Damian Lillard's Brother Didn't Make the Portland Thunder

Terry Emmert's arena football team kicks off tonight

DUCK TALES: Quarterback Darron Thomas (1), who played for the University of Oregon, remains hugely popular in Portland, getting the loudest cheer at a recent Trail Blazers game.

By AARON MESH

Arena football returns to Portland tonight for the first time in 15 years when the Portland Thunder play their season opener in the Moda Center.

Not debuting: Damian Lillard's older brother Houston Lillard.

WW reported earlier this month that Houston Lillard tried out as a quarterback for the Thunder, raising the possibility of two Lillards playing in the Moda Center.

But Houston Lillard, who played college ball at Southeast Missouri State, didn't make the final Thunder roster.

But at least six local players  will be on the team when it kicks off at 7 pm against the San Jose SaberCats. They former Oregon Ducks star quarterback Darron Thomas and former Portland State University wide receiver Justin Monahan.

A cover story in WW earlier this month reported how these players are clinging to the fringes of professional football.

The story also profiled Thunder owner Terry Emmert, a Clackamas County heavy-hauling mogul with a colorful history in financing Portland sports—and water buffalo, which might or might also make an appearance at the Moda Center this season.

WWeek 2015

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