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Photos: A look back at Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football league

Columbus Destroyers' fans get up close and personal with Destroyer #4 Cornelius White as he completes a pass despite defensive efforts of Dallas Desperado #2 Jermaine Jones at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
Columbus Destroyers' fans get up close and personal with Destroyer #4 Cornelius White as he completes a pass despite defensive efforts of Dallas Desperado #2 Jermaine Jones at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
The Columbus Dispatch
Earle Bruce speaks during a news conference announcing that the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League will be moving to Columbus and Bruce will be the head coach Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Earle Bruce speaks during a news conference announcing that the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League will be moving to Columbus and Bruce will be the head coach Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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Columbus Destroyers Cornelius White, 4, greets his adoring fans after he scored a touchdown in the first half of his game against the Carolina Cobras at the Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. Columbus played its inaugural home game in front of a sellout crowd of 17,171 losing to the Carolina Cobras by a score of 54-53. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Columbus Destroyers Cornelius White, 4, greets his adoring fans after he scored a touchdown in the first half of his game against the Carolina Cobras at the Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. Columbus played its inaugural home game in front of a sellout crowd of 17,171 losing to the Carolina Cobras by a score of 54-53. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Chris Spielman, director for football operations for the Columbus Destroyers, talks to a recruit on the sidelines during practice at the All-Stars complex, Tuesday, January 20, 2004. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
Chris Spielman, director for football operations for the Columbus Destroyers, talks to a recruit on the sidelines during practice at the All-Stars complex, Tuesday, January 20, 2004. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
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Jeff Cogell of the Indiana Firerbirds rushes for a 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Columbus Destroyers at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (John Severson/ The Star)
Jeff Cogell of the Indiana Firerbirds rushes for a 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Columbus Destroyers at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (John Severson/ The Star)
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Columbus Destroyers' head coach Earle Bruce talks with #4 Cornelius White on the sidelines at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
Columbus Destroyers' head coach Earle Bruce talks with #4 Cornelius White on the sidelines at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
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The franchise moved to Columbus after being purchased by a local ownership group that included businessman Jim Renacci and John H. McConnell, majority owner of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. (Chris Russell/Dispatch Photo)
The franchise moved to Columbus after being purchased by a local ownership group that included businessman Jim Renacci and John H. McConnell, majority owner of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. (Chris Russell/Dispatch Photo)
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The Columbus Destroyers gather under the spotlight prior to their first home game in Columbus at Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
The Columbus Destroyers gather under the spotlight prior to their first home game in Columbus at Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Columbus Destroyers' quarterback Matt D'Orazio, left, goes over a play with head coach Earle Bruce during practice at the All-Stars complex, Tuesday, January 20, 2004. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
Columbus Destroyers' quarterback Matt D'Orazio, left, goes over a play with head coach Earle Bruce during practice at the All-Stars complex, Tuesday, January 20, 2004. (Dispatch photo Renee Sauer)
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Destroyers officials announce the team's inaugural season schedule, featuring eight home games to be played at Nationwide Arena.(Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
Destroyers officials announce the team's inaugural season schedule, featuring eight home games to be played at Nationwide Arena.(Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
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Columbus Destroyers head football coach Earle Bruce, left, gives an ear full to line judge Bob McElwee in the first half of the Destroyers Orlando Predators game at Nationwide Arena, April 4, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Columbus Destroyers head football coach Earle Bruce, left, gives an ear full to line judge Bob McElwee in the first half of the Destroyers Orlando Predators game at Nationwide Arena, April 4, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Columbus Destroyer #28 Corey Hill slips past Tampa Bay Storm's #28 Jonathan Ordway for a TD in first half action. (Chris Russell/Dispatch Photo)
Columbus Destroyer #28 Corey Hill slips past Tampa Bay Storm's #28 Jonathan Ordway for a TD in first half action. (Chris Russell/Dispatch Photo)
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Carolina Cobras Glenn Davis, 24, and teammate Damon Mason, 9, hit Columbus Destroyers Sedrick Robinson, 25, knocking the ball loose and causing a turn over in the second half of their game at the Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Carolina Cobras Glenn Davis, 24, and teammate Damon Mason, 9, hit Columbus Destroyers Sedrick Robinson, 25, knocking the ball loose and causing a turn over in the second half of their game at the Nationwide Arena, February 13, 2004. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Columbus claims its first-ever home victory in a 55-46 win over the Orlando Predators at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Columbus claims its first-ever home victory in a 55-46 win over the Orlando Predators at Nationwide Arena. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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JoJo Polk, left, and Titcus Pettigrew of the Columbus Destroyers wrap up New York Dragon's Curtis Fagan in the second quarter at Nationwide Arena.(Photo for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
JoJo Polk, left, and Titcus Pettigrew of the Columbus Destroyers wrap up New York Dragon's Curtis Fagan in the second quarter at Nationwide Arena.(Photo for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
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Chris Spielman watches the action against Nashville. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
Chris Spielman watches the action against Nashville. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
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Destroyers #3 Damien Groce gets away from Nashville Kats #8 Gabe Amey in the 1st period. The Destroyers unveiled a new look for 2005, including a new logo and modified uniforms. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
Destroyers #3 Damien Groce gets away from Nashville Kats #8 Gabe Amey in the 1st period. The Destroyers unveiled a new look for 2005, including a new logo and modified uniforms. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
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Columbus Destroyers Sedrick Robinson, 25, is knocked into the wall by Grand Rapids Rampage Shawn Foreman, 18, in the first half of their final home game at Nationwide Arena, May 14, 2004. The Destroyers finished the season with 6 wins 10 losses.(Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Columbus Destroyers Sedrick Robinson, 25, is knocked into the wall by Grand Rapids Rampage Shawn Foreman, 18, in the first half of their final home game at Nationwide Arena, May 14, 2004. The Destroyers finished the season with 6 wins 10 losses.(Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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The Destroyers re-structure, naming Chris Spielman head coach and general manager. Earle Bruce is named vice-President of football operations. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
The Destroyers re-structure, naming Chris Spielman head coach and general manager. Earle Bruce is named vice-President of football operations. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Destroyers offensive specialist Randall Lane is brought down by New York Dragons' Chris Anthony in the first quarter. (Photo for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
Destroyers offensive specialist Randall Lane is brought down by New York Dragons' Chris Anthony in the first quarter. (Photo for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
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Destroyers head coach Chris Spielman hangs his head after an Austin Wrangler's touchdown in the second quarter. The Destroyers finished the 2005 season with only 2 wins. (Photos for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
Destroyers head coach Chris Spielman hangs his head after an Austin Wrangler's touchdown in the second quarter. The Destroyers finished the 2005 season with only 2 wins. (Photos for the Dispatch by Will Shilling)
The Columbus Dispatch
Destroyers Jerald Brown, 12, runs back for a touchdown after picking up a fumble in the first half of their game against the Grand Rapids Rampage at Nationwide Arena, January 29, 2006. Doug Kay was hired as the Destroyers third head coach of the franchise. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Destroyers Jerald Brown, 12, runs back for a touchdown after picking up a fumble in the first half of their game against the Grand Rapids Rampage at Nationwide Arena, January 29, 2006. Doug Kay was hired as the Destroyers third head coach of the franchise. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Columbus Destroyers Damien Groce, 3, misses a pass under defensive pressure by Tampa Bay Storm's Jonathan Ordway, 28, in the first half of their game at Nationwide Arena, May 22, 2005. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
Columbus Destroyers Damien Groce, 3, misses a pass under defensive pressure by Tampa Bay Storm's Jonathan Ordway, 28, in the first half of their game at Nationwide Arena, May 22, 2005. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
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Columbus #33 Leroy Thompson barrels into the end zone in the 1st half with Tampa Bay #55 Craig Moore and #27 Leroy Smith trying to stop him. On the right is TB #22 Lawrence Samuels and Columbus #54 Chris Janek. (Dispatch photo by Mike Munden)
Columbus #33 Leroy Thompson barrels into the end zone in the 1st half with Tampa Bay #55 Craig Moore and #27 Leroy Smith trying to stop him. On the right is TB #22 Lawrence Samuels and Columbus #54 Chris Janek. (Dispatch photo by Mike Munden)
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Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown becomes the first player in franchise history to be named First Team All-Arena. Later in the season, Brown is named ADT Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo by Will Shilling)
Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown becomes the first player in franchise history to be named First Team All-Arena. Later in the season, Brown is named ADT Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo by Will Shilling)
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During the first half of the Destroyers' game against Dallas Saturday night at Nationwide Arena, wide receiver Lincoln Dupree catches the ball between Desperados defenders Andrew Layton, left, and Jermaine Jones. (Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch)
During the first half of the Destroyers' game against Dallas Saturday night at Nationwide Arena, wide receiver Lincoln Dupree catches the ball between Desperados defenders Andrew Layton, left, and Jermaine Jones. (Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch)
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Columbus Destroyers' team member Ken Jones, left, tries to keep up with Ballet Met dancer Christine Mangia, far left, as teammate Eddie Galles, right, keeps an eye on Mangia's husband, Ballet Met dancer Justin Gibbs, not pictured. The entire Destroyers team took a ballet class; Gibbs wanted to show the team that ballet can be a type of cross training by football players to gain strength, balance, flexibility and muscle connection with the mind. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
Columbus Destroyers' team member Ken Jones, left, tries to keep up with Ballet Met dancer Christine Mangia, far left, as teammate Eddie Galles, right, keeps an eye on Mangia's husband, Ballet Met dancer Justin Gibbs, not pictured. The entire Destroyers team took a ballet class; Gibbs wanted to show the team that ballet can be a type of cross training by football players to gain strength, balance, flexibility and muscle connection with the mind. (Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
The Columbus Dispatch
Destroyers coach Doug Kay watches over practice.(Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
Destroyers coach Doug Kay watches over practice.(Dispatch photo by Fred Squillante.)
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The Destroyers reach their first Arena Bowl by beating the heavily favored 14-2 Georgia Force 66-56 on July 14, 2007. A pep rally was held at the Dispatch Ice Haus at the Nationwide Arena. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Doral Chenoweth III)
The Destroyers reach their first Arena Bowl by beating the heavily favored 14-2 Georgia Force 66-56 on July 14, 2007. A pep rally was held at the Dispatch Ice Haus at the Nationwide Arena. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Doral Chenoweth III)
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A large banner, proclaiming the Columbus Destroyers as the AFL national conference champions, was being hung on the east side of Nationwide Arena. The Destroyers will play San Jose in the Arena Bowl XXI.(Dispatch photo by Jeff Hinckley)
A large banner, proclaiming the Columbus Destroyers as the AFL national conference champions, was being hung on the east side of Nationwide Arena. The Destroyers will play San Jose in the Arena Bowl XXI.(Dispatch photo by Jeff Hinckley)
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Columbus Destroyers players of the Arena Football League take photos of the trophy as they prepare for Sunday's Arena Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
Columbus Destroyers players of the Arena Football League take photos of the trophy as they prepare for Sunday's Arena Bowl in New Orleans, Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
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Columbus Destroyers defensive back Sidney Haugabrook tackles Cleveland Gladiators wide receiver Andy McCullough during the second quarter at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, March 15, 2008. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Kirk Irwin)
Columbus Destroyers defensive back Sidney Haugabrook tackles Cleveland Gladiators wide receiver Andy McCullough during the second quarter at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, March 15, 2008. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Kirk Irwin)
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Columbus Destroyers wide receiver Damien Groce (3) can't hang onto the pass as he is hit by San Jose SaberCats' Marquis Floyd and a fan leaning over from the stands in the first half of the Arena Bowl XXI football game in New Orleans, Sunday, July 29, 2007. The Destroyers lost to the San Jose Sabercats 55-33.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Columbus Destroyers wide receiver Damien Groce (3) can't hang onto the pass as he is hit by San Jose SaberCats' Marquis Floyd and a fan leaning over from the stands in the first half of the Arena Bowl XXI football game in New Orleans, Sunday, July 29, 2007. The Destroyers lost to the San Jose Sabercats 55-33.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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The Arena Football League announces it was canceling the 2009 season and filed for bankruptcy. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Kirk Irwin)
The Arena Football League announces it was canceling the 2009 season and filed for bankruptcy. (Columbus Dispatch photo by Kirk Irwin)
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Columbus Destroyers Quarterback #11 Matt Nagy unloads a pass against the Philadelphia Souls in the first period of play at Nationwide Arena Monday night April 21, 2008. (Columbus Dispatch Photo by James D. DeCamp)
Columbus Destroyers Quarterback #11 Matt Nagy unloads a pass against the Philadelphia Souls in the first period of play at Nationwide Arena Monday night April 21, 2008. (Columbus Dispatch Photo by James D. DeCamp)
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