Detroit Lions by In Play! Magazine

Lions Poll - How Many Wins This Season?

2011-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

DETROIT LIONS VS. ATLANTA FALCONS: POSTGAME NOTES

2011-10-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

The following are postgame notes and quotes from the Detroit Lions' 23-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field, October 23, 2011.

WR CALVIN JOHNSON

Lions WR Calvin Johnson caught his 10th touchdown pass on the season with a 57-yard TD reception in the third quarter. Johnson is now the first player in Lions history with 10 touchdown catches in three different seasons. He also caught 12 touchdowns in 2008 and 2010.
Johnson joins WR Herman Moore as the only players in team history with 10 touchdown catches in back-to-back seasons. Moore had 11 TDs in 1994 and 14 in 1995.
He is now the sixth player in NFL history with 10 touchdown receptions through the first 7 games of the season and first since WR Randy Moss had 10 through 7 games for New England in 2007.
Johnson finished the game with 5 receptions for 115 yards. His 115-yard outing today moved him into fifth place on the Lions all-time receiving yards list surpassing Hall of Fame TE Charlie Sanders (4,817, 1968-77).
By recording 115 receiving yards today, Johnson now has 17 career 100-yard games. He has gone over 100 receiving yards in each of the past three games and four of the seven games the Lions have played this year.
Johnson becomes the first Lions receiving with three-straight 100-yard games since WR German Crowell in 1999.
It is the first time in Johnson’s career that he has registered 100 receiving yards in three-straight games.
Johnson has scored a touchdown in six of the Lions seven games thus far in 2011.

K JASON HANSON

Lions K Jason Hanson has now played in 302 career games. He is now tied with QB Brett Favre and K Matt Stover for sixth place on the NFL’s career games played list.
Hanson finished the game with 10 points (3 FG, 1 PAT) and now has scored 68 points on the season. He has scored 10 points in four of the team’s seven games this season.

T JEFF BACKUS

Today’s game marked T Jeff Backus’ 167th consecutive start. He currently has the most consecutive starts by any lineman (offense or defense) in the NFL and the most among offensive players. He has the eighth-most consecutive starts by an offensive lineman since 1970.

LIONS INTERCEPTIONS

The Lions defense intercepted two passes today to move their season total to 10 in the season’s first seven games.
CB Eric Wright picked off his second pass of the season on the Falcons’ opening drive and returned it 22 yards to the Atlanta 15-yard line, setting up a Lions field goal.
S Amari Spievey recorded his third interception of the season on the first play of the fourth quarter. Three interceptions on the season is a career high for the second-year safety.

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CITY OF DETROIT MUNICIPAL PARKING DEPARTMENT OFFERS PARKING FOR DETROIT LIONS GAME SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

2011-10-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

The following City of Detroit Municipal Parking Department facilities will be open for the Detroit Lions football game on Sunday, October 23:

  Hours                                                                  Rate

Cadillac Farmer Lot 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.                       $10
1025 Farmer

Eastern Market Garage 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.                    $15
2727 Riopelle

Grand Circus Park Garage 10 a.m. – close*              $20
1600-01 Woodward Avenue

Premier Underground Garage 24 hours $10
1206-08 Woodward Avenue

*Grand Circus Park Garage closes two hours after the Detroit Lions football game ends.

For more information, call the department at (313) 221-2500 or go online to the City’s Web site at http://www.detroitmi.gov/, click on Departments, and then go to Municipal Parking.

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Lions Injuries/Health Concerns May Take a Toll

2011-10-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ FROM TODAY'S PRACTICE

Opening Statement: “You guys obviously know that the trade didn’t go through. Anytime you make a trade in the NFL, there’s a lot of different conditions; everywhere from physical to contracts to reporting and everything else. And this one ended up not being executed. Both players revert back to the teams; draft pick comes back. I think that’s about all I’ll say on it.”

On the media reports of Lions RB Jerome Harrison having a brain tumor: “Well, first it’s a privacy issue and I’m not going to comment on it. He’s back on our 53 man roster and we’ll have an injury report at 4 o’clock. We’ll have the information presented then.”

On if Harrison is expected to contribute again at some point this year: “I think I’ll take (the same stance) with every (injured) player that we have: they’ll work hard to get back on the field and when they’re ready they will be.”

On Jahvid Best’s family remarks regarding ending his season: “Well anytime you talk about concussions, the way we’ve talked about before, it’s not a situation you can tough out. I think the NFL has been very proactive in what they’re, you know, what we’re doing with concussions. We’ve had some players that have had them, some guys that have missed time and some guys that have gotten back. I think we’ll just take that same approach with Jahvid. As soon as he gets clearance, he’ll be back.”

On how many concussions is too many in a short period of time: “That’s not up for me to decide. That’s the reason that the NFL has put people that know what they’re doing in those things. Like I said, it’s not a situation where a player can will his way back; it’s not a situation where a coach or anybody else can put a player back before, you know, the independent doctors say he’s able to be able to do those things.”

On under what circumstances would he recommend a player sitting out for the season due to a concussion: “I wouldn’t recommend that (because) it’s not my area to recommend.”

On if Best has expressed concern to him: “Any conversations I have with players are not for media.”

On if Stefan Logan is the third back this week: “He’s a guy that can carry the ball for us, but you know, he’s always done multi-dimensional roles for us.”

On getting TE Tony Scheffler back on the practice field: “He was a guy coming back from a concussion and did a good job sort of, you know, staying active and doing those things and like I said before: when they’re ready, they come back. Obviously (he) passed enough to be back.”

On if it’s the same with LB Justin Durant: “Pretty much the same, yeah.”

On how much Schefflers’s absence hurt in the red zone last week: “Well, he’s a guy that doesn’t have a lot of catches for us, but he has touchdown catches and he’s got great size, and he has a great length to be able to make a lot of plays. Anytime that you have a player that’s missing, you’re going to miss him in some regard on the field, but I think that is an area that Tony excels in and we look forward to having him back.”

On if there is an additional concussion test those players need to pass to get on the game field: “Well, I don’t want to talk anything about their game status for Sunday. I’ll just leave all that stuff to the injury report.”

On if there is a progression in testing: “Yeah, there’s different ways. I mean, you’re cleared for activity, you’re cleared for non-contact (and then) you’re cleared for contact. So there’s different steps along the way for sure.”

On the lack of explosiveness if Best is out: “Well, that remains to be seen. It’s too hypothetical of a situation to comment that way on. I’ll just say this: all our backs are a little bit different, all of them bring a little something different to the offense. We’ll use anybody that we have available on Sunday to the best of their abilities, not necessarily what another player can do and things like that.”

On whether he has spoken with RB Jerome Harrison since the trade was voided: “Yeah again, any conversations I have with players I’m just going to keep to myself.”

On if his conversation with Harrison was awkward: “Any conversation I have with a player, I’m going to keep to myself.”

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Schwartz Talks Upcoming Trade Deadline and Jahvid Best Injury

2011-10-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ PRESS CONFERENCE

Opening statement: “Hard fought game yesterday. We are now 5-1; getting ready for Atlanta. I think that it is unfortunate that the events after the game have overshadowed the fact that it was one of the better games played yesterday between two teams that are both right now 5-1 in the NFC and both young and improving teams.”

On his postgame reaction to 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh: “Well, like I said, it was unfortunate. The games are played by the players on the field and we certainly don’t want things like that to occur, but there are competitive people in the League and I think we need to do a better job of just leaving it to the players on the field.”

On if he has had any contact with Harbaugh about the incident: “Well, I have had contact with a lot of people today, but afterwards in the tunnel, I got a brief chance to speak with (Harbaugh) sort of. Everything had died down a little bit. I am sure we will talk again or will talk again soon.”

On if he has had any contact with the NFL: “Yeah, I have talked to the League this morning. Just told them what had happened and that was the last I have thought about it to tell you the truth before this.”

On he had a strained relationship with 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh before Sunday’s game: “It was fine. I was a lowly quality control coach (in Baltimore). I mean I was the quality control guy on defense and he was the quarterback. I haven’t exactly stayed in touch. When he coached with the Raiders, I talked to him. He was the quarterback coach and I think I was the defensive coordinator with the Titans. But, there is nothing and there is nothing now. There was nothing then and there is nothing now. It is something that happened at the end of the game and, like I said, it sort of took away from the fact that it was a tough, hard fought game and congratulations to them. They came on the road, very, very difficult place – our fans made it a difficult place to play again – and they came away with win. We have talked before about how important road wins are, particularly NFC road wins.”

On if he expects to hear about any discipline from the NFL: “Oh I don’t know. I just told my point of view and I think we will just leave it to everybody else.”

On what exactly got him so angry: “Yeah, I mean I have shaken hands, I don’t know, 40-50 times over the last two and half years or so and never had anything come up. Obviously something did, but I think I hit that yesterday. I will just revert back to what I said yesterday and just leave it there. I think it is what it is. It happened. It was very regrettable and it is something that there is nothing going forward between us personally or the two teams. Like I said, it was a tough, hard fought game in Ford Field. We need to play better and come out with a win the next time.”

On Stafford’s performance: “Yeah it’s not one of Matt’s better games for sure. (It was) a combination of a lot of things. We’ve got to do a better job of getting open for him. We’ve got to do a better job of protection, but yeah, there are some things that we need to clean up. You know, just the tempo of getting rid of the ball and you know, being able to step up. There were times in that game that he had to bail away and you know, make throws—and those happen in every single game and that means you can’t make plays. There were a lot of plays to be made, but there were also times that he didn’t really need to (bail out), that we needed to step up to the pocket and make some throws. But yeah, it wasn’t one of his better games.”

On RB Jahvid Best’s heath: “Yeah, we’ll see where he is. After the game he started experiencing some concussion-like symptoms. You know, we started getting him tested out and everything else. We never lost his availability during the game, even though we were using a little different package, trying to get more protection and had Maurice Morris in there to try to, you know, help chip and do things like that and trying, I don’t want to say de-emphasize, but (it) wasn’t as important running the route as it was either running the ball or doing those things. But he was in the game and everything else, and when the game was over, pretty long after the game was over, we started getting some of those.

“That’s not unusual—that’s happened a bunch of times. We’ve had some of those that they’re not even on the radar until 10 o’clock the next morning and we’ll have them show up on the injury report and show up here and say ‘hey, I didn’t sleep at all last night’ or ‘I’m feeling nauseous this morning’ or ‘the light was driving me crazy when I came into work’—and they’re all signs of concussions symptoms.

“You know, similar situation with Jahvid. He has a protocol to go through and we’ll see where he is with it.”

On RB Maurice Morris being the primary back on the last two offensive possessions as opposed to Best: “Jahvid? Yeah, I mean, he had been effective in the pass game, but Mo’s also been effective in the pass game. I think that we were working a lot of different combinations and things like that. It really had nothing to do with anything other than that. We’re sitting there saying, ‘Hey, look we can get Matt some more time, going a lot to Calvin down the field, and things like that, trying to push some of those balls down the field. They were playing a little bit different coverage rather than two-man they were playing a three cloud. You know, all game decisions.”

On how cautious he has to be with Best given that this is his second concussion in less than three months: “I don’t know if it makes us more cautious, but there is a protocol to go through. We’re going to make sure that we clear all those hurdles before he’s cleared to be back on the field. There is a whole protocol that we follow in those situations, but there is a little bit of a concern with the second one, but it doesn’t change the process when it comes to him being cleared. He’ll be cleared when his symptoms diminish and he gets cleared for physical activity and then get cleared for practice and then get cleared for contact.”

On if after watching film he thinks that the offense should have thrown to WR Calvin Johnson a little more in the redzone: “We tried the one down the sideline. Matthew (Stafford) didn’t get the ball in bounds. I thought we had a good opportunity on that one, but there were a lot of other ones where there was probably a better place to go with the ball and we’ve seen that before and other guys need to make plays. We got a touchdown to (Brandon) Pettigrew and we got a touchdown to Nate Burleson. We also had no turnovers in the game. That was one of our things going in to that game was that we needed to win the turnover battle. I think that’s the reason that we’re able to say, ‘we played poorly, but we were also one play away from winning that game,’ is the fact that we did get two turnovers and we didn’t turn the ball over. Even though we didn’t play our best, we were still in it to the very end, mainly because of that. Maybe, if we try to force that in, maybe we get a turnover and all of a sudden we don’t get one of those scores and that change. We want to get the ball to Calvin; we were moving him around a lot. A couple of those passes where he was getting glances inside of a corner, he’s playing a position that he normally doesn’t play. Scott (Linehan) was moving him around a lot to try and get him open. We said before, we all need to do a better job. We all need to do a better job of getting open and winning one-on-ones when teams take that approach with Calvin.”

On if the Lions will be a little more aggressive to make a trade before the deadline with the injury to RB Jahvid Best: “I think we’ve always taken the approach and I think Martin (Mayhew) has done a great job and one of his signature sayings is, ‘The draft isn’t the finish line,’ and the beginning of training camp isn’t the finish line and so the trading deadline isn’t the finish line. There are waivers, there are free agents and things like that. I think I’ll just answer that saying that, any chance that we have to improve the team, we’ve proven that we’re willing to do.”

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Schwartz Says He Was Shoved

2011-10-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ

Opening statement: “We’re not going to go 16-0. We didn’t play our best in any of the three phases: offense, defense, or special teams. (It) still came down to one play at the end on defense and we fell just short. We have to do a better job in all three phases. We have to protect the quarterback better, have to run the ball better, make more plays down the field; we have to stop the run better. We have to cover our kicks better, we have to convert field goals. Like I said, we didn’t’ play our best in all three phases, and came up short.”

On what happened at the end of the game with Jim Harbaugh: “I don’t know. (I) went to congratulate Coach Harbaugh and got shoved out of the way. (I) didn’t expect an obscenity at that point, so it was a surprise to me at the end of the game.”

On who shoved who and who shouted the obscenity: “I’ll just leave it right there. I’m sure it’s on video.”

On his relationship with Harbaugh over the years: “Like I said, I didn’t expect…After the game, went to shake an opponent coach’s hand. Obviously you win a game like that, you’re excited and things like that, but I think there’s a protocol that goes with this league.”

On if he was upset with the timeout (49ers) on fourth down: “No, not at all; that’s basketball timeout. I’d do the same thing.”

On the long punt return that put the 49ers in position to score the game-winning touchdown: “We’ve haven’t covered kicks our best. We’ve had them hemmed up too many times. We haven’t been able to get off blocks and we’ve fallen off too many tackles. We have to do a better job there.”

On whether QB Matthew Stafford didn’t throw the ball well or didn’t have receivers getting open: “Well, I think it was a combination of both. I mean, when we would get guys free, never really got great run after the catch, which you need to do when you’re playing those kinds of things. And then, the other part of it was Matt didn’t have a whole lot of time today. We had a hard time getting the run game going. When it’s one-dimensional that way, and I think it was, you’re going to have a difficult time, and we did today.”

On the missed field goal at the end of the first half: “It was just a little bit off. It was within Jason’s range and we have a lot of confidence in him making those plays. But, that’s (a) 6-point turnaround right there, us miss, and that set up them up for field goal and they were able to get it.”

On if a loss is part of the process: “I think the biggest thing is we just need to play better in all three phases and if we do that, then we’ll get on the winning side. It has been a long time—December of last year is the last time that we’ve lost a football game. So it hurts right now, but there’s a lot to correct. Like I said, we didn’t play our best in any three phases and (it) still came down to one play.”

On Harbaugh blaming Schwartz: “Well, I mean, I’ll just say this, I’ll just say that, you know, it was a big win for them, and they were excited about it and I think I’ll just leave it there.”

On WR Nate Burleson’s touchdown and whether he completed the process: “I think they got the call right. He caught the ball and gets (his feet) down and he’s not going to the ground as part of the catch and I think that in the end, we got it right. Otherwise, we got to pick up nets and move walls back fifteen yards and things like that if we’re going to include stuff like that into the process of (the catch). I think Nate made a good catch, got his feet down, and we got the right call in that situation.”

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LIONS FANS SET RECORDS AT FORD FIELD AND AT HOME

2011-10-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions’ Monday Night Football game vs. the Chicago Bears not only set a Lions’ attendance record at Ford Field (67,861), but it also earned a 36.4 HH rating, according to The Nielson Company, making it the most-watched Lions’ regular season game ever in the Detroit television market. The game was aired on ESPN nationally and also locally on WXYZ-TV ABC 7.

The 36.4 HH rating was a combined viewership of the Detroit market for ESPN (10.7 rating) and WXYZ-TV ABC 7 (25.7 rating).

“The fact that our fans set a Ford Field attendance record Monday Night and also established an all-time regular-season TV ratings mark is incredible,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “Add on the nine false start penalties they caused and they make the definitive case for being the best fans in the NFL. It is another reminder in a week full of them that there is not a better sports city in America than Detroit.”

In Detroit, there was a 55% increase in viewership in Week 5 compared to Week 5 of the 2010 season.

Thus far in 2011, ratings are up 25% in Detroit for Lions’ games compared to last season, the second-highest growth among all NFL markets.

Nationally, the telecast helped ESPN earn the highest ratings among all networks, broadcast or cable, in all key male and adult demographics, and it was second in households (average: 11,765,000) and viewers (average 16,378,000).

The Lions-Bears game at Ford Field ranks as the fifth-largest audience on cable television in calendar year 2011 in both households and viewers (behind four other ESPN telecasts: two BCS bowl games, the final MNF telecast of 2010, and this season’s Redskins-Cowboys MNF game).

For the fall, the Lions-Bears game was the second-most watched cable television program with 16.4 million viewers.

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LIONS MNF POSTGAME NUGGETS

2011-10-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

LIONS 5-0 START

With the 24-13 win over the Chicago Bears, the Lions have now opened the 2011 season 5-0. It is the team’s first 5-0 start since 1956 and only the third in team history (1956, 1934).
The Lions current 9-game win streak dating back to last season (4 wins to end 2010) is the team’s longest since 1953-54.
It is the Lions first 5-game win streak in one season since the team had a 7-game win streak in 1995.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

The crowd of 67,861 for the Lions Monday Night Football game set a new Ford Field record for a Lions game since the team opened the stadium in 2002. The previous record was 63,257 vs. Green Bay November 11, 2007.
Monday night’s crowd was only 345 fans shy of the attendance for Super Bowl XL (68,206).

K JASON HANSON

Detroit Lions K Jason Hanson has become the first player in NFL history to player 300 career games with one team. In Week 2, he set the NFL record (297) for the most games played with one team in NFL history.
Hanson is the eighth player in NFL history to play 300 career games.

CALVIN JOHNSON HISTORY

WR Calvin Johnson gave the Lions a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter on a 73-yard pass from QB Matthew Stafford. It was Johnson’s ninth touchdown reception of the season. He became the first player in NFL history with nine touchdown receptions through the first five games of the season.
The 73-yard pass play was the longest of the season for the Lions.
Johnson’s 73-yard touchdown reception was his fifth career reception of 70+ yards. He ties WR Leonard Thomson (5) for the most 70+-yard receptions in team history.
Johnson caught 5 passes for 130 yards with one touchdown, and he surpassed 100 yards for the 15th time in his career. He now is tied with WR Terry Barr (15, 1957-65) for the third-most 100-yard receiving games in Lions history.
In the first half, he caught three passes for 100 yards.

BEST RUNS TO DAYLIGHT

Lions RB Jahvid Best gave the Lions a 21-10 lead in the third quarter by running off an 88-yard touchdown run. It was the second-longest run in team history and longest since RB Bob Hoernschmeyer ran a 96-yard touchdown vs. the New York Yanks November 23, 1950.
He finished the game with 12 carries for 163 yards (13.6 avg) and 1 touchdown. It was a career high and his first career 100-yard rushing game.
Best’s 163 yards vs. Chicago is the most by a Lions back since RB Kevin Jones registered 196 yards vs. Arizona December 5, 2004.
In addition to his 88-yard touchdown run, he set up the Lions final score of the game (Hanson 31-yard FG) by starting off a fourth quarter drive with a 43-yard run.
Best became just the second player in Lions history to register an 80+-yard run (88-yard TD run vs. Chi 10/10/11) and a 75+-yard reception (75-yard TD vs. Phi 9/19/10). He joins RB Billy Sims (81-yard run at SD 9/30/84; 87-yard TD reception at GB 9/14/80; 81-yard TD reception vs. Dal 11/15/81) as the only players in team history to accomplish this feat.

SECOND HALF SHUTDOWN

In all five games this year, the Lions have yielded less than 10 points in the second half. The three points allowed in the second half tonight marks the third time this season they gave up 3 points or less.
Entering this weekend’s games, the Lions had the League’s best scoring margin (+72 points) in the second half with 92 points scored and 20 points allowed. Following tonight’s win, the Lions have now scored 109 points and allowed just 23 points for a +86 scoring margin (17.2/game in second half).

T JEFF BACKUS

Today’s game marked T Jeff Backus’ 165th consecutive start. He currently has the most consecutive starts by any lineman (offense or defense) in the NFL and the most among offensive players.
With 165 consecutive starts, he has tied Hall of Fame G Gene Upshaw for the eighth-most consecutive games started by an offensive lineman since 1970. Upshaw actually started 207-staright games dating back to 1967.

70-YARD PASS AND 80-YARD RUN

Johnson and Best put together a pair of big plays in today’s game, including a 73-yard touchdown receptions and an 88-yard touchdown run. It marks only the second time in team history that the Lions have registered a 70+-yard reception and an 80+-yard run in the same game. The previous time was WR Herman Moore (79-yard reception) and RB Barry Sanders (82-yard TD and 80-yard TD) at Tampa Bay December 12, 1997.
It’s the first time in team history that the Lions have scored on both a 70-yard pass play and an 80-yard rushing play. Moore’s 79-yard reception did not result in a touchdown.

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STATEMENTS FROM THE DETROIT LIONS ON RAIDERS OWNER AL DAVIS

2011-10-08T13:11:00.001-07:00

LIONS PRESIDENT TOM LEWAND ON THE PASSING OF RAIDERS OWNER AL DAVIS
"On behalf of the William Clay Ford family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Al Davis and to the Oakland Raiders organization. Mr. Davis' contributions to the game of football since the days of the American Football League have been transformational and profound. His impact and his legacy will be felt in perpetuity."

HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ

“When you talk about important people in the history of professional football – I don’t want to say NFL, because it’s also the AFL – he’s got to be included in that group. It’s a sad day for the NFL (and) for football fans when Al Davis isn’t with us anymore. He did everything: personnel scout, general manager, assistant coach, head coach, team owner; I don’t know if there’s anybody else that can state claim to have done all those things and he knew every aspect of the game.”

LIONS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM
Cunningham was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1991-94“I learned a lot from Al Davis. I think I kind of became the coach I became in the League, demanding and detailed-oriented, because of what I learned all that from Al.

“He put a mark on the League early on with his great Raiders teams. Al did the league a favor by being so competitive. He was so instrumental in making the NFL into what it is today. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.”

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BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN'S "GO PINK" CAMPAIGN INCLUDES PARTNERSHIP WITH DETROIT LIONS TO "PINK OUT" THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

2011-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Blues engage crowd in fighting breast cancer with "Believing It's Curable" towel

DETROIT - Ford Field will be awash in pink at the Monday Night Football Game Oct. 10th. Blue Cross is supplying 50,000 bright pink towels as part of a partnership between the Lions and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to promote a cause both are passionate about - raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of screening during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Lions and BCBSM will honor breast cancer survivors and make financial contributions at the game to fight the disease.

"We're proud to team with the Detroit Lions to get the word out about the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection," said Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. "By wearing pink and waving our pink towels at Ford Field during Monday Night Football, Lions fans can send a message to the nation that we want to beat breast cancer, even more than we want to beat the Chicago Bears."

In support of the sell-out game against the Chicago Bears and the battle against breast cancer, the Blues are planning the following activities:

- Blue Cross will give 50,000 fans "The Curable Towel" in bright pink that they can wave during the game to show their support for breast cancer awareness. The Curable Towel available in different colors to support various causes, was developed by Jim Deliz, the husband of a breast cancer survivor.

- Blue Cross will present $10,000 to the American Cancer Society during an on-field ceremony.

- In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Blues are telling stories of five breast cancer survivors on aHealthierMichigan.org in the days leading up to the game. Each day from Oct. 3-7, the site will feature a new "tale of cure-age," culminating with a ceremony at Ford Field on game day.

- Blue Cross asks Detroit to participate in a "pink out" Monday, October 10, asking Detroit businesses to "paint the town pink." The Blues encourages businesses to have employees wear pink and to decorate their buildings on Oct. 10 in support of creating more awareness for breast cancer while supporting our Detroit Lions.

The Lions' commitment to breast cancer awareness is part of the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign, conducted in partnership with the American Cancer Society. The campaign is focused on the importance of annual screenings, especially for women who are 40 and older.

"The Lions have a longstanding commitment to helping our community in a number of charitable ways, and we are inspired by the NFL's campaign to support the fight against this disease," Loepp said. "Together we can help make a difference in prevention and treatment, saving lives in the process."

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2011

2011-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Lions begin preparation for division rival Bears.

NOTEBOOK

The Lions began their preparation for their Monday Night Football game against the Bears today with a practice in helmets and shorts on the outdoor fields at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Detroit Lions games have experienced the second-highest ratings increase (17-percent) of any NFL market from the end of the first quarter in 2010 to the end of the first quarter in 2011. Lions’ games are averaging a 25.8 rating in Detroit, up from 22.1 at this point in 2010.
Through the first four games of the season, Lions QB Matthew Stafford has been at his best in the fourth quarter. He has completed 24-of-36 passes (66.7) for 220 yards and four touchdowns (0 interceptions). Stafford’s QB rating in the fourth quarter (120.9) is the third best in the NFL (second in the NFC).
With two more touchdown receptions at Dallas (10/2), WR Calvin Johnson joined former Vikings WR Cris Carter (1995) as the only receivers in NFL history to record two touchdowns catches in four-straight games. Johnson is the first player to accomplish this feat in the season’s first four games.
The Lions’ are the only team in the NFL ranked in the Top-8 in points scored and points allowed. The team ranks second in scoring (135 points) and is eighth in points allowed (76 points). Detroit’s 59-point scoring margin through four games is also the second-best in the NFL.
The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears in Week 5 for the first Monday Night Football game (regular season) at Ford Field. The Lions will be looking for their first 5-0 start since 1956 after a come-from-behind, 34-30 victory at Dallas while Chicago will be aiming to build on the momentum of a 34-29 win against Carolina. This week’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN (WXYZ-TV ABC 7 in Metro Detroit)

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011

2011-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

NOTEBOOK

The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s win at Dallas. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
The Lions win at Dallas moved their record to 4-0 on the season, their first 4-0 start since 1980. It is the fifth 4-0 start in team history, previously accomplished in 1934, 1939, 1956 and 1980.
It marks the team’s first 4-0 start in team history that includes three road wins.
The win also extended the Lions current win streak to 8 games. It is the longest win streak by the Lions since they won nine in a row in 1953-54 seasons.
The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears in Week 5 for the first Monday Night Football game (regular season) at Ford Field. The Lions will be looking for their first 5-0 start since 1956 after a come-from-behind, 34-30 victory at Dallas while Chicago will be aiming to build on the momentum of a 34-29 win against Carolina.
This week’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN (WXYZ-TV ABC 7 in Metro Detroit)

COACH SCHWARTZ ON THOSE OFFSIDE CALLS.
“One of them, their offensive lineman slightly moved and he saw that and was trying to react to get it called. The officials never saw their guy (move). He moved, but it wasn’t very much. Sometimes they’re not going to see all of those. For the other (two), the way we play up front, we’re going to have some. We need to have less, but we’re going to have some. I would rather have a couple more offsides and a couple more sacks than less sacks and less offsides, but there’s a balancing act there. We need to make sure that the situation isn’t hurting the team. All penalties hurt the team, but particularly there are some situations where offsides are inexcusable.”

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011

2011-09-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

The NFL announced today that K Jason Hanson has been named the NFC Special Team Player of the Month for September. Hanson led NFC kickers with 35 points, converting all eight field-goal attempts and 11 PATs. In Week 2 against Kansas City, he set an NFL record by playing in his 297th game for the Lions, the most games played by a player for one team. Hanson also became the seventh player in NFL history to reach 1,900 career points (1,925).

In his 20th season from Washington State, this is his fifth career Player of the Month Award and first since November 2003. Hanson is tied with John Carney (five) for the most Special Teams Player of the Month Awards since its inception in 1986.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

2011-09-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

The NFL announced today that QB Matthew Stafford has been voted the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week for Week 2. Stafford completed 23-of-39 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns (1 interception) in the Lions’ 48-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 45-point margin of victory is the largest in Detroit team history. Combined with his three Week 1 touchdown passes, Stafford’s four-score performance helped him tie a 1962 Lions team record for most touchdown passes (7) in the season’s first two games.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

2011-09-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Lions K Jason Hanson named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 2.

TRANSACTIONS

The Detroit Lions signed WR Tim Toone to the practice squad and released DB Donovan Warren from the practice squad.

NOTEBOOK

The Lions began on-field preparation for their game against the Vikings today with a practice in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) on the outdoor fields at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
The NFL announced today that Lions K Jason Hanson is the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played in Week 2 (September 18-19). Hanson scored 12 points in the Lions’ 48-3 win over Kansas City and set an NFL record by playing in his 297th game for Detroit, the most games played by a player for one team. He surpassed Pro Football Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews, who played 296 games for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. Hanson also became the seventh player in NFL history to reach 1,900 career points (1,911) and had a long field goal of 51 yards. He holds the NFL record for the most 50-yard field goals all-time with 46. In his 20th season from Washington State, this is Hanson’s 11th career Player of the Week Award and first since 2007 (Week 8).
Hanson’s 11 career Special Teams Player of the Week Awards rank third all-time, trailing John Carney (13) and Adam Vinatieri (13). Hanson was the first ever NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 1, 1993).
The Detroit Lions will travel to Minnesota this week for their first NFC North divisional game of 2011 against the Vikings. Kickoff at Mall of America Field is set for 1 PM EST. Detroit will be looking for their first 3-0 start since 1980 after a home-opening 48-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs while Minnesota seeks to get on track after a 24-20 home loss to the Buccaneers.
The game will be televised live on WJBK-TV FOX 2 in Metro Detroit with Dick Stockton handling play-by-play and John Lynch adding color commentary.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2011

2011-09-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

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NOTEBOOK

The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s win against the Kansas City Chiefs. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.
The Detroit Lions will travel to Minnesota this week for their first NFC North divisional game of 2011 against the Vikings. Kickoff at Mall of America Field is set for 1 PM EST. Detroit will be looking for their first 3-0 start since 1980 after a home-opening 48-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs while Minnesota seeks to get on track after a 24-20 home loss to the Buccaneers.
The game will be televised live on WJBK-TV FOX 2 in Metro Detroit with Dick Stockton handling play-by-play and John Lynch adding color commentary.
The game will also air live on the Lions Radio Network (WXYT 97.1 FM) with announcer Dan Miller handling play-by-play, Jim Brandstatter adding color commentary and Tony Ortiz reporting from the sideline.

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DETROIT LIONS VS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: POSTGAME NOTES

2011-09-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

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Notables from the Detroit Lions' 48-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs today at Ford Field.

LIONS RECORD MARGIN

The Lions 48-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs registers as the team’s largest margin of victory (45 points) in the history of the team for regular season games.
In all games (regular season and postseason), the 45-point margin ties the franchise record that was set in 1957 when the Lions claimed the NFL Championship with a 59-14 win over the Cleveland Browns (12/29/57).

2-0 START

With the win today over the Chiefs, the Lions start 2-0 on the season, which is the first time since the 2007 season the team has won their first two games.

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HANSON SETS NFL RECORD FOR MOST GAMES PLAYED WITH ONE TEAM

2011-09-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

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20-Year Veteran has now played 297 career games with the Lions, his only NFL team

Allen Park, Mich.—Detroit Lions K Jason Hanson set an all-time NFL record today by playing in his 297th career game for the Lions, which marks the most games played by one player for one team. He surpassed Hall of Fame C Bruce Matthews who played 296 games for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.

“On behalf of the William Clay Ford Family and our entire organization, I would like to congratulate Jason on this momentous accomplishment,” Lions President Tom Lewand said.

“To have played more games with one team than any other player in the 92-year history of the National Football League is truly a remarkable achievement and one record that I honestly believe will never be broken.

“Jason is the embodiment of everything that is right about our game. Since the day we drafted him in 1992, he has always represented our organization with an unparalleled combination of integrity, character, competitiveness and excellence both on and off the field.”

Last Sunday in the Lions 27-20 win at Tampa Bay, Hanson tied the NFL mark for the most seasons (20) played with the team that originally drafted them. Hanson is currently tied with Hall of Famers T Jackie Slater (Los Angeles Rams) and CB Darrell Green (Washington Redskins) who each played 20 seasons for their respective clubs.

Hanson is also the NFL’s all-time leader in career 50-yard field goals. He entered today’s game with 45.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

2011-09-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and prepared for enhanced security procedures.

We encourage fans to arrive early and be patient when entering Ford Field. The enhanced security procedures at the stadium gates recommended by the NFL last week will increase the comfort and safety of fans at the game, but will require additional time for inspections at the gates. We hope fans will come early and enter the stadium earlier than they have in the past.

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JASON MCINTYRE OF MOUNT PLEASANT NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2011-09-14T09:36:00.001-07:00

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Michigan Army National Guard is Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program

Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have named Jason McIntyre of Mount Pleasant as the 2011 week three recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

McIntyre and his Oilers defeated Flint Northern 56-28 on Friday (Sept. 9) to improve to 3-0 on the season and claim their 26th-straight Saginaw Valley League victory. They are currently ranked No. 1 in Division 3 by the Detroit Free Press.

McIntyre is in his 15th season as a coach, including six seasons as head coach at Mount Pleasant. His career record stands at 50-11.

This week McIntyre and the Oilers host Midland Dow (1-2).

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ED GREENMAN OF HARPER CREEK NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2011-09-07T12:34:00.001-07:00

In Play Magazine

Michigan Army National Guard on Board as Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Ed Greenman of Battle Creek Harper Creek as the 2011 week two recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Greenman guided his Beavers to a 39-37 victory over Stevensville Lakeshore on Friday (Sept. 2) to improve to 2-0 of the season. Harper Creek is currently ranked No. 2 in Division 3 by the Detroit Free Press.

Greenman is in his 27th season as head coach at Harper Creek and has led the school to 11 league championships and 14 state playoff appearances. His career record stands at 170-96.

This week Greenman is preparing his squad to take on Sturgis (1-1).

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CHARLES SPANN OF DETROIT PERSHING NAMED LIONS FIRST COACH OF THE WEEK FOR 2011

2011-09-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have named Charles Spann of Detroit Pershing as the 2011 week one recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Spann led his Doughboys to an 18-12 victory over Detroit Renaissance on Friday (August 26) to claim his first victory of the 2011 season. Spann is in his second season as head coach at Pershing and 41st season as a coach. He coached at Detroit Chadsey from 1974-99 and led the Explorers to 11 state playoff appearances and two Public School League championships. His career record stands at 143-95.
This week Spann and Pershing host Detroit Frederick Douglass (1-0).

COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAMEach week throughout the 2011 nine-week high school regular season, one coach that best develops his players' character, discipline and football skill will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school and community. The winner is selected by a panel of three newspaper writers -- Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Jane Bos (Grand Rapids Press) and Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News).

This season's program will award $22,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League and presenting sponsor the Michigan Army National Guard.

Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $2,000 donation to his school's football program. All weekly winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Lions-Vikings game at Ford Field on December 11. During the ceremony, the Lions will also introduce the High School Coach of the Year. This year's Coach of the Year will receive a $4,000 donation to his team's football program.

In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a framed certificate signed by Lions' head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell. Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball, and a Detroit Lions "Coach of the Week" hat.

In its 15th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program will have awarded $290,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chad Walker at (313) 216-4000.

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Jim Schwartz Talks About the Passing of Tom Kowalski

2011-08-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The atmosphere at the Lions practice facility in Allen Park was somber today as the organization mourned the loss of long-time beat reporter Tom Kowalski. Though Tom never read the Detroit Lions Daily Update, he will be missed.

Today Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz spoke about the untimely passing of Tom "Killer" Kowalski.
“I got the word on the practice field a while ago about Tom’s news and we just brought the team up and had a moment of silence and a prayer. Obviously, our condolences go out to his friends and his family, of which we consider ourselves both here. I’ll just say this about Tom—the one thing he always tried to do was get it right. He knew football and he always wanted to get it right and we had a lot of respect for that. I think what we’ll do is let the first question go unasked today and when we’re ready we’ll go second question.”

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LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR FINAL HOME PRESEASON GAME

2011-08-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions announced this evening that they have reached a sellout for their final home preseason game against the New England Patriots Saturday, August 27 (kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET). By reaching a sellout, the nationally televised CBS broadcast will also air in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo), including WWJ-TV CBS 62.

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SATURDAY DESIGNATED AS “KIDS DAY AT LIONS CAMP"

2011-08-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.—The Detroit Lions will host “Kids Day at Lions Camp” during their training camp practice Saturday, August 6 that will begin at 9:15 a.m. Saturday’s practice is open to the general public. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and access is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition to watching the 2011 Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming season at the team’s training facility in Allen Park, there will be additional festivities geared for young Lions fans.

Among the activities and events tentatively scheduled are:

Appearance by Roary, the team’s mascot
Facepainters for the kids
Lions Interactive Inflatables: the popular Giant Lions Head, Quarterback Challenge and Lions Helmet House
Team’s autograph tent will be designated for Kids Only (14 years of age and under)
Free Lions mini footballs for the first 300 kids in attendance and other Lions giveaways.
Special autographed raffle items for Detroit Lions Kids Club members or for new members who sign up on Saturday. Winners will be drawn and notified Monday, August 8.

Practice sessions at Allen Park are open for outdoor practices only and are subject to change. In the case of inclement weather, practices will be moved indoors and therefore closed to the public. Rain Dates are available as necessary and will be announced for selected sessions that close due to inclement weather.

Parking, Entry and Fan Viewing Areas

Parking is available in designated lots on Republic Drive near the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility.
Re-entry is not permitted and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal belongings are subject to inspection upon entry and items not permitted into open practices include: professional cameras (lenses over five inches long and/or 50mm or above), any video camera, food, beverage, coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, backpacks or large bags.
• All cell phones should be turned off or placed on silent or vibrating mode. The fan viewing area features: bleacher seating areas, additional standing areas and a shaded tent area. Concessions are also available.

Autographs at Allen ParkThough autographs are not guaranteed, it is common for Lions’ players to meet fans following practice sessions.

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DETROIT LIONS STATEMENT ON DT NICK FAIRLEY

2011-08-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011
5 P.M. ET
“The examination of Nick Fairley's foot today by Dr. Bob Anderson resulted in a diagnosis consistent with that of Lions’ team physicians that surgical correction was required. Accordingly, surgery was successfully performed this afternoon in Charlotte, N.C., by Dr. Anderson. Nick is expected to miss a significant portion of training camp.”

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

2011-08-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Team signs WR Maurice Stovall and releases WR Jared Jenkins.

TRANSACTIONS

The Detroit Lions announced today the contract signings for the following players:

Unrestricted Free Agents: WR Maurice Stovall (one-year deal).

In other roster moves, the team has released WR Jared Jenkins.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

2011-08-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Team signs LB Stephen Tulloch.

TRANSACTIONSThe Detroit Lions announced today the contract signings for the following players:

Unrestricted Free Agents: LB Stephen Tulloch (one-year deal).

In other roster moves, the team has released CB Marquis Liverpool.

NOTEBOOK

The team completed their third training camp practice today at the team’s practice facility in Allen Park (MI) with a morning workout in shells (shoulder pads and helmets) on the outdoor fields in front of a crowd of 1,281 fans.
T Jeff Backus and CB Alphonso Smith did not participate in practice today and remain on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.
The following Lions players are not permitted to practice until ratification of the new CBA (expected August 4): LB Korey Bosworth, LB Caleb Campbell, WR Rashied Davis, LB Justin Durant, FB Jerome Felton, DT Andre Fluellen, C Dylan Gandy, T Corey Hilliard, CB Maurice Leggett, WR Stefan Logan, CB Brandon McDonald, CB Prince Miller, LB Ashlee Palmer, S Randy Phillips, DT Quinn Pitcock, CB Paul Pratt, K Dave Rayner, LB Stephen Tulloch, T Tony Ugoh, QB Drew Stanton, S John Wendling and CB Eric Wright.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

2011-07-29T16:24:00.001-07:00

In Play Magazine

Team announces first free agent transactions of new league year.

TRANSACTIONS

The Detroit Lions announced today the contract signings for the following players:

Unrestricted Free Agents: WR Rashied Davis, LB Justin Durant, C Dylan Gandy, K Dave Rayner, QB Drew Stanton, and S John Wendling.
Free Agents: CB Maurice Leggett and DT Quinn Pitcock.
Restricted Free Agents: FB Jerome Felton and DT Andre Fluellen.
Exclusive Rights Players: LB Korey Bosworth, LB Caleb Campbell, T Corey Hilliard, WR Stefan Logan, CB Prince Miller, LB Ashlee Palmer, S Randy Phillips, CB Paul Pratt.

In other roster moves, Detroit released LB Jordon Dizon and WR Bryant Johnson and placed T Jeff Backus and CB Alphonso Smith on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.

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STATEMENT FROM LIONS PRESIDENT TOM LEWAND

2011-07-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

“First and foremost, we are happy for our fans because all they ever wanted was for us to play football and, thankfully, that’s what we are getting ready to do. This agreement is a big win for NFL football and for all NFL fans because it helps secure the long-term health of our game.

“It is a fair deal for players and teams. We will be able to grow the game and appropriately share that growth with our players as partners. It is a deal that places a high priority on player safety and on the integrity of our game.

“Both sides worked extremely hard throughout this process. All involved are to be commended on getting a deal done in time to avoid any disruption to the 2011 regular season.

“I want to especially thank our player representative, Kyle Vanden Bosch, and all Lions players who conducted themselves so professionally over the past several months. We are excited to see them again beginning tomorrow.”

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LIONS HALL OF FAME TE CHARLIE SANDERS ON PASSING OF HALL OF FAME TE JOHN MACKEY

2011-07-07T13:04:00.001-07:00

In Play Magazine

“His loss is a tremendous loss, not only for the NFL and what he stood for, but it’s also a reminder of what this game is all about.

“Even after his career was over with, he remained a hero for a lot of other reasons than just playing football. The primary reason being some of the things that he brought to the forefront of football in terms of injuries and so forth.

"He was a tremendous ball player, and he was a great person and a role model too. When I came into the league as a rookie, he was the premier tight end of the NFL. He really set the standard for the prototype tight end.

“I didn’t have a hero or idolize anybody growing up, so he was the one player that I idolized and tried to copy more than anyone else throughout my career. I took pride in trying to get to the top where he was.

“He’s going to be sorely missed.”

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HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ ADDS BRANDON FISHER TO DEFENSIVE STAFF

2011-05-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.—The Detroit Lions announced today that they have added Brandon Fisher as an assistant to the defensive coaching staff. Fisher spent part of the 2010 season helping the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coaching staff.

Fisher was a standout linebacker at the University of Montana where he played in 54 games (30 starts) and finished with 169 career tackles. As a senior, he was a second team All-Big Sky Conference pick and helped lead the Grizzlies to a 14-1 record with their only loss being to Villanova (23-21) in the Football Championship Subdivision title game. Fisher began his collegiate career as a safety, but began the transition to linebacker in 2008.

As a business marketing major at Montana, Fisher was named to the All-District 7 academic squad with a 3.9 GPA as well the FCS Athletic Director Association’s Academic All-Star team. He was also a three-time all-league academic team selection.

Fisher’s father, Jeff, was head coach of the Tennessee Titans for 16-plus seasons (1994-2010).

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Detroit Lions #1 Draft Pick NICK FAIRLEY - Stats

2011-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

NICK FAIRLEY
Defensive Tackle/Defensive End
University of Auburn Tigers
#90
6:04.1-298
Mobile, Alabama
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Lillie B Williamson High School

OVERVIEW
Auburn relied heavily on two junior college transfers during its run to a BCS Champion-ship title in 2010. While Cam Newton garnered most of the media’s attention for his production on offense, it was Nick Fairley who provided the Tigers with a disruptive interior force on the defensive side of the ball. Fairley’s effort didn’t go unnoticed, as he was presented with the Rotary Lombardi Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s top lineman.

Fairley earned consensus All-American recognition and was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the year after placing third in the NCAA in tackles for loss (1.71 tpg) and 12th in sacks (.82 spg). The junior broke Auburn’s single-season record with 11.5 sacks for minus 74 yards, topping the previous mark of 11 reached by Gary Walker (1994),

Kevin Greene (1984) and Craig Ogletree (1989). It was nearly impossible to keep the defensive tackle out of the backfield, as he posted an impressive 24.0 tackles for losses totaling 106 yards and 21 quarterback hurries.

Fairley has had a profound impact on the Tigers’ front four. Before his arrival, the Auburn run defense ranked 54th
nationally, allowing 138.92 yards per game on the ground in 2008. Fairley played in all 13 games in 2009 but started just two contests while his team finished a lowly 78th vs. the run (156.08 ypg). He started all 14 games of the 2010 season and emerged as a dominant presence along the Tigers’ front wall, leading a unit that boasted the NCAA’s ninth-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 109.07 yards per game.

Fairley was a standout on both sides of the trenches at Lillie B. Williamson High School (Mobile, Ala.). His blocking raded out at 97 percent on offense while he tallied over 90 tackles on defense. He was a finalist for the 5A Lineman of the Year Award and was a 5A All-State selection by the ASWA.

Recruiting services viewed Fairley more as an offensive line prospect coming out of high school. He was given a threestar rating by Rivals.com, who listed him as the 28th-best offensive guard in the nation and the 15th overall prospect from the state of Alabama. Scout.com also rated him a three-star prospect and ranked him as the 27th-best offensive guard in the country. He was also listed as the 32nd offensive tackle recruit by ESPN.com.
He was offered scholarships from several universities, including Auburn, Alabama, Kansas State, Louisville, Southern

Mississippi and West Virginia. Auburn recruited Fairley as a defensive end and he elected to commit to the Tigers on signing day.

Fairley improved his grades first in Wesson, Mississippi, where he signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 2007. He enrolled late and was allowed to redshirt his first year to retain eligibility. In 2008, he earned an All-Region XII selection after collecting 63 tackles with seven sacks and nine stops for loss in seven games.
Fairley was rated a four-star defensive tackle according to Scout’s junior college rankings, while Rivals listed him as a three-star prospect. A few schools tried to make a run at the standout defensive lineman, but Fairley never wavered on his commitment to Auburn.

Fairley finally enrolled at the University of Auburn in 2009 and played in all 13 games during his first season at the FBS level. He started the season opener vs. Louisiana Tech and the Outback Bowl vs. Northwestern, finishing the year with 28 tackles (36 solos), including 1.5 sacks for minus 15 yards and 3.5 stops for losses totaling 20 yards. He added seven quarterback pressures, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
In 2010, Fairley enjoyed a breakout campaign that saw him earn SEC Defensive Lineman or Defensive Player of the Week honors on five occasions. He appeared unblockable at times and finished the year ranking fifth on the team with 60 tackles (36 solos), including 11.5 sacks for minus 74 yards and 24.0 stops for losses totaling 106 yards. He added 21 quarterback hurries, two forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Auburn was pitted against the Oregon Ducks in the BCS Championship game and the two team’s high-powered offensive attacks garnered all of the talk leading into the matchup. However, it was Fairley and the Auburn defense that stole the show, holding a Ducks unit that had averaged 49.33 points per game to just 19 points in a close victory. Fairley earned Defensive Most Valuable Player honors after registering five solo tackles with one sack for minus seven yards, three stops for losses of 14 yards and one forced fumble to put a fitting end to a stellar junior season.

CAREER NOTES
Fairley started 16-of-27 games for Auburn, recording 88 tackles (50 solos) with 13.0 sacks for minus 89 and 27.5 stops for losses totaling 126 yards
…Delivered a total of 32 tackles-for-loss (solos/assists), as he posted 28 quarterback pressures
…Forced two fumbles and recovered three others
…Intercepted one pass and added a blocked kick
…Fairley set a school record with 11.5 sacks in 2010, topping the previous mark of 11 reached by Gary Walker (1994), Kevin Greene (1984) and Craig Olgetree (1989).

2010 SEASON
Consensus All-American first-team selection (AP, Walter Camp and FWAA)
…All-SEC first-team choice…Recipient of the Rotary Lombardi Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top collegiate lineman
…Finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (Top Defender)
…Honored as the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year
…Defensive MVP of the BCS Championship game
…Earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors vs. Mississippi State, and Defensive Lineman of the Week honors vs. Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas, Louisiana State and Alabama
…Started the entire year at defensive tackle, ranking fifth on the team with 60 tackles (36 solos)
…Had 11.5 sacks for minus 74 yards, as he led the SEC and placed 12th nationally with 0.82 sacks per game
…Posted 24.0 stops for losses of 106 yards, as he led the conference and ranked third in the NCAA with 1.71 tackles for loss per game
… Led a unit that was tops in the SEC and ranked ninth in the nation, allowing just 109.07 yards per game on the ground
…Paced a unit that placed 24th in the NCAA in sacks (2.50 spg) and 16th in tackles for loss (7.07 tpg)
…Forced two fumbles and recovered two others
…Made 58 plays vs. the ground game, holding those ball carriers to minus 25 yards (-0.43 ypc), as the defender limited those runners to just three first downs while producing 12 third-down stops
…Delivered four of those tackles inside the red zone, including one on a goal-line play, as he posted 27 total stops (solos/assists) for loss and six tackles that brought down ball carriers at the line
of scrimmage for no gain
…Made two stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 17 yards (8.5 ypc) and one first on
those receptions
…Had 21 quarterback pressures, including two on third-down and two more on fourth-down
…Intercepted one third-down pass attempt, returning it for minus one yard
…Set a school record with 11.5 sacks, topping the previous mark of 11 reached by Gary Walker (1994), Kevin Greene (1984) and Craig Ogletree (1989).

2009 SEASON
Played in all 13 games with two starts and finished 13th on the team with 28 tackles (14 solos), including 1.5 sacks for minus 15 yards and 3.5 stops for losses totaling 20 yards
…Added seven quarterback pressures…Also recovered one fumble and blocked a kick.

JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Wesson, Mississippi) from 2007-08, playing football for head coach Glen Davis
…All-Region XII selection in 2008
…Played in seven games and delivered 63 tackles with seven sacks and nine stops for loss
…Rated a four-star defensive tackle prospect according to Scout.com’s junior college rankings
…Given a three-star rating by Rivals.com…Redshirted his first season in 2007 after enrolling late.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.83 in the 40-yard dash.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Lillie B. Williamson High School (Mobile, AL), playing football for head coach Bobby Parrish
…5A All-State selection by the ASWA
…Finalist for the 5A Lineman of the Year Award
…Graded out a 97 percent on the offensive line and added five receptions for 150 yards as a tight end in 2007
…Posted more than 90 tackles on defense while his Lions squad registered a 6-5 record
…Participated in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic as a senior and the AHSAA North/South All-Star game as a junior
…Given a three-star rating by Rivals.com, who listed him as the 28th-best offensive guard prospect in the nation and the 15th-best recruit from the state of Alabama
…Also given a three-star rating by Scout.com, as that recruiting service ranked him as the 27th-best offensive guard in the country
…Rated the 32nd-best offensive tackle recruit according to ESPN.com…Offered scholarships from Alabama, Kansas State, Louisville, Southern Mississippi and West Virginia before committing to Auburn.

PERSONAL
Undeclared major…Son of Paula Rogers and Herbert Rogers…One of nine siblings…Born 1/23/88…Resides in Mobile,Alabama.

PLAYER STATISTICS
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
STATS GP GS TK SO AS FR FC INT TFL PBU SACK PRES
2009 13 02 28 14 14 1 0 0 3.5-20 0 1.5-15 7
2010 14 14 60 36 24 2 2 1 24.0-106 0 11.5-74 21
TOTAL 27 16 88 50 38 3 2 1 27.5-126 0 13.0-89 28
INTERCEPTION RETURNS
STATS NO YARDS AVG TD LONG
2010 1 -1 -1.00 0 0
ADDITIONAL STATISTICS…Had 63 tackles with seven sacks and nine stops for loss at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in
2008…Blocked a kick vs. Tennessee in 2009.
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DETROIT LIONS GM MARTIN MAYHEW TALKS ABOUT DRAFT DAY

2011-04-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

April 21, 2011

Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew spoke to the media today about the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.

Opening statement: "We finished up our draft meetings on Tuesday and now we're in the process of going through some scenarios and talking about some players and breaking some ties and that kind of thing. We'll be doing that up until next week. I feel great about the process. I can't say enough about the great job that our coaches and our scouts did in the process. I guess we're pretty much ready to go."
On if he will draft more for fit than best on the board since there are fewer needs: "I think we have a lot more needs than people realize. There are a lot of places we can get better and there are a lot of good players in this draft. Our philosophy has been to take the best player – I don't think that's going to change."
On the differences in how this draft will fall without free agency or teams' ability to re-sign players: "It actually fits in great with our philosophy because it allows us to just be true to our board. We know there's going to be some form of free agency coming forward – we believe that. So it allows us to kind of stick with our board and take the best player and fill in whatever gaps we have to fill in later with a better, quality player."
On prospect of trades during the draft this year and whether they've discussed them with other teams: "I think the great thing about the draft is you don't know how it's going to go – you really have no idea how it's going to all play out. I think the fact that there are a lot of teams that seem to have a need at quarterback could cause there to be more trades in the first round – the first, second round. But you really just never know. "It's still pretty early in the process, but we have contact with a couple of teams. We can keep our options open; we could go up, we could go back. It could go either way for us, but we make calls on both ends of that."
On if he's confident he can get an impactful player at 13: "We think there's going to be a good player there at 13. To say impactful… players have various levels of impact. I think we'll get a quality player that should be here for a long time. "Our philosophy – going back to what we were talking about the last couple years – we're not drafting to get ready for the first game of the season. We're drafting for the future of the franchise. We also don't view the draft as a finish line; we're not going to get done with the draft and say, 'Hey, we're all good.' I thought our pro scouts did a great job last year finding players after the draft. Guys like Stefan Logan, John Wendling; two pro bowl alternates that we found after the draft. Young guys like Alphonso Smith, Lawrence Jackson. So we'll keep looking after this process. We don't think that we'll fill all of our needs or take care of all of our personnel problems in this draft; it'll be an ongoing process this year going into next year and years following that. It's a long-term process for us."
On having two first round picks in each of the past two drafts and if moving up is part of his philosophy: "The last two years were unique situations. Obviously we went into 2009 with two first-round picks. Last year there was a player who we felt was an early first-round talent who was dropping down in the draft and we had a very early pick in the second round, which made it a little bit easier. We were able to move into the first round without giving up a pick – just flopping picks in the fourth round and giving up a seventh. Those situations were kind of different and it will be a bit more expensive to get back in the first round this year. "If you go back to 2009 I think we started off with eight (selections) and ended up with 10. Last year we started off, I think, with eight, ended up with six. We have six now. I don't know if we'll end up with more or less than that, but I think it's a safe bet that we probably won't have the same six when it's all said and done."
On the team having a home Monday Night Football game: "I think it's great. It's great for our franchise, I think it's great for our players who haven't played in some of those games – I know how exciting it is when your whole family can see you play and people you went to grade school with and all that can see you play. The entire league watches that game; it's a showcase for us as a football team and we can show our brand of football to the rest of the NFL. I'm excited about that – it's a great opportunity for us to show off what the Lions are."
On whether there are any updates on QB Matthew Stafford: "He's coming along well. I guess he was in the halftime show at the Georgia spring game; got good reports on that. Obviously we can't talk directly to him, but from what I understand, his rehab is going very well."
On how important player character is: "It's very important. Obviously character and football character and how guys carry themselves, how they prepare, what their work ethic is like, what they do off the field, those guys represent our franchise; so the character aspect of our decision making progress is very important."
On how extensive the process is to evaluate character: "It's very extensive. Our college scouts do a whole lot of work on these guys. We do some work at the pro days; we make phone calls, we'll talk to high school coaches, college coaches, position coaches, people who know the player. We do a lot of research and a lot of work on these players. We spend a lot of time talking to people who know them and who knew them. You can get a lot of good information by following those leads."
On Colorado CB Jimmy Smith: "I had a great talk with Jimmy. After meeting him I felt much better about him as a player. I spoke with his position coach, Ashley Ambrose, who is now coaching at CAL, and he had nothing but great things to say about him. We've done a lot of work on Jimmy and I feel better about him than I did before I met him."
On being aggressive on draft day and whether it's part of the job to take risks: "I think so. I think some calculated risk makes sense. When you feel strong enough and have a strong enough opinion and when you feel confident enough, I think it makes sense to make some calculated risks. I don't think you want to blindly take risks; that's always something to be cautious about. "For example, Jahvid Best; we really liked Jahvid Best as a player. He was available late, we didn't want to lose a pick to get him and we had discussed that scenario prior to and we contacted some teams and we were looking for a team that was willing to flip with us in the fourth round and not give up the fourth round pick. Several of the teams we talked to wanted us to give up a fourth round pick, we didn't want to do that, and we were finally able to find a team we could agree to make a trade with. That's probably a good example of a calculated risk we think is going to work out great for us."
On the key to handling the chaos on draft day: "I think everything you do before the draft to avoid chaos and you do a lot of planning and a lot of discussion before. It's very rare that we're on the clock and we don't have an idea of who we plan to take and that comes from the preparation prior to from our meetings, from the meetings that we'll have this week, and early next week. We try to get a lot of those questions answered before our draft starts. I think that's the way you can avoid that problem."
On whether the organization is on the same page with which player they want: "I think that's something that's going to come. That's why it's always interesting to me – and funny – when I read that somebody said that we're not going to take an offensive player or we're not going to take a certain player or whatever, because I don't' even know who we're going to take right now, so I'm not sure how somebody else could know. "It's a process and we're' working through the process right now. We'll have a lot of discussion about those players. There are probably a little bit more than a handful of players who were talking about (at 13) and we'll continue to talk about those players until we make a final decision."
On how far the franchise has come over the past few years: "We've made a lot of progress here I think. Obviously we hired the right coach; I think our scouts are doing an outstanding job; we've improved our personnel; we've got some good, young players and a good young core to work with, but we have a long way to go to get to where we really want to get to. "I can recall over the last 10 years there being times when we've felt like, 'Hey, we're 6-2 now,' or 'Hey, you know, we beat the Giants in New York and now were...' We're not in that game anymore. We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship. We have a long way to go."
On whether the lack of an offseason will factor in to any of their draft decisions: "I think that's something you've got to take into consideration. When you talk about players, you've got to weigh the players with whom you feel very comfortable with not seeing for some period of time and the players whom you don't feel comfortable with in that situation. Whether its character issues, weight issues, learning issues, it certainly is a factor."
On whether it has been strange not having the offseason program begin and free agency take place before the draft: "It is a little awkward because you don't see the players working out and that kind of thing, but honestly for me, I have really been working hard on this draft. Not having free agents visit… It's sort of a distraction when you're in draft meetings and you've got to go spend 15-20 minutes with a guy and you don't know if you're going to get the guy and that kind of thing. I've really been focused on the draft and I've been excited about being able to just focus on this process. It's awkward but it hasn't really effected (me)."
On not having been able to address any needs with free agency before the draft: "As I've said before, with our belief that the best thing to do is to take the best player available, it actually, in a counterintuitive sort of way benefits us. Because I think there will be some form of free agency at some point this year and rather than fill in holes with players who've been passed over for several months, you'll be able to enter that period of free agency and fill holes with a better quality player."
On the excitement of preparing for the NFL Draft: "You know going into this process that you have a certain type of team; and you know when you get done with (the draft) you're going to be a better football team. You have an opportunity to sort of address whatever objective you want to address; if you want to get faster, if you want to get bigger – obviously you would get younger – if you want to get healthier; you're able to make yourself a better football team over a period of days. It's really an exciting time for us as an organization. Our scouts enjoy it; I think everybody in the building is excited about the NFL Draft."
On how he views the four-game winning streak at the end of last season: "I think it was good. I think it was very good for our players; I think it promoted some optimism around our franchise. I think it gave our players some confidence, to be able to beat some of our division opponents late in the season. It was very good I think for our franchise as a whole and I view it sort of as a stepping stone to what's to come."

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LIONS PRESIDENT TOM LEWAND ON THE NFL LOCKOUT

2011-03-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

In Play Magazine

The following is from Detroit Lions Team President Tom Lewand’s media session today with Lions beat writers regarding the NFL labor situation.

On how the organization will move forward with NFL work stoppage:
"From our perspective, what's most important is to get ready to play football in 2011. Everything that we've done since 2010 has been geared towards that, with things like preparing for free agency – which obviously isn't taking place right now; preparing for the draft, which will take place and getting ready for that. Our coaching staff has spent a considerable amount of time recapping the 2010 season, going through the cut-up process, going through the playbook with as much as they have following every season. Our preparations continue. Nothing that has happened in the last couple of weeks, nothing that has happened in the last couple of days is going to change that. Our focus continues to be on the 2011 season and our hope and our expectation is that we're playing football this year."

On how the organization is approaching the uncertain free agency process:
"In an environment of uncertainty we have to be ready for everything. The things we've been doing the past several months – and certainly the past couple of weeks – have been geared towards planning for various contingencies. I mentioned a little while ago that we prepared for free agency as if it were going to start in early March as it normally has and the reports that we did, the scouting reports, the synchronization of our information, of our scouting information, the coaches’ opinions - all of that work is done. So, we have that ready to go, much like we have a lot of other things ready to go from a coaching standpoint, from a player personnel standpoint as well as a lot of other areas of our organization that will be impacted by rules that change polices that may involve various contingencies that can take place over the course of the common days, weeks and months."

On if the team will be able to talk to injured players during the work stoppage:
"We have mechanisms in place where we can monitor the rehabilitation of any injured players who were injured playing football last year. The guys that we know we have set up at rehabilitation facilities around the country. We have lines of communication open to those rehabilitation facilities and we'll be able to monitor the progress of those injured players as they progress."

On the team’s mindset with the uncertain timing of free agency:
"Our focus is to get ready to play football for the 2011 season and putting ourselves in the best position to be as successful as possible for the 2011 season. Those plans haven't changed; they are modified and adapted to suit the rules as they exist and the possible anticipation of things that might happen. Everything that we do is geared to put us in the best position possible to be successful in 2011 and beyond."

On whether there's any concern that the work stoppage could negatively impact the team’s relationships with its players:
"I think that we have a lot of respect for our players. I personally have a lot of respect for the guys who are in our locker room and what they've done to build our program over the last couple of years. That level of respect isn't going to change one bit. I know those guys want to play football and I have both personal and professional relationships with a lot of the guys in that locker room. More importantly, organizationally we have a lot of respect for them and they are obviously critical to what we're trying to accomplish as an organization and as a football team. That goes without saying. The focus needs to be on getting a deal done as quickly as possible and as we have said, as the league has said, as the commissioner has said, as Jeff Pash articulated pretty eloquently yesterday, this deal will get done at the negotiating table and the faster we get back to that table to get a deal done, the faster we can minimize the consequences that could occur the longer this were to go and the more contingent to the environments that are beyond the control of both sides, like the court room."

On the impact the work stoppage could have on the team’s general business operations:
"I think, again, our focus is again to get ready for the season. We have a good relationship with our season ticket base. We sent them a letter today that went out electronically and will also go out by US Mail. We'll be communicating through email blasts with them. I think it's important to maintain direct communication with them, but the bottom-line is they want us to play football. They're not interested in hearing which side says what at the negotiating table or in the court room. They're interested in watching Lions football. We understand that. We get it and that's what we're focused on as well, we want to play football. We want to build on the last four game (winning streak to end) last year, build on the things that we've been doing as an organization for the last two years and that's where the focus needs to be. To the extent that there's some uncertainty in the business environment, uncertainty in changes in the rules or how we operate, we'll adapt, we'll adjust and we'll be prepared for it. That's our job, that's what we're supposed to do, but we'll do it in a way that minimizes any disruptions and maintains the focus on preparations for the 2011 season."

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NFL Labor Update on “Decertification”-Litigation-Lockout : Players Walk Away

2011-03-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

In Play Magazine

Statement issued by the NFL

The fastest way to a fair agreement is for both the union and the clubs to continue the mediation process. Unfortunately, the players’ union notified our office at 4pm ET on Friday that it had “decertified” and walked away from mediation and collective bargaining to initiate the antitrust litigation it has been threatening to file. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, the clubs offered a deal that would have had no adverse financial impact upon veteran players in the early years and would meet the players’ financial demands in the latter years.

The union left a very good deal on the table. It included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; ensure no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

The union was offered financial disclosure of audited league and club profitability information that is not even shared with the NFL clubs.

The expanded health and safety rules would include a reduction in offseason programs of five weeks (from 14 to nine) and of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) from 14 to 10; significant reductions in the amount of contact in practices; and other changes.

At a time when thousands of employees are fighting for their collective bargaining rights, this union has chosen to abandon collective bargaining in favor of a sham ‘decertification’ and antitrust litigation. This litigation maneuver is built on the indisputably false premise that the NFLPA has stopped being a union and will merely delay the process of reaching an agreement.

The NFL clubs remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached. The NFL calls on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

Since June of 2009, 21 months ago, the NFL clubs have made numerous comprehensive, detailed proposals and counter-proposals; negotiated in dozens of formal sessions and smaller group meetings; and engaged in a series of intensive negotiating sessions over the past three weeks under the auspices of George Cohen, the director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. We have reaffirmed to Director Cohen our commitment to the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached.

The goals of the NFL clubs have been clear from the start. The current CBA is flawed in numerous respects, and the system must be improved to ensure continued growth and innovation and a better future for the NFL, the players, and the fans.

The clubs are willing to make many changes proposed by the union, and they have modified their economic proposals in numerous respects. We need an agreement that – when looking back two, four or 10 years from now – both sides will recognize as fair, smart, good for the game, and good for all involved, including players, fans, and clubs.

Regrettably, the union’s leadership has walked out and is refusing to participate in collective bargaining. The union has insisted on a continuation of an unsustainable status quo rather than agreeing to reasonable adjustments that reflect new economic realities we all have experienced. The status quo would also mean no improvements for retired players, too much money to a handful of rookies, and no changes to improve our drug programs.

The union’s abandonment of bargaining has forced the clubs to take action they very much wanted to avoid. At the recommendation of the Management Council Executive Committee under the authority it has been delegated by the clubs, the league has informed the union that it is taking the difficult but necessary step of exercising its right under federal labor law to impose a lockout of the union. The clubs are committed to continuing to negotiate until an agreement is reached, and will gladly continue to work with the FMCS.

The clubs believe that this step is the most effective way to accelerate efforts to reach a new agreement without disruption to the 2011 season. The clubs want to continue negotiating intensively to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible. Our goal is finding common ground and resolving the issues with the union. That is why we ask the union to resume negotiations with the federal mediator. The negative consequences for the players and clubs will continue to escalate the longer it takes to reach an agreement.

Our message to the fans is this: We know that you are not interested in any disruption to your enjoyment of the NFL. We know that you want football. You will have football. This will be resolved. Our mission is to do so as soon as possible and put in place with the players an improved collective bargaining agreement that builds on our past success and makes the future of football and the NFL even better – for the teams, players, and fans.

We have great respect for the fans. We have great respect for our players. We have great respect for the game and the tradition of the NFL. We will do everything that we reasonably can to ensure that everyone’s attention returns to the football field as soon as possible.

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IPM Poll - Could You Live Without Football For One Season? Vote Here!

2011-02-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

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LIONS DT NDAMUKONG SUH NAMED ASSOCIATED PRESS DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

2011-02-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

In Play Magazine

Suh becomes seventh rookie in team history named AP Rookie of the Year

Allen Park, Mich.—As announced this evening on NFL Network, Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. Suh became the seventh rookie in team history to win an AP Rookie of the Year award, which is the most by any franchise since the AP began honoring Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1967.

“It is a great honor and one of the highest honors I can receive on the defensive side of the ball,” said Lions DT Ndamukong Suh. “I really, truly can’t thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches enough. They have been a huge part of it and the main reason I was able to be honored with this.”

Suh joins RB Mel Farr (1976), CB Lem Barney (1967), WR Earl McCullough (1968), DE Al “Bubba” Baker (1978), RB Billy Sims (1980) and RB Barry Sanders (1989) as Detroit Lions honored as AP Rookie of the Year. Suh is the third Lions’ rookie to be named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and the first since Baker in 1978.

Since the AP Rookie of the Year Award was first established in 1967, Suh is only the sixth defensive tackle to win the honor and the first since Dolphins DT Tim Bowens in 1994.

Most AP Rookie of the Year Awards
Rk Team No
1 Detroit 7
2 Pittsburgh 6
3t Minnesota 5
3t New England 5
3t Tennessee 5

Detroit Lions AP Rookie of the Year
Player Year Pos Award
Lem Barney 1967 CB Defense
Mel Farr 1967 RB Offense
Earl McCullouch 1968 WR Offense
Al Baker 1978 DE Defense
Billy Sims 1980 RB Offense
Barry Sanders 1989 RB Offense
Ndamukong Suh 2010 DT Defense

All-Time AP Defensive Rookie of the Year – Defensive Tackles
Player Pos Year
Joe Greene Pit 1969
Wally Chambers Chi 1973
Bill Maas KC 1984
Dana Stubblefield SF 1993
Tim Bowens Mia 1994
Ndamukong Suh Det 2010

SUH’S THOUGHTS ON ROOKIE SEASON, STAYING HUMBLE AND THE SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE

On his rookie season and accolades:
“It has definitely been incredible. I compare it to my senior year at Nebraska, being able to go on those award tours and being up for the Heisman. Even though I didn’t win, it was an honor to be there. This is the same type of situation. I am really just soaking it in. It is eye opening. I feel truly blessed. I can’t thank my family, friends and teammates enough.”

On what he attributes to staying humble and grounded:
“That truly comes from my parents, both of them coming from a humble background -- my dad, Cameroonian, and my mom, Jamaican. We grew up in households that never took anything for granted -- I always knew I had to work for everything. You can’t get anywhere without hard work and, obviously, a helping hand from other people.

On his experience at the Super Bowl and appreciation of the League’s championship game:
“Everybody watches this game from the U.S. to Asia to Russia. It is huge. It is something that everyone’s eyes are going to be on during the big day. I would love for me and my teammates to be in the Super Bowl and win it in the near future -- maybe next year, you never know.”

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LIONS QB MATTHEW STAFFORD UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SHOULDER SURGERY

2011-01-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford underwent successful shoulder surgery today, the team announced. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

The decision to have surgery came after consultation this week between Dr. Andrews and the Lions medical staff. Stafford’s most recent visit to Dr. Andrews was this past Monday.

STATEMENT FROM LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ:
“After Matt hurt his shoulder in the Jets game he was examined by both our medical staff and Dr. Andrews. There was a consensus at the time to proceed with a rehabilitation program and not to have surgery.

“Subsequent evaluations toward the end of the season by our staff and Dr. Andrews also confirmed that Matt had been making good progress with his rehab. But after Matt’s most recent visit to Dr. Andrews, it was determined by Dr. Andrews that Matt’s healing process could be enhanced by undergoing surgery at this time.

“While continuing the rehab program (without surgery) was still a viable option, Matt decided to have the surgery now in order to ensure that he will have plenty of time to recover and rehab prior to the 2011 season. We have full confidence that Matt will be one-hundred percent before the start of training camp.”

STATEMENT FROM DR. JAMES ANDREWS:
“Matthew’s procedure (AC joint repair) today was very successful. It went very well. We now have plenty of time for a full recovery in order for him to get ready for next season. The procedure is the same one that we have successfully performed on a number of NFL quarterbacks. Matthew has one of the strongest arms in the League and I am confident that he will be as strong as ever.”

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LIONS DT NDAMUKONG SUH TO UNDERGO SHOULDER SURGERY

2011-01-05T15:48:00.001-08:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.—The Detroit Lions announced today that DT Ndamukong Suh will undergo shoulder surgery on January 10 and will not play in the 2011 Pro Bowl.

“My thinking (on surgery) was just to make sure I was 100-percent healthy going into the off-season program and to be ready for March and so forth,” said Lions DT Ndamukong Suh. “I truly wanted to play in the Pro Bowl, which is a great honor and opportunity.

“It came down to making a decision to play in the Pro Bowl or to have surgery as soon as possible and begin rehab in order to help my team next year achieve our goals of getting into the playoffs and competing for a championship. The organization and I opted to have the surgery now and not wait. I will always put my team first.”

“I will still plan to attend the Pro Bowl and support my teammate Calvin Johnson.”

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LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. MINNESOTA

2010-12-30T09:35:00.001-08:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today that Sunday’s regular season finale vs. the Minnesota Vikings has reached a sellout and will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo), including WJBK-TV FOX 2.

Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings will mark the seventh home sellout by the club this season, and it is the most sellouts by the team since the 2007 season when all eight games were sold out.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010

2010-12-20T17:51:00.001-08:00

In Play Magazine

TODAY’S NEWS

Lions WR Calvin Johnson reeled in a career-high tying 10 catches for 152 yards at Tampa Bay (12/19). His 152 receiving yards is the third highest single-game tally of his career. He also surpassed 4,000 career receiving yards, reaching the mark in 59 games to become the fastest player in team history to reach 4,000 receiving yards (previous best was WR Gail Cogdill in 62 games from 1960-64).

Johnson’s 152-yard outing was the 13th 100-yard game of his career, moving him into a tied with WR Roy Williams (2004-08) for fifth place on the team’s all-time list for 100-yard receiving outings. He also joined E Cloyce Box (3), WR Gail Cogdill (3), WR Leonard Thompson (3), WR Herman Moore (5) and WR Jonnie Morton (3) as the only players in team history with 3 150-yard receiving games.

Lions K Dave Rayner was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts against the Buccaneers (12/19), hitting clutch kicks of 41, 28 and 34 yards. He became the first kicker in team history to make a field goal on the final play of regulation and then make the game-winning field goal in overtime. All three of Rayner’s kicks came in the final minute of a half or in overtime. His overtime field goal (34 yards) was his first career field goal in overtime.

The Detroit Lions will travel to Miami this week to take on the Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium Sunday, December 26 with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET. The Lions are looking to win three in a row after a 23-20 overtime victory in Tampa while the Dolphins will try to get on the winning track after a 17-14 loss to Buffalo.

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DREW STANTON NAMED LIONS’ ROBERT PORCHER MAN OF THE YEAR

2010-12-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

In Play Magazine

ALLEN PARK, MICH. – For the second consecutive year, quarterback Drew Stanton has been selected as the Detroit Lions’ Robert Porcher Man of the Year, an award that recognizes off-the-field community service. Stanton is one of 32 finalists, one from each NFL team, who receives $1,000 for his foundation and is a finalist for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year honor.

In his fourth year season in the NFL, Stanton has established his own foundation and is a leader in charity work in his home state of Michigan.

The High 5ive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that Stanton established in 2008. The main focus of his foundation is to support programs at Special Olympics and Children’s Miracle Network. Stanton has been heavily involved with both organizations since his collegiate career at Michigan State University. In the past year, he has expanded his reach to many other organizations including Cystic Fibrosis and Orchard Children’s Services.

Special Olympics is an organization Stanton worked with during his playing days at Michigan State and he continues his relationship with them. He has assisted with the Michigan summer and winter games, speaking and handing out medals at the summer games in Mt. Pleasant and being the emcee for the past three winter games in Traverse City.

Stanton donates 36 tickets for every Lions’ home game through the Lions’ CATS (Caring Athletes Ticket Service) for Kids program. Organizations that receive tickets to each game are Children’s Miracle Network, Special Olympics and Orchard Children’s Services. The children receive tickets to the game, a meal during the game, and a welcome message on the video board.

This season Stanton started hosting “Movie Night” at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak through Children’s Miracle Network. The kids are treated to Monday night movies with Stanton and popcorn and treats from the Detroit Popcorn Company. In addition, he makes special visits to the kids in the hospital on Tuesdays.

Each summer, Stanton hosts the High 5ive Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing in East Lansing to help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. He and his foundation run the tournament and several current and former Lions and Spartans attend the event.

Stanton is also very involved in assisting and supporting the Dearborn Animal Shelter. He has participated in the Detroit Lions’ Pet Calendar since his first year with the Lions, for which all proceeds from the sale of the calendars benefit the Dearborn Animal Shelter. He also has helped the shelter with PSA’s for various events, participated in their annual Mutt Strut and he and his wife Kristin were honorary chairs for their annual Black Tie Gala in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

This year Stanton added a new event to his already busy calendar. His foundation raised $10,000 to take 100 children from Orchard Children’s Services on a holiday shopping spree. He and his wife Kristin, along with several Lions’ players will have a holiday dinner and then take the children shopping at Target. Each child will receive $100 gift card at Target to spend on their shopping spree.

Stanton, his wife and family annually serve dinner at the Detroit Rescue Mission on Thanksgiving Day following the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game. Stanton also reads to students at schools, attends charity golf outings, makes hospital visits, speaks at athletic banquets and school assemblies, hosts football camps and serves meals at homeless shelters. Stanton participates in all of the Lions’ team community activities. He has helped with Play 60 events, participated in Jump Rope for Heart with the American Heart Association and other fitness activities for youth.

The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live on FOX before Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011. The prestigious award was renamed in 1999 for the legendary Chicago Bears Pro Football Hall of Fame running back. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award has been given annually since 1970.

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Still a possibility Favre plays

2010-12-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Frazier: Still a possibility Favre plays: "The Vikings aren’t ruling out Brett Favre for Monday night’s game in Detroit, despite reports that Favre doubts he’ll play."

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UPDATE REGARDING TICKET DISTRIBUTION TO TONIGHT'S VIKINGS-GIANTS GAME

2010-12-13T07:51:00.001-08:00

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*** URGENT ***

The Detroit Lions have announced that due to the overwhelming response this morning for tickets to tonight’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at Ford Field, tickets will no longer be distributed at the Ford Field Box Office.

Anyone already holding a ticket to the Vikings-Giants game that was scheduled to be played in Minneapolis on Sunday will be admitted and given preferred seating in Detroit Monday night.

Fans with tickets to Sunday’s Packers-Lions game in Detroit can also use their ticket from yesterday’s game and will be admitted free tonight with no reserved seating.

This is a first-come, first-serve event. Capacity of Ford Field is 64,500, and fans with Lions-Packers ticket stubs and general admission tickets distributed this morning are not guaranteed if stadium capacity is reached.

Stadium gates will open at 5:30 pm.

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UPDATE REGARDING VIKINGS/GIANTS GAME AT FORD FIELD

2010-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

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Update from NFL:
"Monday night's Giant-Vikings game at Ford Field in Detroit will kick off at 7:20 pm ET.

"Anyone already holding a ticket to this game that was scheduled to be played in Minneapolis today will be admitted and given preferred seating in Detroit Monday night. The Vikings will announce shortly details on ticket refunds and credits for those that hold tickets to today's re-scheduled game.

"Fans with tickets to today's Packers-Lions game in Detroit can use their ticket from today's game and be admitted free tomorrow night with no reserved seating.

"Free general admission tickets for other fans will be available at the Lions' ticket office at Ford Field beginning at 9 am tomorrow. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Stadium gates will open at 5:30 pm.

"The game will be televised by FOX in selected markets and available to Sunday Ticket subscribers on DirecTV. Additional television details will follow."

LIONS PRESIDENT TOM LEWAND – REGARDING VIKINGS/GIANTS GAME

Opening Statement: “We’ve just completed a conference call with the Commissioner and others – the Giants and Vikings game will be played here tomorrow night, 7:20 kickoff. The event will be free for any Detroit sports fan. We’ll have preferred seating for anybody with a ticket to the Minnesota/New York Giants game today – they’ll have preferred seating. Anybody who has a ticket to today’s game (Lions/Packers), their ticket stub will be good for general admission seating tomorrow. There will be no reserve seats outside of those ticket holders from the Minnesota/New York Giant game today. Anybody with a ticket to today’s game (Lions/Packers) can get in free. We’ll also have tickets available at the Ford Field Box Office starting at 9:00 AM tomorrow morning. Again, free of charge, but you do need a ticket to get in.

"If you have a Giants/Vikings ticket, you will have preferred seating. If you have a ticket stub to the Lions/Packers game, that will be good for free admission tomorrow night as well.”

On what the general public needs to do: “Tickets will be available at the Ford Field Box Office starting at 9:00 AM, free of charge.”

On parking: “That will normal. There will be no preferred parking, per se. Credentials will be good for today’s game. We’re working on some of the other logistics as you might imagine.”

On when conversations began: “We reached out this morning at about 9:00 AM.”

On what is the biggest logistical challenge: “Well we have a great staff. We have a phenomenal group of people that work here and the confidence level that we have in them is what enabled us to do this without a lot of consternation. Obviously there is a lot of hard work that is going to have to happen – not only over the next three or four hours, but over the next 28-30 hours. But because we have such a great staff, I have the confidence that they’ll be able to do that.”

On field preparations: “We’re going to work to make this as accommodating of a game for both teams, but particularly the Vikings, since it is their home game that is being lost.”

On television specifics: “The NFL announced that, but it is going to be televised on FOX, in the New York and the Minnesota markets. They are working on other – it’s also available on DirecTV for any DirecTV subscribers and I understand they are working on other issues related to the broadcast, but that’s something that’s being handled by the league.”

On if he has an idea on fan turnout: “We hope it’s a great event. It’s free. Obviously that was something that was important to us. This is an opportunity for Detroit fans to come out and enjoy another NFL game and we think that we’ll have a good crowd and that’s why we tried to make it as accessible as possible.”

On if there are any concerns about Detroit weather: “Both teams were satisfied that they can travel in later today. One of the teams may be coming in tomorrow morning, but I think they were satisfied that logistically it will not be an issue.”

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DETROIT LIONS 16th ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE THIS SUNDAY

2010-12-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

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Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lions 16th annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive will be held at the Lions-Packers game this Sunday, December 12th at Ford Field. Fans attending are asked to help the United States Marine Corps and its annual holiday toy drive --- Toys for Tots.

The Lions have joined forces with the United States Marines Corps in Detroit, WWJ-TV, 97.1 The Ticket and Central Michigan Movers in this year’s effort. Uniformed Marines will be located at the stadium gates on game day to collect new, unwrapped toys.

Kickoff for the Sunday’s game is 1:00 pm. Marines will begin collecting toys at 10:30 am. The toys will go to needy children in Metro Detroit in time for the holiday season. Last year’s drive collected more than 1,200 toys and $8,000 for Toys for Tots.

For more information, please contact theDetroit Lions Community Affairs Office at 313-216-4170.

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LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. GREEN BAY

2010-12-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

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Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today that Sunday’s game vs. the Green Bay Packers has reached a sellout and will air live in the local television markets.

Sunday’s game vs. the Packers will mark the sixth home sellout by the club in its first seven home games this season, and it is the most sellouts by the team since the 2007 season when all eight games were sold out.

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LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ ON TODAY'S GAME

2010-12-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

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JIM SCHWARTZ

Opening statement from today's post game wrap up.

“When you’re in a close game like we were today, there are a lot of plays that you can look at and say, ‘That was the play of the game.’ It might have been the first quarter of the game, it might have been the last. But what we have to do as a team is we have to find a way to make one more play on offense and special teams and we have to find a way to prevent one more play on defense. That’s the bottom line with us. The opponent’s going to make some plays in the game. This is an outstanding defense we played against and we weren’t going to score every single time we had the ball.

On offense, they put some good numbers on the board after the middle of the season where they were struggling. We had to find a way to make one more play. That’s where we are. We didn’t get that done in this game. We made some plays. You can’t overlook that. Two plays with playmakers at the end of the first half: Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson. We’ve had a lot of other situations like that but there were a lot of points in this game, and I don’t think any one more important than the other.

But there were a couple things. We can’t finish the game with the opponent taking a knee. We got stalled out on offense. We punted the ball. We didn’t do a very good job of punting because rather than pinning them back and making it dangerous for them to come out, we gave them the ball on the 20, and then defense never got the ball back for the offense in a one-score game. (It was) very similar to the Green Bay game, where we have to find a way to get the ball back for our offense. That was a poor job.

Offensively we had a couple shots right around midfield. We had a fourth-down play and we had a third-down play that were short yardage plays and we didn’t make those plays. That was the difference in this game. But to say one was more important than the other… there’s a lot that you could go back and look at a million different plays, but when you play close games, that’s what happens.”

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Lions place K Jason Hanson on Reserve/Injured list and sign CB Tye Hill.

2010-12-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The team placed K Jason Hanson on the Reserve/Injured list today and signed CB Tye Hill.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: K Jason Hanson (right knee) is out and T Gosder Cherilus (knee), QB Shaun Hill (right finger), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) did not practice. RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Nate Burleson (hamstring), LB DeAndre Levy (groin) and TE Tony Scheffler (rib) were limited in practice. DE Cliff Avril (knee) and DT Corey Williams (shoulder) had full participation in practice. Hanson was downgraded to out after being placed on the Reserve/Injured list and Cherilus was downgraded to no practice after full participation yesterday.

The following player(s) were listed on the Chicago Bears’ Injury Report today: LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) was limited in practice. The Bears upgraded Tinoisamoa from no practiced to limited and removed WR Rashied Davis (shoulder) from the injury list after limiting his participation Wednesday.

The Detroit Lions welcome the Chicago Bears to Ford Field this Sunday, December 5 at 1 p.m. ET.

The Lions are looking to get on track after their 45-24 loss to the Patriots while the Bears aim to extend their winning streak to five after a 31-26 victory over the Eagles.

The game will be televised live in Metro Detroit.

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LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. CHICAGO

2010-12-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

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Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today that Sunday’s game vs. the Chicago Bears has reached a sellout and will air live in the local television markets.

Sunday’s game vs. the Bears will mark the fifth home sellout by the club in its first six home games this season, and it is the most sellouts by the team since the 2007 season when all eight games were sold out.

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Kid Rock to Play Halftime Show at Lions -Pats Thanksgiving Day Game

2010-11-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

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All Summer Long by Kid Rock (double click to listen)

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2010

2010-11-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

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The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: DE Cliff Avril (quadriceps), K Jason Hanson (right knee), RB Kevin Smith (thumb) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice.

RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Nate Burleson (thigh), LB Bobby Carpenter (toe), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee), G Dylan Gandy (calf), LB DeAndre Levy, TE Tony Scheffler (shoulder) and DT Corey Williams (shoulder/groin) were limited in practice.

CB Chris Houston (shoulder), WR Calvin Johnson (knee), DE Turk McBride (ankle) and CB Alphonso Smith (shoulder) had full participation in practice today.

Burleson, Gandy and Levy were added to the injury list today while T Jason Fox (illness) was removed.

Best was upgraded from no practice to limited and Calvin Johnson was upgraded from limited to full practice.

Avril, Hanson, Smith and Stafford are out.

Ekejiuba and Scheffler are questionable.

Best, Burleson, Carpenter, Gandy, Houston, Calvin Johnson, Levy, McBride, Smith and Williams are probable.

The Detroit Lions will travel to Dallas this week to take on the Cowboys at the new Cowboys Stadium Sunday, November 21 with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.

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LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR 71st THANKSGIVING DAY GAME

2010-11-18T10:52:00.001-08:00

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Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today that the team’s 71st Thanksgiving Day Game vs. the New England Patriots has reached a sellout and will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo), including WWJ-TV CBS 62.

By reaching a sellout seven days prior to the game, it is the earliest the Lions have announced a sellout prior to a home game since the clubs’ Thanksgiving Day Game vs. Green Bay in 2007.

“Our fan support has been incredible this year, “said Lions President Tom Lewand. “They have created a true home-field advantage this season at Ford Field, making it a very difficult place to play for our opponents. This (the early sellout) shows the excitement and support our fans have for both our team and for our Thanksgiving Day tradition that means so much to this community.”

The Lions Thanksgiving Day Game (November 25) will mark the fourth home sellout by the club in its first five home games this season.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010

2010-11-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: DE Cliff Avril (quadriceps), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee), K Jason Hanson (right knee) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice.

RB Jahvid Best (toes), S C.C. Brown (knee), CB Chris Houston (shoulder), G Stephen Peterman (foot), CB Alphonso Smith (shoulder), RB Kevin Smith (knee) and DT Corey Williams (groin) were limited in practice.

QB Shaun Hill (left forearm), DE Turk McBride (ankle) and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee) had full participation in practice today.

Vanden Bosch upgraded from limited to full practice while Avril was downgraded from limited to no practice. Hanson and Stafford are out and Ekejiuba is doubtful. Avril, C.C. Brown, Houson and Alphonso Smith are questionable. Best, Hill, McBride, Peterman, Kevin Smith, Vanden Bosch and Williams are probable.

The following players were listed on the Buffalo Bills’ Injury Report today: LB Andra Davis (shoulder), G Cord Howard (knee), LB Shawne Merriman (calf) and WR Roscoe Parrish (wrist) and did not practice. T Demetrius Bell (knee), CB Reggie Corner (ankle), WR Lee Evans (ankle), LB Chris Kelsay (knee) and G Eric Wood (knee) had full participation in practice today. Davis, Merriman and Parrish are out. Howard is doubtful and Bell, Corner, Evans, Kelsay and Wood are probable.

The Detroit Lions will travel to Buffalo this weekend to take on the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday, November 14 with kickoff set for 1 p.m. The Lions are looking to get back on track after their heartbreaking overtime loss to the New York Jets and the Bills will be looking to get a win after a tough 22-19 loss to the Chicago Bears in Toronto.

The game will be televised in the metro area.

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DETROIT LIONS VS. NEW YORK JETS: POSTGAME NOTES AND QUOTES

2010-11-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

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For Starters
K Jason Hanson has now played in 295 career games, the most in franchise history. Hanson has now tied Hall of Fame CB Darrell Green (Washington Redskins, 1983-2002) for the second-most games played by a player with one team and is now one game behind C Bruce Matthews (Houston Oilers/Tennessee Texans, 1983-2001) for the most games played on by a player on one team.

Hanson’s career 295 career games is second among active players and 11th all-time.

T Jeff Backus made his 152nd consecutive start today at left tackle.He has started every game since he was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Backus currently holds the mark for the most consecutive starts among active interior (offense and defense) linemen and is currently tied for fifth among all active players with 152 straight starts.

He is second in Lions history for most consecutive games started behind Hall of Fame CB Dick LeBeau (171).

LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ
Opening statement:
“Obviously a very difficult loss to take, particularly when we had a 10-point lead as the game rolled down the fourth quarter. The end of the game, we failed to execute the way that we needed to and that’s the head coach’s fault. That’s my fault. I didn’t do a good job enough with the players in those situations, not only on defense, but on offense and on special teams. The game came down to one point. We had a missed extra point and there’s no question that Ndamukong is our backup field goal kicker. He’s done it in practice. We have a lot of confidence that he could kick it. It put him in a difficult situation because he went out without any warm-ups, where a kicker that’s not playing a position generally has time to take his time. Probably should have called a timeout, given him time to get ready. At the time, when Jason got roughed on the play, it looked like it was a big advantage for us, because it put us at first and goal at the 1. We were able to get a touchdown rather than a field goal. But in the long haul, that actually hurt us worse than it helped us, with the missed extra point, then also our kickoffs and the way the field goal team was at the end of the game.”

On QB Matthew Stafford’s condition:
“He’s very sore. He hurt his shoulder and wasn’t able to finish the game. You guys know how tough he is. If he could have he would’ve. We’re going to take a pretty serious look at it.”

On if he re-injured the same separation he had before:
“It’s his right shoulder. I don’t know if it’s even related. We took enough time with it that we thought that any re-injury would be a new injury. We’ll see where he is with that. That was a tough situation because he had green grass in front of him and had his chance to break out of there and run. But some of those plays we just need to throw it away. We didn’t want to throw incomplete passes in those situations. He ran it.”

On if there is a reason that the errors happened at the end of the game and if it’s due to having young guys on the field:
“There’s no excuses there. Even if you’re a younger player, if you’re not a younger player we need to be able to execute at the end of the game. We’re eight games into the season. There are no rookies anymore, there are no young players. We need to be able to execute. There were breakdowns at the wrong time at the end of the game.”

On if K Jason Hanson’s injury is long term:
“Well, he was able to go back in and kick an extra point, after getting his knee taped up and a bunch of other things. He couldn’t have gone from very much farther than that.”

On how they will regroup after such a loss:
“I think our players take a lot of confidence in the way 54 minutes of that game went. I think when we look at the final 6 minutes; we can see a lot of reasons we weren’t able to close that out. Like I said, big plays allowed on defense – that had nothing to do with keeping their clock going. There were some big chunks that were there at the end of the game. We failed to execute: missed tackles, letting guys out of bounds, personal fouls moving them into field goal range, and then us failing to keep the clock going at the end there. There were a lot of situations. And then the missed extra point, that makes it a touchdown at the end rather than a field goal.”

On if he thought of putting Hill in, had the Lions received the ball in overtime:
“He was active only to hand the ball off. He couldn’t have done anything other than take a snap and hand the ball off, so there was no consideration. A little bit like Matt a couple weeks ago. It was only up in case of a dire emergency.”

On if QB Shaun Hill could be ready next week:
“We’ll see. That will close in right around the time that he’d be healing. We’ll have to just wait and see and see where he is and his ability to be able to handle the football and also throw and take a hit and do everything you need to do in an NFL football game.”

LIONS QB DREW STANTON
On the third-down play after the two-minute warning:
“A lot of things happened on that play, and I thought whether to go down and keep the clock running or to put a good ball on him and try to get a first down. So, we’ll look at the film, but it’s not sitting well right now.”

LIONS DT NDAMUKONG SUH
On attempting the extra point:
“I need to be ready at all times. I practice it, (I) just didn’t execute.”

LIONS S LOUIS DELMAS
On what’s been happening to the Lions late in the fourth quarter:
“Nothing. Nothing’s happening in the fourth quarter. If we want to be a good team, good offense and defense, a whole unit, you have to be able make it out of the fourth quarter. We haven’t been doing that throughout the year, we have to change it around.”

LIONS CB ALPHONSO SMITH
On how the Lions made mistakes to lose the game:
“Yeah, (that) just summed it up. We did have them bottled up all day, but it’s all about finishing. I’ve seen games where an offense has 100 yards going into two minutes left in the fourth quarter and they end up winning the game. It’s all about finishing; it’s really unfortunate that we didn’t finish. So to a sense, we did shoot ourselves in the foot.”

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FORMER LIONS’ STAR IN THE 1940s JOHN GREENE DIES AT 90

2010-11-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

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GREENE WAS ONE OF NFL’S TOP RECEIVERS

ALLEN PARK, MICH. -- John Greene, one of the Lions' star players in the 1940s, died Thursday, November 4, at his home in Franklin at age 90 after a brief illness. He was a pioneer of professional football during a turbulent decade long before the sport had the popularity it now enjoys.

Greene came to the Lions as a fifth-round (35th overall) selection in the 1944 NFL Draft after lettering three years as a lineman at the University of Michigan. A two-way performer early in his career, Lions' coach Gus Dorais was impressed by Greene’s speed so he moved him from the line to end in 1945. It was a move that soon vaulted Greene to star status among NFL receivers.

The 6-foot, 215-pounder led the Lions in receiving from 1945-47 and ended his seven-year pro career (1944-50) as Detroit's all-time leading receiver with 2,965 receiving yards, 26 touchdown catches and 173 receptions.

A two-time captain for the Lions, he averaged an impressive 16.9 yards per catch for his career. His 88-yard TD catch was the longest in the NFL in 1946.

Greene was more than a star on the field. Former Lions’ teammate Wally Triplett has fond memories of Greene off the field. Triplett (1949-50), Bob Mann (1948-49) and Mel Groomes (1948-49) were the first African-American players with Lions and among the first in the National Football League.

“I want to say ‘thank you” to John because what we have now in the NFL would not have been possible had it not been for him and others like (future Pro Football Hall of Famer) Bill Dudley,” said Triplett. “John was a star and a captain for the Lions. So, when he and Bill came over to me in the locker room, shook my hand and welcomed me to the Lions, it made a huge impact in my acceptance on the team and in the League. I will always appreciate what John and Bill did for me.”

Greene was nicknamed "the Cinderella Kid" for his rise to stardom after comparative obscurity while a lineman in college and early in his Lions’ career. That all changed when Dorais shifted him to end. Greene wore the number “81” during his best seasons in Detroit. When visiting Lions' training camp in 2009, he met and spent time with the Lions' current star receiver and number 81, Calvin Johnson. Lions' fans last saw Greene when he was introduced at halftime of the Lions-Rams game at Ford Field, October 10, during Alumni Day festivities.

He survived by his wife Alice and his niece Patricia Ruscello and two nephews Jack and Bill Gannon.

Visitation for John Greene will be from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 8, at Lynch and Sons Funeral Home in Clawson (1368 N. Crooks Road). The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, at The Church of St. Owen in Bloomfield Hills (6869 Franklin Road).

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LIONS TO HELP TACKLE PANCREATIC CANCER AT SUNDAY’S GAME IN MEMORY OF LIONS’ DIRECTOR OF SECURITY RICKY SANDOVAL

2010-11-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

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ALLEN PARK, MI – The Detroit Lions again are teaming up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to help increase awareness of pancreatic cancer at the Lions-New York Jets’ game on Sunday (Nov. 7) at Ford Field. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and this year more than 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the cancer. The mortality rate from this devastating disease has remained at 94% for many years.

The Lions have been touched by pancreatic cancer during Director of Security Ricky Sandoval’s fight against the disease. Ricky lost his courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer in July of 2009. His wife, Gael, continues Ricky’s battle by bringing awareness to pancreatic cancer.

A special check presentation during pre-game ceremonies will involve Gael, who founded the Detroit affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in 2007. Lions’ President Tom Lewand will represent the Lions who helped sponsor the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s “Links for the Cure” golf and PurpleStride fundraisers this summer that combined to raise $275,000 to support the mission of the organization.

Also, volunteers from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will hand out purple wristbands while supplies last as fans depart Gate A at Ford Field after the game. Wearing the wristbands allows fans to show their support in Ricky’s memory and for the thousands of Americans who are currently battling pancreatic cancer and/or who have lost loved ones to the disease.

Earlier this year, the Detroit Lions were recognized as the National Sponsor of the Year by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network during its national meetings in Dallas, Texas.

Together, the Detroit Lions and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network plan to tackle pancreatic cancer head-on by involving NFL fans in the continued effort to advance research, support patients and create hope.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer or how you can help fight this devastating disease visit http://www.pancan.org/ or call 1-877-272-6226.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010

2010-11-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

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Lions WR Calvin Johnson named NFC Offensive Player of the Week; Team announces sellout for this week's game.

TODAY’S NEWS

The NFL announced today that WR Calvin Johnson was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Johnson was recognized for his nine-catch, 101-yard performance – which included a career-high three touchdowns – in the team’s 37-25 victory over the Washington Redskins (10/31). All three of his touchdown catches either gave the Lions their initial lead or allowed them to regain the lead. Johnson, who is tied for the NFC lead with eight touchdown receptions this season, has had at least one touchdown catch in each of the past four games. In his fourth season from Georgia Tech, this is Johnson’s first career Player of the Week Award.

Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand announced today that the team has reached a sellout for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at Ford Field. For more on Lewand’s announcement, click here.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: S C.C. Brown (knee), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) and QB Shaun Hill (left forearm) did not practice. S Louis Delmas (ankle), LB Ashlee Palmer (hamstring), TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) and RB Kevin Smith (knee) were limited in practice. RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Bryant Johnson (foot), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle), DE Turk McBride (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (foot) all had full participation in practice today.

The following players were listed on the New York Jets’ Injury Report today: LB David Harris (back) did not practice and LB Calvin Pace (foot) and CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring) had full participation in practice today.

The Detroit Lions will host the New York Jets Sunday, November 7 at Ford Field with kickoff set for 1 p.m. The Lions are aiming to win in consecutive weeks after a 37-25 victory against the Redskins while the Jets are looking to get back on track after a 9-0 loss to the Packers at New York.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2010

2010-11-01T15:30:00.001-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 37-25 victory over Washington. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.

In the second half of Sunday’s game against the Redskins (10/31), QB Matthew Stafford was 18-of-27 (66.7-percent) for 140 yards and threw for 3 touchdowns. His quarterback rating was 116.3, the highest tally in a second half of a game during his career. He was the only quarterback in the NFC with four touchdown tosses in Week 8. Stafford also became the first quarterback in team history to throw for 4 touchdowns in a game which each touchdown gave the Lions the lead.

WR Calvin Johnson’s seven touchdown receptions in October were the most by any player in the NFL as well as the most overall touchdowns (7) by any player in the League this past month. He also scored a touchdown in all four of the Lions games in October, including 2 at Green Bay (10/3), 1 vs. St. Louis (10/10), 1 at New York Giants (10/17) and 3 vs. Washington Redskins (10/31).

Johnson also set a franchise record with 7 receiving touchdowns for the month of October. He broke the previous mark of 6 touchdown receptions by WR Herman Moore in 1995.

Johnson became the first receiver in the NFL to score 7 touchdowns in October since 2000 (San Francisco WR Terrell Owens, 7; Minnesota WR Randy Moss, 7), and he is the first player to record 7 total touchdowns in the month since 2006 (San Diego RB LaDanian Tomlinson, 8; Kansas City RB Larry Johnson, 10).

Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh’s was dominant during the month of October as he finished with 14 tackles, 4.5 sacks (29.5 yards lost), 1 interception, 1 pass defense and a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown. He was a key cog in the Lions going 2-2 and winning both their home games. Suh had more sacks (4.5) in October than any other rookie in the NFL has tallied for the entire season, and he had the most among defensive tackles in the League (Chicago DT Israel Idonije recorded 4.5 sacks but did it over 4 games starting at LDE).

With 4.5 sacks, Suh became the first rookie defensive tackle to record 4.5 sacks in October since Jacksonville DT John Henderson had 5.0 in 2002.He also became the first defensive tackle in the NFL to collect 4.5 sacks during October since Tampa Bay DT Warren Sapp had 5.0 in 2005.

WR Stefan Logan set up the Lions first score of the game when he returned a Redskins punt for a career-high 71 yards to give the ball to Detroit’s offense at Washington’s 19-yard line. He became the first player in Lions history to return a 100-yard kickoff return (105t vs. St. Louis, 10/10) and a punt return for at least 70 yards in the same season. Logan has now returned a kick (2 kickoffs, 1 punt return) for more than 50 yards in each of the past three games.

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Lions Game Notes Oct 31, 2010

2010-10-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

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Home Scoring

The Lions were victorious today over the Washington Redskins 37-25 at Ford Field. The team has scored at least 30 points (32 vs. Philadelphia September 19 and 44 vs. St. Louis Rams October 10). Today’s 37-point outing marks the first time since 1997 (38 vs. Minnesota 11/16/97, 32 vs. Indianapolis 11/23/97 and vs. Chicago 11/27/97) that the Lions have scored 30 points in three-consecutive home games.

Entering today’s game, the Lions led the lead in scoring average at home (38.0), and their average was nearly reached. The team is now averaging 37.7 (113 points) over their first three home games.

Stafford Returns
Second-year QB Matthew Stafford returned today after missing the last five games due to a shoulder injury to lead the Lions to a 37-25 win over the Redskins and giving the Lions two wins in the past three games and two wins in the last two home games.

Stafford completed 26-of-45 passes for 212 yards and 4 touchdowns, while accumulating a 90.2 passer rating.

His 4 touchdown passes are the second-highest single game tally of his career. He joins QB Bobby Layne (4), QB Eric Hipple (2), QB Gary Danielson (2) and QB Scott Mitchell (2) as the only passers in team history with at least two games of 4 touchdown passes, and Stafford is the first player in team history to do it twice in his first two years with the club.

By connecting with WR Calvin Johnson on 4th-and-1 with 3:12 left to play in the fourth quarter to take a 28-25 lead, which the Lions would not surrender, it marked Stafford’s second career fourth-quarter come-from-behind win.

Johnson’s Career Day
WR Calvin Johnson was crucial throughout today’s 37-25 win over the Redskins as he gathered 9 receptions for 101 yards and three touchdown receptions. Johnson’s 3 touchdown receptions is a career high and it was the first time since WR Roy Williams (3 vs. Arizona 11/13/05) that a Lions receiver recorded three touchdown receptions in a game.

All 3 touchdown catches by Johnson helped the team either take the lead initially in the game or re-take the lead.

Today’s game marked the fourth time in his career that he caught at least two touchdowns in a game and the first time against a team other than Green Bay.

With 3 touchdown receptions, Johnson passed WR Roy Williams (28, 2004-07) for the second-most receiving touchdowns by a Lions receiver in their first four seasons. E Cloyce Box holds the best marks of 32 touchdowns in his first four years (1949-50, 1952-53).

Johnson has now caught touchdown passes in 4 consecutive games.

His 101 yards marks the 11th time in his career that he has recorded 100 yards in a game. He has 100 receiving yards in the past two games (146 at New York Giants 10/17) for a two-game tally of 257 yards.

It is the second time in his career that he has recorded 100 yards in back-to-back games and first since he did so in 2008 (107 at Atlanta 9/7/08 and 129 vs. Green Bay 9/14/08)

With 101 receiving yards, Johnson passed WR Gail Cogdill (3,534 yards, 1960-63) for the second-most receiving yards by a player in their first four seasons with the Lions. With 35 yards receiving next week, he will surpass the highest tally set by Williams (3,652) from 2004-07.

His 9-catch day tied a career high and marked the third time he has registered 9 receptions in a game.

Johnson surpassed WR Brett Perriman (226, 2004-07) for most receptions by a Lions’ receiver in their first four seasons with the club. Johnson now holds the second-highest mark with 231 receptions.

Johnson has now caught passes in all 52 games he has played in his career. His 52-consecutive games with a reception is the longest streak by the Lions.

Suh-per Day
Lions rookie DT Ndamukong Suh electrified the Ford Field crowd as part of a dominating performance by the defensive line today when he registered 2 sacks (17 yards loss), 4 tackles (2 tackles for loss) and put an exclamation point on the victory today with a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown with 1:36 to play in the game that gave the Lions a 37-25 lead.

In the second quarter, Suh halted a Redskins drive when he registered two sacks in the span of three plays for a total of 17 yards lost. Suh became the first rookie to record two sacks in a game since DE Kalimba Edwards at Arizona December 8, 2002. He is the first Lions rookie defensive tackle to record two sacks in a game since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

The two sacks pushed his season total to 6.5, which ties Edwards (2002) rookie for the second most sacks by a Lions rookie since 1982. The record is 7.5 by LB Tracy Hayworth in 1992. Suh has the most by a Lions rookie defensive tackles since 1992.

Suh became the first Lions defensive lineman to return a fumble for a touchdown since Bob Bell (25 yards) at Green Bay November 1, 1971

Defensive Pressure Up Front
The Lions 37-25 win today was highlighted by a very aggressive attack by the defensive line to get to the quarterback. As a team, the Lions garnered 7 sacks (59 yards), including 6 by three defensive linemen.

DE Cliff Avril, DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch each registered 2.0 sacks each.

With three Lions defenders garnering 2.0 sacks today, it marked the first time since 1986 that the defense accomplished the feat (DE Keith Ferguson 4.0, DE William Gay 2.5 and DT Eric Williams 2.0; at Philadelphia 11/16/86).

Avril’s 2.0 sacks is a career high.

Vanden Bosch’s 2.0 sacks are the most he has garnered in his first season with the Lions. The last time he has 2.0 sacks in a game was against the New York Jets December 23, 2007 while he was with the Tennessee Titans.

On the season, the Lions defense now has 23 sacks.

Logan Goes Long on Punt Return
WR Stefan Logan set up the Lions first score of the game when he returned a Redskins punt for career-high 71 yards. He gave the ball to the Lions offense at the Redskins 19-yard line.

Logan has now returned a kick for more than 50 yards in each of the past three games. He returned a kickoff for a 105-yard touchdown vs. St. Louis 10/10 and a kickoff return for 58 yards at New York Giants 10/17).

The 71-yarder is the longest by a Lions returner since WR Eddie Drummond returned an 83-yard touchdown at Jacksonville November 14, 2004.

Logan becomes the first player in Lions history to return a 100-yard kickoff return and a punt return for at least 70 yards in the same season.

Smith’s Pick-Four
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith picked off his fourth pass of the season when he recorded a fourth quarter interception (returned for 4 yards).

With a fourth pick of the year, he became the first player for the Lions to record 4 interceptions in a season since CB Dre’ Bly registered 6 interceptions in 2005.

For Starters
K Jason Hanson has now played in 294 career games, the most in franchise history. Hanson is third all-time in games played with one team, currently at 294, and is now one game behind Washington CB Darrell Green (295) for second place on that list.

Among active players, Hanson ranks second with 294 career games, and he is 11th overall in League history.

T Jeff Backus made his 151st consecutive start today at left tackle.He has started every game since he was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Backus currently holds the mark for the most consecutive starts among active interior (offense and defense) linemen and is currently tied for fifth among all active players with 151 straight starts.

He is second in Lions history for most consecutive games started behind Hall of Fame CB Dick LeBeau (171).

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RON ADAMS OF WYANDOTTE NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-10-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

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Michigan Army National Guard on Board as Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Ron Adams of Wyandotte as the 2010 week nine recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Adams led his Wyandotte Bears to a 27-0 victory over previously unbeaten Southgate on Friday (Oct. 22) to finish the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. The win marks the first time the Bears have finished the regular season unbeaten since 1942. Wyandotte is currently ranked No. 6 in Division 2 by the Detroit Free Press.

Adams is in his 22nd year as a high school coach and fifth as head coach at Wyandotte where his record stands at 42-11. After taking over a team that was 1-8 in 2005, he has guided the Bears to five straight state playoff appearances.

Adams also served as head coach at Taylor Truman for five seasons where he led them to their first playoff appearance in school history. He has served as an assistant at Taylor Center, Melvindale and Wyandotte.

This week Adams and his squad host Allen Park (6-3) in the state playoffs.

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TONY SCARCELLI OF MARINE CITY NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-10-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Tony Scarcelli of Marine City as the 2010 week eight recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Scarcelli guided his Marine City Mariners to a 56-21 victory over St. Clair Shores Lake Shore on Friday (Oct. 15) to improve to 7-1 on the season. Marine City is currently ranked No. 3 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.

Scarcelli is in his 25th year as a coach at Marine City serving as head coach for the last six seasons and as an assistant for 19 seasons. His career record as head coach stands at 63-7 and includes the 2007 Division 4 state title and at least a share of the Macomb Area Conference (Gold Division) title all six seasons. The Mariner football program has never recorded a losing season in Scarcelli’s 25 years as a coach.

This week Scarcelli is preparing his squad to take on Grosse Pointe South (5-3).

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010

2010-10-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

Today’s workout marked starting QB Matthew Stafford’s most extensive practice participation since Week
Lions CB Jack Williams practiced with the team for the first time today since being placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on September 4. The team now has three weeks to decide whether to add Williams to the active 53-man roster, release him or keep him on the PUP list for the rest of the 2010 season.

The team announced today that they have signed C Cody Wallace from the New York Jets practice squad.

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Lions Head Coach Schwartz Press Conference Monday Oct 18

2010-10-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Opening statement:
"Zack Follett should be en route to Detroit fairly soon. He’s flying back today. He’s doing a lot better. His tests all came back very, very encouraging. We look forward to a quick recovery and seeing him back on the field sometime."

On how long he expects QB Shaun Hill to be out:
"I don’t know if he’s being operated on right now or if it’s further on down the road today but he’ll have his broken arm operated on. After that, I really don’t know. It’s going to be a few weeks but it’s a little too early. It’s his non-throwing arm. It depends on what kind of cast and everything else that could be put on it. I don’t want to put a time table on it but there’s going to be some missed time with it."

On if he thinks QB Matthew Stafford will be the starter against Washington:
"I don’t want to say hope, but anytime you’re talking about injury there is a degree of hope, because you never know exactly how someone is going to respond to an increased workload. He did throw last week. He had been throwing on a limited basis before that. So, hopefully we can keep him on track and we can be smart about how we use him and get him ready for that, but that’s definitely the plan."

The Lions have a bye week coming up and will be out of action this weekend.

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UPDATE ON DETROIT LIONS LB ZACK FOLLETT

2010-10-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

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9:15 p.m. ET
“Both the MRI and CT tests performed on Zack this evening at the Hackensack Medical Center were NEGATIVE. Zack is resting comfortably and has feeling and movement in all of his extremities. He will continue to be monitored throughout the evening. We expect no further updates until Monday.”

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

2010-10-14T13:43:00.001-07:00

In Play Magazine
TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The team announced today that they have waived-injured LB Spencer Havner and have signed LB Vinny Ciurciu. Ciurciu played in nine games for Detroit in 2009 and spent the 2010 preseason with the team before being released September 4.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. RB Jahvid Best (toe), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today. Best was upgraded from no practice to limited today.

The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles), S Kenny Phillips (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) were limited in practice today. Umenyiora was upgraded from no practice to limited today.

The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit

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What's Your Take on the Looming NFL Strike

2010-10-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

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RICH BELL OF SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Rich Bell of Saginaw Swan Valley as the 2010 week seven recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Bell led his Swan Valley Vikings to a 28-13 victory over Freeland last Friday (Oct. 8) to improve to 6-1 on the season. Swan Valley is currently ranked No. 10 in Division 4 by the Detroit Free Press.

Bell is in his 38th year as a football coach and 10th as head coach at Swan Valley where he has compiled a record of 75-28. He served as head coach at St. Charles for eight seasons and at Freeland for two seasons. His overall career record as a head coach stands at 136-64-2. Bell has also been an assistant coach at Swan Valley, Saginaw MacArthur and Muskegon Mona Shores.

This week Bell and the Vikings host Hemlock (4-3).

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2010

2010-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

Detroit Lions WR Stefan Logan has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played in Week 5 (October 10-11). Logan had a 105-yard kickoff-return touchdown in the Lions’ 44-6 win against St. Louis. The return tied for the longest kickoff return in team history (Terry Fair, September 28, 1998) and tied for the sixth-longest in NFL history. It also marked the first non-onside kickoff-return touchdown by a Lion since Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard TD in 2004 (November 21). Logan also added 24 punt-return yards (12.0 avg.) and finished with 129 total return yards while also helping the kickoff cover unit allow just 18.3 yards per return. In his second season from South Dakota, this is Logan’s first career Player of the Week Award.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: RB Jahvid Best (toe), LB Spencer Havner (hamstring), LB Landon Johnson (concussion), LB DeAndre Levy (ankle/groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps) did not practice. WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin), WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder/knee) and WR Stefan Logan (foot) were limited in practice today.

The following players were listed on the New York Giants’ Injury Report today: T Will Beatty (foot) is out. WR Victor Cruz (hamstring), FB Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), DB Brian Jackson (neck), DE Mathias Kiwanuka (neck), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) and RB D.J. Ware (groin) did not practice. LB Keith Bulluck (toe), C Shuan O’Hara (ankle/Achilles) and S Kenny Phillips (knee) were limited in practice today.

The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.

The game will be televised locally.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010

2010-10-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

TODAY’S NEWS
The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 44-6 victory over St. Louis. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.

Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh’s interception against the St. Louis Rams was the first interception by a Lions’ rookie defensive lineman since DT Thurman McGraw intercepted a pass vs. the Los Angeles Rams October 15, 1950. Suh is also the first rookie defensive tackle in the NFL to register an interception since Falcons rookie DT Trey Lewis had one at Tennessee October 7, 2007.

WR Stefan Logan’s 105-yard kickoff return against St. Louis (10/10) tied for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied CB Terry Fair who recorded a 105-yard touchdown September 28, 1998. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned an onside-kick 42 yards for a score vs. Chicago October 28, 2007. The last non-onside kickoff return for a touchdown by the Lions was WR Eddie Drummond’s 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown at Minnesota November 21, 2004. In NFL history, Logan’s 105-yarder is tied for the sixth longest kickoff return for touchdown.

Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, registered his first career interception return for a touchdown against St. Louis (10/10) when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42 yards for the score. The interception marked his third interception of the season and the third in the past three games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dré Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05).

Lions QB Shaun Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) vs. the Rams (10/10). His passing rating on the day was 117.6, the second highest of his career (142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008). The 117.6 rating was the highest by a Lions’ quarterback since QB Jon Kitna registered 137.3 vs. Chicago September 30, 2007. It was also the highest rating by a Lions quarterback with 30 passing attempts since QB Joey Harrington recorded a rating of 121.8 vs. Arizona November 13, 2005.

The Detroit Lions will visit New Meadowlands Stadium this week to take on the New York Giants Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The Lions will aim to win back-to-back games after beating the Rams 44-6 and the Giants will look to make it three-in-a-row after winning 34-10 at Houston.

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DETROIT LIONS VS. ST. LOUIS RAMS FACTS AND FIGURES

2010-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

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Lions 44-6 Win
The Lions defeated the St. Louis Rams 44-6 today at Ford Field. The last time the Lions scored 44 points in a game occurred when the Lions claimed a 44-7 win over Denver November 4, 2007.

Today’s 38 point margin of victory is the largest by the Lions since they beat Jacksonville 44-0 December 17, 1995

Defensive Stand
Detroit allowed just two field goals in today’s game vs. St. Louis. The last time the Lions did not allow the opponent to score a touchdown was vs. Seattle September 10, 2006 when they allowed just three field goals against the Seahawks. The Lions lost on a late field goal 9-6.

Today’s effort marked the first time the Lions allowed six points or less since they defeated Green Bay 17-3 September 11, 2005.

All Three Units Score
In the Lions’ 44-6 win today, the Lions scored on 3 passing touchdowns, 1 kickoff return touchdown and an interception return for touchdown. It marks the first time that all three units have scored for the Lions since they did so vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.

Logan Takes Kickoff to House, Ties Record
WR Stefan Logan took a kickoff return following a Rams field goal 105 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.

The 105-yarder ties a franchise record for the longest kickoff return in team history. He tied the record set by CB Terry Fair, who returned a kickoff 105 yards vs. Tampa Bay September 28, 1998.

Logan’s kickoff return for a touchdown was the team’s first since TE Casey FitzSimmons returned a onside kickoff 42 yards for a touchdown vs. Chicago September 30, 2007.

The kickoff return for touchdown was the second of Logan’s career.

Hill’s Career-Tying Three Touchdown Passes
When QB Shaun Hill connected with WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, it was Hill’s third touchdown pass of the game, which is the most he’s thrown for since joining the Lions and it ties his career high (3 vs. Tampa Bay December 23, 2007).

Hill now has passed for 10 touchdowns on the season, the second highest single-season tally of his career, including 9 touchdowns in his four starts this year. His career high is 13 in 8 starts while he was with San Francisco in 2008.

Hill is now 8-2 as a starter in home games during his career and 4-0 against the Rams.

Hill of a Day
Hill completed 21-of-32 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns. His passing rating on the day was 117.6. His passer rating was the second highest of his career, second only to his 142.3 rating vs. St. Louis November 16, 2008.

Pick-Three
Second-year CB Alphonso Smith, who the Lions acquired via trade on September 6, 2010, recorded his third interception of the season, and he now has a pick in three-straight games. The last Lions player with interceptions in three-straight games was CB Dre Bly when he did so in four-straight games in 2005 (at TB 10/2/05; vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and at Cleveland 10/23/05

Smith registered his first career interception return for a touchdown when he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter and went 42-yards for the score.

The Lions, as a team, recorded 2 interceptions in the game. They have intercepted at least 2 passes in the past three games. The last time the Lions intercepted 2 passes in three-straight games was when they recorded two interceptions in four-straight games in 2005 (3 at TB 10/2/05; 2 vs. Baltimore 10/9/05, 3 vs. Carolina 10/16/05 and 3 at Cleveland 10/23/05).

Suh Tips and Picks
Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh recorded his first career interception when he tipped Rams QB Sam Bradford’s pass at the line of scrimmage and plucked the ball out of the air in the fourth quarter. Suh then returned the interception 20 yards to set up a Lions field goal.

Suh finished with three tackles on the day.

Best’s Total Yards over 100
Rookie RB Jahvid Best combined for 104 yards in today’s game, including 67 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards. It was his second-highest tally of total yards from scrimmage on the season. His high is 232 yards vs. Philadelphia September 19, 2010.

In two games at Ford Field, Best has totaled 336 yards from scrimmage (145 rushing and 191 receiving.

For Starters…
K Jason Hanson has now played in 292 career games, a franchise record. His tally of 292 career games are the third most by a player in NFL history for a team that drafted him and the third most among active players. He is 11th overall in League history in career games.

T Jeff Backus has extended his streak of consecutive games starting to 149. He has the longest streak among active interior (offense and defense) linemen in the League and his streak is the fifth longest in the NFL among active players.

Lions Halt Rams Drive in RedZone with Turnover
With the Rams driving deep in Lions territory during the first quarter, the Lions forced a fumble (DT Corey Williams) at the Lions 6-yard line, and it was picked up by Lions CB Alphozo Smith. Smith returned the fumble nine yards before the Rams forced a fumble that was then recovered by Lion CB Jonathan Wade. Wade returned the fumble 10 yards to give the Lions the ball at the Detroit 27-yard line.

The fumble was the 12th takeaway of the season for Detroit (5 interceptions, 7 fumbles).

Calvin Johnson Increases Lions Lead
WR Calvin Johnson scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB Shaun Hill with 6:14 left in the second quarter to put the Lions up 17-3. It was Johnson’s fourth touchdown reception of the year and Hill’s eighth touchdown toss.

Johnson has now scored touchdowns in three of the past four games.
On the drive, Hill was 8-for-9 passing for 78 yards, WR Nate Burleson caught 3 passes for 30 yards and RB Jahvid Best had 2 catches for 28 yards and four rushes for 13 yards (41 total yards).

Lions Extend Lead 24-6 to go into the Half
With :10 left in the second quarter QB Shaun Hill drifted out of the pocket and hit TE Brandon Pettigrew for a 3-yard touchdown pass. The score capped off 12-play 80-yard drive that covered 1:27.

Pettigrew scored his first touchdown of the season.

Lions Open Third Quarter with TD
Lions QB Shaun Hill hit WR Nate Burleson on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 10:54 left in the third quarter to move the Lions into a 31-6 lead. The drive, that started after a punt (returned 17 yards by WR Stefan Logan) forced by a three-and-out by the Lions defense, covered 4 plays 41 yards in 1:53.

The touchdown was Burleson’s first as a Lion and it was his longest reception of the season. The reception was two yards past the line of scrimmage and Burleson raced the other 24 yards up the middle for the score.

The touchdown gave the Lions three-straight offensive possessions capped off by touchdowns, all in the air.

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DETROIT LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. ST. LOUIS

2010-10-08T12:53:00.001-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have reached a sellout for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams. By reaching a sellout by today’s 1 p.m. deadline, Sunday’s game will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets), including WJBK-TV FOX 2.

Sunday’s sellout was completed after Gardner-White Furniture purchased 800 tickets.

“Our fans’ support is outstanding, and we appreciate their excitement for this team,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “A significant portion of the remaining tickets for Sunday’s game were purchased by our fans and that allowed us to complete the sellout by partnering with Gardner-White. We want to express our many thanks to our fans and Gardner-White for this Sunday’s game airing live in Metro Detroit.”

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ELLIOT UZELAC OF ST. JOSEPH NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-10-07T08:24:00.001-07:00

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Elliot Uzelac of St. Joseph as the 2010 week six recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Coach Uzelac guided his St. Joseph Bears to a 35-28 victory over previously unbeaten Portage Central last Friday (Oct. 1) to improve to 6-0 on the season and wrap up a state playoff appearance. St. Joseph is currently ranked No. 4 in Division 3 by the Detroit Free Press.

Uzelac is in his fifth season as head coach at St. Joseph where he has compiled a record of 43-10. He took over the program in 2006 after the team went 0-9 the previous season and has guided the Bears to the state playoffs in each of his five seasons.

Uzelac started coaching in 1964. He was head coach at Western Michigan University, Navy and St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He has served as an assistant at Bowling Green, Navy, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio State, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Maryland, Georgetown and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

This week Uzelac and the Bears host Mattawan (2-4).

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2010

2010-10-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 28-26 loss at Green Bay. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.

Lions QB Shaun Hill scrambled up the middle and rushed for a 40-yard gain that helped set up a Lions field goal in the third quarter at Green Bay (10/3). His 40-yard rush is the longest of his career and it is the longest by a quarterback thus far in 2010. The last time a Lions quarterback rushed for a 40-yard gain was QB Gary Danielson vs. Minnesota September 23, 1984. The 40-yard rush also tied for the sixth longest rush by a Lions quarterback since 1948.

For the 22nd time in Jason Hanson’s career, he made four field goals in a single game. At Green Bay (10/3), he made field goals of 39, 52, 49 and 24 yards and is now tied with K Gary Anderson for third place in NFL History for the most games with four field goals.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew finished the game with 8 catches for 91 yards. His eight catches were a career high and they were the fourth-most by a Lions tight end in a single game since 1960, and the most since TE David Hill grabbed nine passes vs. Green Bay October 25, 1981.

The Lions special teams unit forced two fumbles on kickoff returns at Green Bay (10/3) marking their 10th takeaway over the past three years (2008-10) which is the most in the NFL during that span.

The Detroit Lions will host the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field on Sunday, October 10 at 1 p.m. The Lions will be looking to get on track after a tough 28-26 loss at Green Bay while Rams aim to win a third consecutive game after a 20-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit (subject to blackout).

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

2010-09-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

Rookie RB Jahvid Best has been named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for the month of September. Best started all three games in September and led NFL rookies with 307 total yards from scrimmage (183 receiving and 124 rushing) as well as scoring a league-best five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving). His 154 receiving yards in Week 2 (vs. Philadelphia, 9/19) are the most by a rookie running back in a game in the Super Bowl era. Best is the first Lion to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors since 2004 when both wide receiver Roy Williams (September) and running back Kevin Jones (December) were honored. In 2009, Lions safety Louis Delmas was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. For Best’s comments on being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month, click here.

The Lions announced today that they have signed S Dante Wesley and released S Randy Phillips.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: RB Jahvid Best (toe), RB Aaron Brown (finger), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), DT Sammie Hill (ankle), LB DeAndre Levy (groin) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice. DE Cliff Avril (knee/finger), S C.C. Brown (forearm), S Louis Delmas (groin/biceps/calf) and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (back) were limited in practice today. LB Zack Follett (concussion), CB Chris Houston (knee), LB Landon Johnson (neck) and G Stephen Peterman (foot) had full participation in practice. Follett, Houston, Johnson and Peterman were upgraded to full practice; Delmas was upgraded to limited practice and Vanden Bosch was added to the injury report today.

The following players were listed on the Green Bay Packers’ Injury Report today: LB Brandon Chillar (shoulder) and S Nick Collins (knee) did not practice and LB Brady Poppinga (hamstring) and CB Sam Shields (calf) were limited in practice. T Chad Clifton (knee), DE Cullen Jenkins (hand), LB Brad Jones (knee), S Derrick Martin (ankle) and DE Mike Neal (rib), S Charlie Peprah (quadriceps) and CB Charles Woodson (toe) had full participation in practice. Collins was downgraded to no practice; Clifton, Peprah and Woodson were upgraded to full practice and Poppinga and Shields were added to the Packers’ injury report today.

The Detroit Lions will travel to Green Bay to face the division rival Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, October 3 at 1 p.m. The Lions will be looking to get on track after a 24-10 loss at Minnesota and the Packers will be trying rebound after a last second 20-17 loss at Chicago on Monday Night Football.

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FORMER LIONS' PLAYER AND COACH, DON DOLL, DIES AT AGE 84

2010-09-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

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ALLEN PARK, MICH. – Don Doll, former Lions’ player and coach, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. He was 84. Doll played safety for the Lions from 1949-52 and was part of the 1952 NFL Championship Team. He later coached for the Lions from 1963-64 and again from 1978-88.

In 2008, Doll was recognized as one of franchise’s greatest players when he was named to the Lions’ 75th Season All-Time Team.

Doll exploded onto the NFL scene after being named the Pacific Coast’s MVP for the University of Southern California Trojans in 1948. As a rookie in 1949, he tied a League record with four pass interceptions in a single game against the Chicago Cardinals and set an NFL rookie record with 11 pass interceptions for the season. Doll’s 11 picks his rookie year is the third-highest single-season tally in team history. His 301 interception return yards in 1949 still stands as an NFL rookie record.

In 1950, Doll followed up his rookie campaign with a remarkable 12 interceptions, which is still tied for the most in Lions’ history. Two seasons later, Doll helped the Lions win the 1952 NFL Championship and was named the MVP of the 1953 Pro Bowl following the season. During his career he was a four-time Pro Bowler and was selected three times when he was with the Lions (1951-53).

Doll finished his playing career with the Washington Redskins (1953), where he recorded 10 interceptions, and the Los Angeles Rams (1954).

In the history of the NFL, Doll is the only player to record 10 interceptions in three different seasons (1949, 1950 and 1953).

Doll later coached for the Lions for 13 seasons. His first stint on the club’s coaching staff was from 1963-64, and then he was on the staff for an 11-year stint (1978-88), holding various positions during that time. Doll coached in college and in the NFL for 34 years following his playing days, including 25 in the NFL.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, and his five children, Steven, Wendy, Kevan, Heidi and Michael, in addition to six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

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TERRY HESSBROOK OF ITHACA NAMED LIONS HS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Terry Hessbrook of Ithaca as the 2010 week five recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Hessbrook led his Ithaca Yellowjackets to a 42-6 victory over St. Charles on Friday (Sept. 24) to improve to 5-0 on the season. Ithaca is currently ranked No. 1 in Division 6 by the Detroit Free Press. They have outscored their opponents 278-41.

Hessbrook is in his seventh season as head coach of the Yellowjackets where he has compiled a career record of 50-17 including four state playoff appearances. This season marks his 23rd year of coaching which includes nine years an assistant at Ithaca, five seasons as head coach at Montabella and two years as an assistant at Alma College.

This week Hessbrook and the Yellowjackets travel to Saginaw Valley Lutheran (0-5).

COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAM
Each week throughout the 2010 nine-week high school regular season, one coach that best develops his players’ character, discipline and football skill will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school and community.
This season’s program will award $24,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League and presenting sponsor the Michigan Army National Guard.

Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $2,000 donation to his school’s football program.

In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a framed certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell. Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball, and a Detroit Lions “Coach of the Week” hat.

In its 14th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program will have awarded $268,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan.

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Lions RB Jahvid Best has been named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week

2010-09-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

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The NFL announced today that Lions RB Jahvid Best has been named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on September 19-20. Best compiled 232 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in Detroit’s Week 2 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com/rookies. After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans will vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLV in North Texas.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

2010-09-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions Injury Report: WR Nate Burleson (ankle), S Louis Delmas (groin/biceps/calf), LB Zack Follett (concussion), G Stephen Peterman (foot) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice. DE Cliff Avril (knee/finger), C.C. Brown (forearm) and LB DeAndre Levy (groin) were limited in practice today.

The following players were listed on the Minnesota Vikings Injury Report today: WR Percy Harvin (hip/illness) did not practice and WR Bernard Berrian (knee), CB Cedric Griffin (knee) and LB Ben Leber (back) were limited in practice. CB Chris Cook (knee), DT Jimmy Kennedy (knee), T Bryant McKinnie (finger), C John Sullivan (calf) and QB Brett Favre (ankle) had full participation in practice today.

The Detroit Lions will travel to Minnesota to face the division rival Vikings at the Mall of America Field on Sunday, September 26 at 1 p.m. Both teams will be looking for their first wins of the season after close losses in back-to-back weeks.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

2010-09-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The team met today and reviewed film from Sunday’s 35-32 loss to Philadelphia at Ford Field. The players are off Tuesday and will return to the practice field Wednesday.

RB Jahvid Best rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns and caught nine passes for 154 yards and one touchdown against the Eagles. He is the first rookie in NFL history with at least 75 rushing yards, 150 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a single game. Best is the first player to accomplish the feat since Buffalo RB Joe Cribbs finished with 85 rushing yards and 163 receiving yards vs. Cleveland (11/01/81).

UPDATE: Best’s 154 receiving yards are the most by a rookie running back in the Super Bowl era. He has the most receiving yards by a first-year running back since Cowboys RB Herschel Walker registered 170 receiving yards at Philadelphia 12/14/86 (Walker was designated as a “first-year” player and not as a rookie in 1986 due to his previous pro football experience).

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0-2 Teams Have 11% Chance of Making the Playoffs

2010-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

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According to ESPN...

"Since the NFL adopted its current 12-team playoff format in 1990, there have been 160 clubs that began a year with a 0-2 record. Only 22 of those teams, just 13.75 percent, became playoff entries. The odds are even poorer in the past decade, with only 10.8 percent of the 0-2 teams recovering. There were no such clubs in five of the past 10 seasons and, since 1991, no more than three in a year."

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DETROIT LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. PHILADELPHIA

2010-09-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have reached a sellout for Sunday’s home-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. By reaching a sellout by today’s 1 p.m. deadline, Sunday’s game will air live in the local television markets (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets), including WJBK-TV FOX 2.

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Blackout Looms Near for Lions Opening Day

2010-09-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shorts on Sandoval Field (indoors) today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The NFL has granted the Lions a 24-hour extension to reach a sellout for Sunday’s regular season home opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. Approximately 2,000 tickets are still available to purchase. The game must be sold out by Friday, September 17 at 1 p.m. ET in order to lift the local television blackout (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets). If a sellout is not reached by the deadline, the game will not air in the blackout areas, including WJBK-TV FOX 2 in Metro Detroit.

RB Jahvid Best’s two rushing touchdowns at Chicago (9/12) marked the first time a rookie scored two rushing touchdowns in Week 1 of the NFL season since Chargers RB La Dainian Tomlinson registered two in the 2000 opener.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report:
DE Cliff Avril (knee/finger) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice. S C.C. Brown (forearm), S Louis Delmas (groin/biceps/calf) and LB DeAndre Levy (groin) were limited and RB Jahvid Best (toe) had full participation in practice today. Both Delmas and Levy were upgraded from no practice to limited participation today.

The following players were listed on the Philadelphia Eagles’ Injury Report today:
LB Stewart Bradley (concussion) and QB Kevin Kolb (concussion) did not practice. WR Jason Avant (back), DE Antwan Barnes (wrist), RB Mike Bell (toe), G Nick Cole (knee), G Todd Herremans (ankle), T Austin Howard (back), LB Akeem Jordon (groin), DT Trevor Laws (oblique) and P Saverio Rocca (left hamstring) each had full participation in practice today. DT Brodrick Bunkley (ankle) and LB Ernie Sims (wrist, quadricep) were removed from the injury report today and Avant, Jordon and Rocca were added.

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DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

2010-09-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

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TODAY’S NEWS

The Lions practiced in shells on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

The team announced Tuesday that they have placed rookie CB Aaron Berry on the Reserve/Injured list and signed free agent CB Nathan Vasher.

The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: DE Cliff Avril (knee/finger), S Louis Delmas (groin/biceps), LB DeAndre Levy (groin) and QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) did not practice. S C.C. Brown (forearm) was limited and RB Jahvid Best (toe) had full participation in practice today.

The following players were listed on the Philadelphia Eagles’ Injury Report today: LB Stewart Bradley (concussion) and QB Kevin Kolb (concussion) did not practice. DE Antwan Barnes (wrist), RB Mike Bell (toe), DT Brodrick Bunkley (ankle), G Nick Cole (knee), G Todd Herremans (ankle), T Austin Howard (back), DT Trevor Laws (oblique) and LB Ernie Sims (wrist, quadricep) each had full participation in practice today.

The Detroit Lions will host the Philadelphia Eagles in their home opener at Ford Field on Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. Both teams will be looking to get on track after losing their season openers. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit on WJBK-TV FOX Channel 2 (subject to blackout)

Approximately 3,000 tickets are still available for Sunday’s regular season home opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. The game must be sold out by Friday, September 17 at 1 p.m. ET in order to lift the local television blackout (Metro Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw/Flint and Toledo markets). If a sellout is not reached by the deadline, the game will not air in the blackout areas, including WJBK-TV FOX 2 in Metro Detroit.

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MARC CISCO OF MONROE JEFFERSON NAMED LIONS COACH OF THE WEEK

2010-09-15T13:45:00.001-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Marc Cisco of Monroe Jefferson as the 2010 week three recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Cisco and his Monroe Jefferson Bears defeated Grosse Ile in a 75-56 shootout on Friday (Sept. 10) to improve to 2-1 on the season. Cisco is his 47th year as a high school coach including the past 44 as head coach at Jefferson. His career record stands at 235-174-4 and includes nine state playoff appearances and the 1994 class BB state championship.

This week Cisco and the Bears play at New Boston Huron (2-1).

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Detroit Lions Head Coach Mum on Stafford. ESPN reporting 4-8 Weeks.

2010-09-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

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Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz on the 19-14 lose to the Chicago Bears.

Schwartz says, “Well, we haven’t gotten any calls from the league about changing the rulebook, so we’re still where we are with the Calvin Johnson play. I think it’s important to recognize whether that play is ruled a touchdown, (or) whether it is ruled a complete pass.

“He catches the ball, that’s obvious to everyone who watches the play; he catches the ball and on a technicality it’s ruled an incompletion. That’s the letter of the law. That’s what it ended up being; it’s an incompletion. It doesn’t change the way we played other than that. And I think we’d feel a lot different if that’s ruled a touchdown and we go get a road win in the first week of the season; we would feel a little bit (better) about that effort and about that game than we do after it’s ruled an incompletion and we’re sitting here at 0-1 and we’re trying to put that game behind us and learn.

“I think I’ll just leave that play there and say we played hard. We didn’t play our best football. I think it’s a good sign when we play on the road and we don’t play our best football, but we still have a chance to win. That’s a good sign for this team and I’m happy about that, but other than that you’re never happy with a loss and there are always things to do to improve, even in a win. That’s it.”

Schwartz on Mathew Stafford's condition.

“Matt’s very sore today. We’ve had some good returns from his test that it doesn’t look like surgery is going to be needed, but how much time he misses is still going to be up in the air and we’ll probably know a little bit more on Wednesday.”

While the Lions are not saying anything concerning Stafford's shoulder ESPN is reporting that Stafford will be out 4-8 weeks with a seperated shoulder.

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FORMER LIONS’ GREAT AND MICHIGAN NATIVE, RON KRAMER, DIES AT 75

2010-09-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

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ALLEN PARK, MICH. – Ron Kramer, football legend, has died at the age of 75. Kramer played for the Lions for three seasons, 1965-67 to conclude his NFL career. He finished his 10-year NFL career with 229 receptions for 3,272 yards (14.3 avg.) and 16 touchdowns in 128 games.

“On behalf of the William Clay Ford Family and the Detroit Lions organization, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Ron’s children, Kurt and Cassandra, and his extended family and friends,” said Lions President Tom Lewand. “He is one of Detroit’s most accomplished athletes, and his achievements in high school at East Detroit High School, at Michigan and in the NFL with the Lions and Packers, along with his work off the field, are immeasurable. It was so fitting that Ron ended his prestigious career playing for his hometown team. Over the years, Ron was not only an active member but he was a great leader of the Lions’ Alumni. He will be dearly missed.”

Kramer had a decorated career at the University of Michigan, where he is just one of five players to have his jersey retired in school history. He wore No. 87 for the Wolverines. Following his stellar college career, Kramer was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and had a very productive seven-year career there before finishing his NFL career back in his home state of Michigan with the Lions.

The all-state prep star at East Detroit High moved on to the University of Michigan. At Michigan, Kramer handled a variety of roles as a two-time All-American on the football team – blocker, receiver, punter, kicker, linebacker, and even occasionally running back. A nine-letter winner as a multi-sport star, Kramer was also a three-time team MVP and leading scorer in basketball and a top shot putter and high jumper on the track and field squad.

Kramer was the President of the Lions’ Alumni Association for several years, a position his son Kurt said made his father proud. He stayed in Michigan following his football career and was active in the local community helping countless charities throughout the years.

Kramer is survived by his son, Kurt, daughter Cassandra, daughter-in-law Dawn, son-in-law Brian and grandchildren Kurt, Heidi and Kelsey.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later.

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TODAY'S LIONS' QUICK HITS

2010-09-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

*The Lions practiced in shells on the outdoor fields today at the team’s headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.

*The team announced today that they have signed TE Joe Jon Finley to their practice squad.

*The following players have been listed on the Detroit Lions’ Injury Report: S Louis Delmas (groin) and LB DeAndre Levy (groin) did not practice. S C.C. Brown (forearm) and CB Jonathan Wade (finger) had full participation in practice today.

*The following players were listed on the Chicago Bears’ Injury Report today: S Craig Steltz (ankle) did not practice and LB Lance Briggs (ankle) was limited in practice. WR Earl Bennett (hamstring), LB Nick Roach (knee) and S Major Wright (finger) had full participation in practice today.

*The Detroit Lions will travel to Chicago this week to open up the regular season against the Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, September 12 at 1 p.m. This week’s matchup marks the 161st regular season meeting between the two teams. The game will be televised in Metro Detroit on WJBK-TV FOX Channel 2

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LIONS ACQUIRE CB ALPHONSO SMITH VIA TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS

2010-09-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

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Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions officially confirmed today that they have acquired CB Alphonso Smith from the Denver Broncos in exchange for TE Dan Gronkowski. The teams also exchanged undisclosed 2011 draft picks. Additionally, the Lions claimed LB Spencer Havner (Green Bay) and WR Stefan Logan (Pittsburgh) off waivers.

Bio
2009: Selected by the Broncos in the second round (37th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith appeared in 15 games as a rookie and totaled 11 tackles (7 solo) and 3 pass defenses.

Had the second-most punt returns (10-47) among Broncos and added four kickoff returns for 75 yards (18.8 avg.). Added 3 special-teams tackles.

Totaled 5 tackles (4 solo) and one pass defensed in his NFL debut during the Broncos’ season opener at Cincinnati (9/13).

Missed his only game of the year vs. Dal. (10/4).

COLLEGE
Played 51 career games (40 starts) at Wake Forest University, totaling 189 tackles (153 solo), 9.0 sacks (59 yards), an Atlantic Coast Conference-record 21 interceptions (254 yds.) and 61 pass defenses. Also posted 5 career blocked punts. Finished his career ranked 10th in NCAA history (all levels) with 21 interceptions.

•Started all 13 games as a senior for Wake Forest, totaling 37 tackles (28 solo), 7 interceptions (33 yards), 20 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles. Tied for first in the nation in both interceptions (7) and pass breakups (20).

•Twice earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors at Wake Forest University, where he totaled 21 career interceptions that ranked 10th in NCAA history (all levels) and represented a conference record.

•Led the nation with 15 interceptions during his final two years at Wake Forest, recording seven interceptions as a senior in 2008 that tied for the most in the country after sharing the national lead with a school-record eight interceptions as a junior in 2007.

•Received numerous All-America honors and was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive player) as a senior in 2008.

PERSONAL
Smith played quarterback and defensive back at Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Fla., finishing his prep career as the runner-up for the state Player of the Year award as a senior after leading the Blue Devils to a 13-1 record and the Class 2B state championship.

•Earned first-team all-state honors as a senior cornerback, totaling 27 tackles, 4 interceptions and a sack.
•Threw for 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for 640 yards and six scores as a senior.
•Played in the Palm Beach All-Star Game.
•Lettered in basketball.
•Is a graduate of the National Football Foundation’s Play It Smart program.
•Majored in history at Wake Forest.
•Son of Sharon Smith and Alphonso Smith Sr.

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Lions Release CB Dré Bly

2010-09-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

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DETROIT LIONS TRIM ROSTER TO LEAGUE-MANDATED 53-MAN LIMIT

Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions announced today that they have released 20 players and waived/injured DE Korey Bosworth to trim their roster down to the NFL mandated 53-man limit prior to the 6 p.m. league deadline.

The Lions released the following players: CB Dré Bly, DT Rob Callaway, LB Caleb Campbell, LB Vinny Ciurciu, WR Brian Clark, DT Landon Cohen, RB DeDe Dorsey, G Noah Franklin, C Dan Gerberry, K Steven Hauschka, CB Jonathan Hefney, T Jon Jansen, CB Eric King, T Cliff Louis, WR Michael Moore, CB Paul Pratt, CB T.J. Rushing, S Ko Simpson, WR Tim Toone and CB Dante Wesley.

On Friday (September 3), the team also released DT Jaron Baston.

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LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ ON LAST NIGHTS WIN OVER BUFFALO

2010-09-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

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Detroit Lions 28
Buffalo Bills 23
Ford Field
September 2, 2010

JIM SCHWARTZ...
“I just got done doing radio and I took a lot of questions on where we think the team is and what kind of training camp we had, what kind of preseason we had and the only answer that I have is: none of that matters. The only thing that matters is how we go forward from this point. Preseason don’t count; how we did in training camp doesn’t count; it’s how we respond during the season – 16 regular season games and on after that. Try to put preseason where it is; let’s not read too much into in and let’s go to work next week for Chicago.”

LIONS CB PAUL PRATT TALKS ABOUT HIS 102 YD INTERCEPTION RETURN FOR TD.

“I’m just so happy. Once I caught that ball, I got up so fast and I saw nothing in front of me. I saw one lineman coming and I said, ‘Ain’t no way he’s gonna catch me.” Once I broke to daylight down the sideline I was just running like everybody was chasing me – and my teammates were the only people that were chasing me. It’s a great feeling. I can’t really explain how I feel right now.”

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THOMAS WILCHER OF DETROIT CASS TECH NAMED LIONS FIRST COACH OF THE WEEK FOR 2010

2010-09-02T10:32:00.001-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lionshave named Thomas Wilcher of Detroit Cass Tech as the 2010 week one recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.

Wilcher led his Technicians to a 44-42 victory over Ann Arbor Pioneer on Friday (August 27) to claim his first victory of the 2010 season. Wilcher is in his 14th season as head coach at Cass Tech where he has compiled a 79-52 record including seven state playoff appearances and three Detroit Public School League (PSL) runner-up finishes.

This is Wilcher’s 25th year coaching high school football. He is a 1988 graduate of Detroit Central, where he was an All-state player. He later went on to play college football at the University of Michigan.

This week Wilcher and Cass Tech host Detroit Central (1-0).

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Lions Sign DT Ndamukong Suh To a Five-Year Deal

2010-08-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

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Ndamukong Suh
Defensive Tackle
Height:6-4
Weight:307
Age:23
College:Nebraska
Hometown:Portland, Ore.
Experience:R

TRANSACTIONS
•Selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round (2nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE
Started 39 of 53 games during his five-year career at Nebraska, recording 215 tackles (125 solos) with 24.0 quarterback sacks for minus 187 yards, 57.0 stops for losses of 252 yards and 39 pressures. Caused three fumbles and recovered another, intercepted four passes for 79 yards in returns that included two touchdowns and also recorded 15 pass defenses. Also added a two-yard touchdown pass and blocked six kicks. His 57 tackles behind the line of scrimmage rank second in school history behind Grant Wistrom (58.5, 1994-97). Those 57 stops for loss lead all active NCAA defensive tackles and rank second overall to defensive end George Selvie of South Florida (69, 2006-09).

•Suh’s 24.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2009 rank second on the school season-record list behind Jim Skow’s 25.0 in 1985.

•His seven tackles for loss (five solo/two assisted) vs. Texas in the 2009 Big Twelve Championship Game tied the Nebraska game-record that was first set by Jim Skow vs. Missouri in 1985.

•Ranks fourth in school history with 24.0 quarterback sacks, surpassed only by Trev Alberts (29.5, 1990-93), Wistrom (26.5, 1994-97) and Skow (26.0, 1983-85).

•Suh’s 12.0 sacks in 2009 were the second-most ever by a Husker defensive tackle, topped by Skow’s 15.0 in 1985.

•His 10 pass defenses in 2009 set the school season-record for a defensive lineman and his 15 total pass break-ups are another Husker defensive lineman career-record.

•Holds the school game (two vs. Iowa State in 2009), season (three in 2009) and career (six) records for most kicks blocked by a down lineman.

•Set the school season-record for a defensive tackle with two interceptions in 2008 and the Husker down lineman record by returning both for touchdowns.

Biography

•Selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round (2nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.COLLEGE: Started 39 of 53 games during his five-year career at Nebraska, recording 215 tackles (125 solos) with 24.0 quarterback sacks for minus 187 yards, 57.0 stops for losses of 252 yards and 39 pressures. Caused three fumbles and recovered another, intercepted four passes for 79 yards in returns that included two touchdowns and also recorded 15 pass defenses. Also added a two-yard touchdown pass and blocked six kicks. His 57 tackles behind the line of scrimmage rank second in school history behind Grant Wistrom (58.5, 1994-97). Those 57 stops for loss lead all active NCAA defensive tackles and rank second overall to defensive end George Selvie of South Florida (69, 2006-09).

•Suh’s 24.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2009 rank second on the school season-record list behind Jim Skow’s 25.0 in 1985.•His seven tackles for loss (five solo/two assisted) vs. Texas in the 2009 Big Twelve Championship Game tied the Nebraska game-record that was first set by Jim Skow vs. Missouri in 1985.•Ranks fourth in school history with 24.0 quarterback sacks, surpassed only by Trev Alberts (29.5, 1990-93), Wistrom (26.5, 1994-97) and Skow (26.0, 1983-85).•Suh’s 12.0 sacks in 2009 were the second-most ever by a Husker defensive tackle, topped by Skow’s 15.0 in 1985.•His 10 pass defenses in 2009 set the school season-record for a defensive lineman and his 15 total pass break-ups are another Husker defensive lineman career-record.•Holds the school game (two vs. Iowa State in 2009), season (three in 2009) and career (six) records for most kicks blocked by a down lineman.•Set the school season-record for a defensive tackle with two interceptions in 2008 and the Husker down lineman record by returning both for touchdowns.

2009
Unanimous All-American and All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection. Named the Associated Press College Player of the Year, CBSSports.com National Defensive Player of the Year, Big Twelve Conference Defensive Player of the Year/Defensive Lineman of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Camp National Player of the Year Award. Was one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy and the first defensive lineman to be named a finalist for that trophy since Warren Sapp in 1994. 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bill Willis Award and Guy Chamberlin Award winner. Lott Trophy finalist (one of four), earning Lott Trophy Impact Player of the Week vs. Missouri and Iowa State. Nebraska Team MVP. Member of the Big Twelve Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll and garnered Academic All-Big Twelve second-team recognition. Set numerous position, game, season and career records, as he became the first Husker defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons.

•Recorded a career-best 85 tackles (52 solos), as he also led the team with 12.0 sacks for minus 77 yards, 24.0 stops for losses of 93 yards and 26 pressures. Second on the team with 10 pass defenses, a season-record for down lineman.

•Set the Husker position record with two blocked kicks vs. Iowa State and with a total of three blocked kicks for the season. Also intercepted a pass, as his total of 11 passes defended were the most by any college down lineman for the season (no other defensive lineman ranked in the top 100 in the FBS.

•Against the run, Suh made 94 plays, holding the ball carriers to 20 yards, as he stopped runners at the line of scrimmage 20 times for no gain, in addition to his 24 tackles in the backfield, delivering 10 of those hits inside the red zone (three on goalline snaps).

•Allowed just four first downs and killed 13 scoring drives with 12 third-down tackles and one fourth-down tackle.

2008
All-American second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report. Consensus All-Big Twelve Conference first-team choice. Named the team’s co-Lifter of the Year and Defensive Most Valuable Player. Started all 13 games at nose tackle, becoming the first defensive tackle since 1973 to lead the team in tackles, as he totaled 76 hits (39 solos). Ranked eighth in the conference and led the team with 7.5 sacks for minus 67 yards and also paced the Huskers with 19.0 stops for losses totaling 85 yards.

•Nebraska’s leader with 7.0 sacks.
•Caused a fumble and deflected three passes.

•Set school records for a defensive lineman with two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns totaling 79 yards.

•Blocked two kicks.

2007
Started 11 games at nose tackle. Made all six of his stops behind the line of scrimmage in an early four-game stretch. Recorded 34 tackles (22 solos), included a 6-yard sack, four pressures, two pass deflections and a blocked kick.

2006
Played in all 14 games as a backup at nose tackle and earned a start vs. Oklahoma. Named Freshman All-Big Twelve Conference by The Sporting News. Finished the year with 19 tackles (12 solos), 3.5 sacks for minus 37 yards, eight stops for losses of 45 yards and two pressures. Also caused one fumble and intercepted a pass. Saw time on special teams as a blocker on the place-kicking unit.

2005
One of a school-record 13 true freshmen to see action in 2005. Played in the first two games and had an assisted tackle vs. Wake Forest before missing the remainder of the season with a knee injury, receiving a medical red-shirt.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL
Attended Grant (Portland, Ore.) High School, playing football for head coach William Griffin. The two-way star earned Parade All-American honors and was voted the 2004 Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year and the state Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year.

•As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles, including 10.0 sacks and recovered four fumbles. Also starred on the offensive line, helping the Generals to a 9-3 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals.

•Earned first-team All-League honors on both offense and defense, and in addition to his defensive accolades was a first-team All-State pick on offense by at least one media outlet.

•First-team All-Portland Interscholastic League pick on both offense and defense as a junior and was an honorable-mention All-State pick as a junior.

•Listed as the top prospect in the state of Oregon by Rivals.com and among the top ten defensive tackle prospects in the country.

•Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game, where he lined up on the offensive line. Also played basketball and was a track standout for Grant High, earning honorable-mention All-League honors in basket-ball as a junior and senior.

•In track Suh was the district shot put champion in 2004, and won the OSAA Class 4A shot put title in 2005 with a school record throw of 61-4. Thanks to his all-around athletic accomplishments, he was a finalist for the Portland Tribune’s Athlete of the Year.

•Graduated in December, 2009 with a degree in Construction Management.

•Named to the 2009 Big Twelve Conference.

•Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll.

•Volunteered with Nebraska’s local hospital visits and also recently.

•Volunteered his time as a speaker at Pound Middle School.

•Suh’s mother, Bernadette, is from Jamaica, while his father, Michael, hails from Cameroon. In the Ngema tribe in Cameroon, Ndamukong means “House of Spears.”

•Born January 6, 1987 and resides in Portland, Oregon.

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DETROIT LIONS SIGN CB DRE BLY

2010-07-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed unrestricted free agent CB Dre Bly to a two-year deal. Additional contract terms were not disclosed. Bly returns to Detroit where he played four seasons for the Lions after originally signing as an unrestricted free agent in 2003.

The team also released CB Paul Pratt.

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DETROIT LIONS 2010 YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP STOPS IN WINDSOR!

2010-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

The Detroit Lions 2010 Youth Football Camps, presented by the NFL’s “Fuel Up To Play 60” program, continues its 18-city, 20-camp summer tour by hosting a camp in Windsor.

For just $89, the two day Windsor Fundamentals Mini-Camp, July 31-August 1 (8:30am - Noon) at The Fogolar Furlan Club, will focus one day on offensive positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and offensive line) and one day focusing on defensive positions (defensive line, linebacker and defensive back).

Detroit Lions Youth Football Camps include;
· Non-contact, fundamental football instruction
· Lions Camp T-shirt
· Chalk Talk and Video Sessions
· Skills Contests & Scrimmages
· Opportunity to earn Detroit Lions Camp awards

Boys and girls, ages 6-14, are eligible to participate and will be grouped based on age and skill level. Youth camps are non-contact and designed to improve beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill levels. Fundamentals of football positions will be taught in addition to life skills such as teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and the importance of education.

Space is limited to the first 70 registered participants – Register today by calling 313-262-2248 or emailing: youthfootballcamps@detroitlions.com. Online registration is also available through Ticketmaster. Visit Detroitlions.com/youthfootball and click on link “REGISTER NOW AT TICKETMASTER!”

Complete information on 2010 Detroit Lions Youth Football Camps along with the entire schedule is available online at www.Detroitlions.com/youthfootball

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BOB KARMELOWICZ DIES AT THE AGE OF 60

2010-05-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.-Bob Karmelowicz, a 35-year coaching veteran who most recently served as the Lions defensive line coach in 2009, died Saturday, May 1 2010 following an illness. He was 60.

Karmelowicz is survived by his wife, Olga, daughters, Liz and Marissa, and son, Dave.

"On behalf of the William Clay Ford Family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we offer our sincere sympathies to the Karmelowicz family," said Lions President Tom Lewand.

"Bob touched many lives throughout his years of coaching and positively impacted the careers of countless players at both the collegiate and professional level. While he was only with the Lions for one season, his contributions to our team last year were greatly appreciated and he will be missed by all of us."

For the past 18 seasons, Karmelowicz worked with the defensive line for five NFL teams: Detroit Lions (2009), Houston Texans (2006-08), Kansas City Chiefs (1997-05), Washington Redskins (1994-96) and Cincinnati Bengals (1992-93).

Prior to joining the Lions last year, Karmelowicz spent the past three seasons with the Houston Texans. While with the Texans, he was instrumental in the development DE Mario Williams, the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. In Williams' second season (2007), he exploded as a pass rusher when he jumped from 4.5 sacks as a rookie to 14 sacks the following year.

From 1997-2005, Karmelowicz was the defensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs where he worked under Lions Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham. Karmelowicz helped develop Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen after he was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. During Allen's first two NFL seasons (2004-05), he registered 20 sacks (nine in 2004 as a rookie and 11 in 2005) under Karmelowicz tutelage.

"I've had the privilege of coaching with and against 'Karm' for a long time and he was one tough guy," said Cunningham, who spent six seasons (1997-00 and 2004-05) coaching with Karmelowicz in Kansas City. "Though his coaching success on the field speaks for itself, I will always remember him for how much he loved kids, his compassion for helping kids and how much he cared for his grandkids. That will always be his lasting impression on me."

Prior to his nine-year tenure with the Chiefs, Karmelowicz worked three seasons as the defensive line coach with the Washington Redskins (1994-96), and his first stop in the NFL was with Cincinnati as the Bengals' defensive line coach from 1992-93.

Karmelowicz entered the pro ranks following a three-year (1989-91) coaching stint as the defensive line coach for the Miami Hurricanes. He was a member of the Hurricanes' coaching staff that led the Hurricanes to a 33-3 record over those three seasons and claimed two National Championships. As the Hurricanes' defensive line coach, he developed All-Americans DT Cortez Kennedy (third overall selection in 1990 NFL Draft) and DT Russell Maryland (first overall selection in 1991 NFL Draft).

Another of Karmelowicz notable college coaching accomplishments occurred when he coached DT Warren Sapp's transition from tight end to defensive tackle early in Sapp's college career. He also recruited and coached movie actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Johnson played defensive tackle for Karmelowicz at Miami.

Before joining the Hurricanes coaching staff, he coached on the college level at Washington State (1987-88), Illinois (1983-86), UNLV (1982), Texas-El Paso (1981), Massachusetts (1980) and his first five years as a coach at Arizona State (1975-79). He served as an offensive line coach at UTEP, Massachusetts and Arizona State, and he was both a defensive line and offensive line coach at Illinois.

Karmelowicz, a native of Plainville, Conn., was a three-year starter and consensus Little All-America nose tackle at the University of Bridgeport, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1972. He received a master's degree from Arizona State in 1977.

Visitation is at 9 a.m. and Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday, May 7 at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, Mich. (1055 N. Silvery Lane; Dearborn, MI 48128).

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LIONS SIGN LB CALEB CAMPBELL AND SEVEN UNDRAFTED ROOKIE FREE AGENTS

2010-04-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

Allen Park, Mich.- The Detroit Lions announced today that they signed LB Caleb Campbell and seven undrafted rookie free agents. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Exp College Hometown

Berry, Aaron CB 5-11 180 R Pittsburgh Harrisburg, Pa.

Callaway, Robert DT 6-5 312 R Saginaw Valley St. Mr. Morris, Mich.

Clapp, Matt FB 6-2 246 R Oklahoma Phoeniz, Arz.

Dickson, Richard TE 6-2 245 R Louisiana St. Ocean Springs, Miss.

Moore, Mike WR 6-2 210 R Georgia Coconut Creek, Fla.

Parks, Contrevious WR 5-10 190 R Stephen F. Austin Killeen, Texas

Scroggins, Sam LS 6-5 240 R West Virginia St. Florissant, Mo.

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Lions introduce Suh, Best

2010-04-24T23:11:00.001-07:00

by Mike Niziolek

The Lions top two draft picks were in Allen Park on Friday for an introductory press conference. Both Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best were on hand to answer questions and show off their new Lions' jerseys.

Coach Schwartz was pressed for time, round two of the draft was set to start shortly, but he took time to introduce both players.

"Every step along the way, he solidified our thought that he was the best player in college football," Schwartz says of Suh. "We were very fortunate to have a situation where the Rams needed a quarterback at No. 1 and we were able to get him."

The coaching staff was similarly impressed with Best...

"It made big news when he had his concussion and sort of dropped out of the Heisman running and then (he) declared for the NFL Draft," Schwartz explains. "But the thing there again, sort of like Ndamukong, the thing that really stood out is those highlights that you saw on TV translate to coaching tape and you watch the coaching tape and you see the matchups and you see the explosiveness and you see the huge gains that he makes and the way that he effects the game of football."

The biggest item out of the press conference from either player came from Suh. He's insisted his agents get a deal done before training camp and that he doesn't want to be a holdout...

"One of the reasons why I chose Roosevelt (Barnes) and Eugene Parker is because they had an understanding that I wanted to come into camp on-time," he says. "I'm not a guy that likes to be a part of drama. I don't even like being in the limelight, so I definitely don't want to holdout. We have the understanding that I want to be on-time, in camp and ready to go."

Best was quizzed repeatedly about his health and the concussion he suffered at the tail end of the season last year, but he maintained that there were absolutely no lingering effects from the injury and that neither the Lions organization or fans should be worried.

"I'm 100 percent healthy," Best smiles. "I've been cleared for everything and nothing's nagging, nothing's straggling, so I'm ready to roll."

For much, much more on the Lions draft check out the May Issue of In-Play! magazine hitting the web next week!

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The Detroit Lions traded up with the Minnesota Vikings to select RB Jahvid Best in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

2010-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

In Play Magazine

In exchange for the Vikings' first round pick (30th overall) and fourth round pick (128th overall), Detroit gave Minnesota their 2010 second round pick (34th overall), fourth round pick (100th overall) and one of their seventh round picks (214th overall).

JAHVID BEST
Tailback/Return Specialist
University of California, Berkley Golden Bears
#4
5:10.1-199
Vallejo, California
Salesian High School

CAREER NOTES
-Best started 18-of-31 games at California, carrying the ball 364 times for 2,668 yards (7.33 ypc) and 29 touchdowns…

-Caught 62 passes for 533 yards (8.60 ypc) and six scores…Had 32 kickoff returns for 844 yards (26.38 avg)…

-Gained 4,045 all-purpose yards, an average of 130.48 yards per game…Leads all active NCAA players with a 7.33-yard rushing average…

-His 2,668 yards rushing rank seventh in school history behind Russell White (3,367, 1990-92), Marshawn Lynch (3,230, 2004-06), Justin Forsett (3,220, 2004-07), Joe Igber (3,124, 1999-02), Chuck Muncie (3,052, 1973-75), and Paul Jones (2,930, 1975, 77-79)…His 1,580 yards on the ground in 2008 rank second on Cal’s season-record chart, topped by J.J. Arrington (2,018 in 2004)…His 311 rushing yards vs. Washington in 2008 set a new school record, topping the previous mark of 283 yards by Jerry Drew vs. Oregon State in 1954…

-His 311 yards also rank fourth in Pac-10 Conference history…

-Best’s 29 touchdown runs tied Marshawn Lynch (2004-06) for third on the school’s career-record list, behind Russell White (35, 1990-92) and Chuck Muncie (32, 1973-75)…

-His fifteen touchdowns on the ground in 2008 tied the school season-record he shares with J.J. Arrington (2004) and Justin Forsett (2007)…

-His twelve touchdown runs in 2009 tied Jim Monachino (1949) for eighth on Cal’s annual record list…

-Ranks sixth in school annals with thirteen 100-yard rushing performances…His average of 8.14 yards per rushing attempt shattered the old school season-record…Best’s 4,045 all-purpose yards ranks fifth in school history behind Deltha O’Neal (4,998, 1996-99), Russell White (4,943, 1990-92), Marshawn Lynch (4,574, 2004-06), Chuck Muncie (4,194, 1973-75)…His 2,247 allpurpose yards in 2008 set a new school record…

-His career average of 26.38 yards per kickoff return topped the previous Cal all-time record of 25.3 yards per return by Isaac Curtis (1970-71).

2009 SEASON
-Honored by the College Football Performance Awards organization with the 2009 Elite Running Back Trophy…

-The award recognized Best as the top performer at the running back position based upon the 21 games in which he participated over the past two seasons…

-All-Pac-10Conference second-team selection by the league’s coaches and The NFL Draft Report…

-Named to the Watch Lists for the Doak Walker Award (top running back), Maxwell Award (player of the year), College Football Performance Awards Overall Performer of the Year and Running Back of the Year, and the Walter Camp Award (player of the year)…

-One of the top Heisman Trophy candidates entering the year according to Lindy’s, Phil Steele, National Champs.net, and Sports Network…

-Co-recipient of team’s Bear Backers Offensive MVP Award…Missed spring camp while recovering from left big toe and left elbow surgery performed in January…Started 8-of-9 games before being injured, carrying 141 times for 867 yards (6.15 ypc) and twelve touchdowns…

-His twelve scoring runs tied Jim Monachino (1949) for eighth on the school’s season-record list…Produced 36 first down runs on 141 attempts (25.53%), as he converted 3-of-11 third-down rushing attempts (27.27%)…Had 22 carries for at least ten yards (15.60%), including twelve for 20 yards or longer (8.51%)

-Produced fifteen positive runs inside the red zone, including twelve on goal line plays…

-Tackled for a loss twenty times and stopped for no gain on ten other carries…Had key rushed that set up sixteen touchdown drives…

-Caught 22 passes for 213 yards (9.68 ypc) and four touchdowns, adding 18 yards on one kickoff return…

-Seven of his 22 receptions (31.81%) produced first downs, including converting 2-of-6 third-down passes…

-Had eight receptions of at least ten yards, including three that went for 20 or more yards…

-Pulled down 22-of-33 passes thrown to him (66.67%)…

-Earned Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week honors vs. Minnesota and College Football Performance Awards Running Back of the Week honors vs. Maryland, Eastern Washington and Minnesota.

PERSONAL
General Studies major, with an emphasis towards Legal Studies…Son of Lisa and David Best…Full name is Jahvid Andre Best ...His name is a combination of Jah and the last syllable of his father's name, David…Born 1/30/89…Resides in Vallejo, California.

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