This team was part of the failed XFL begun by Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment and by NBC, a major television network in the United States.

One of DiNardo's assistants with the Thunderbolts was his predecessor at LSU, Curley Hallman, who was Brett Favre's head coach for three seasons at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Hallman also coached at Legion Field with the Alabama Crimson Tide during two stints as an assistant under Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings and Mike DuBose.

On the teams helmets, the logo was placed at the front, instead of the customary position on each side, with only the upper three lightning bolts visible.

After losing the opening game to the Memphis Maniax, the Thunderbolts posted wins over the Chicago Enforcers and the New York/New Jersey Hitmen.

Barker suffered a concussion in Chicago when he collided with Enforcers' cornerback Ray Austin while attempting a bootleg run on a broken play.

Barker currently hosts "The Opening Drive" on WJOX 94.5 in Birmingham with Tony Kurre and former NFL kicker Al Del Greco.