Since the Tri-Cities Fever won the National Indoor Football League title in 2005, players and coaches have went their separate ways.

But that bond that was formed that season, lives on among several players and Fever staff members.

And who better to illustrate that point than Drew Dunning.

Sure, Dunning admits that he doesn't stay in contact with his teammates from that championship team and has distanced himself from football all together. During that title run, he was one of the outsiders on the team.

He lived in Issaquah, and drove to the Tri-Cities sometimes just a few hours before the scheduled kickoff. Dunning, the former Washington State University kicker, worked out in Seattle, hoping from a call from an NFL team. To stay in game shape, he signed with the Fever midway through the season.

But the little time he spent with the team and the organization was enough to confirm what all the players, coaching staff and front office has said about that title run.

"It was like a family atmosphere," Dunning said. "It was a great experience. The chemistry there was great."

Time and time again, the player talked about the chemistry of that team. They had a lot of talent, but the chemistry and the leadership pushed aside the egos for the common goal of winning.

"We wanted to do it together," said linebacker Ron Childs. "Everyone was there playing for the same thing."

Dunning is just one of the few that have fallen out of the loop from 2005. Childs, along with Paris Moore, Doug Coleman, and Jarvis Dunn to name a few, have stayed in touch throughout the past five years.

Whether it's a text message, a phone call or a tryout, the bond of the championship run with the Fever has forever linked the players.

"I always like to check in and see what the other guys are doing," said Dunn, who lives in the Seattle area.

Moore, who is planning continuing his playing career this season, says before every season he checks in with his old teammates to see where they are at or where they may be going.

"We just became really good friends," Moore said. "I will always remember that title run and they guys I played with."

The players give most of the credit to the Fever front office for establishing an environment that was welcoming to players. Despite making just over $200 a game, the players say they were always taken care of.

Whether it was a team barbeque , or a ride to pick up some groceries, Childs said everyone pitched in to help each other.

"It was like one big family," he said. "It's hard to explain. We had guys from all over the place, but we all got a long so well together."

Childs, who lives in the Tri-Cities, says he checks in on his former team now and again, and when he gets a chance, reminisces with his former teammates. Mooresays you can't help but talk about the title run.

"It was such a great season," Moore said. "It was a magical season and it's a great memory. The season and the guys that played together."

Next week in Part IV of '5 from 05' we'll catch up with some of the players and see what they have been doing since 2005.