League president Gary Davidson got Wheeler in touch with former New England Patriots player and executive Rommie Loudd, who was fronting for a group of Orlando businessmen who had recently failed in their bid to get the NFL expansion team that became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Loudd became managing general partner and president, making him the first African-American senior executive of a professional team in North America.

Under coach Jack Pardee, quarterback Bob Davis (Joe Namath's former backup), running back Tommy Reamon and a dominating secondary, the Blazers ran away with the Eastern Division, finishing with a 14–6 record.

They then upset the Memphis Southmen, owners of the league's best record, to advance to the World Bowl against the Birmingham Americans.

In December 1974, shortly after the Blazers' defeat in the World Bowl, Loudd was arrested on tax evasion[2] and cocaine trafficking charges.

The new Wings retained 16 former Blazers, including running back Jim Strong and tight end Luther Palmer.