugural GEM Award, presented by Thunder General Manager Meadow Lemon in honor of his daughter Meg. The GEM Award honors an individual for their exceptional commitment to both the Portland Thunder and the community in which it plays.

Category Winner

Offensive Player of the Year Douglas McNeil III

Defensive Player of the Year Eric Crocker

Special Teams Player of the Year Duane Brooks

Ironman of the Year Darron Thomas

Best Catch of the Year Jeffrey Solomon

Team MVP Bryce Peila

Fan Favorite Darron Thomas

Offensive Lineman of the Year Max Jean-Gilles

Defensive Lineman of the Year K.C. Obi

Rookie of the Year Varmah Sonie

Dancer of the Year Lindsay

Best Hit of the Year Antron Dillon on Aaron Garcia, Week 18 vs. L.A.

Best Celebration Douglas McNeil III

GEM Award Terry Emmert

With the 2014 Thunder season in the books, it's time to get ready for 2015! Fans can register early for the Thunder Loyalty Program and get more exciting Thunder football for 2015 through 2017 by visiting bit.ly/ThunderRenewalPacket. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).



Arena Football League Stories from August 6, 2014


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