"Aside from my own father and mother, no one had a more profound impact on my life than Coach Thomas. He truly was like a second father to me and to the hundreds of players from our community he coached over the years.
"Aaron (Kampman), Brad (Meester), Casey (Wiegmann) and I were so proud when he was named the NFL's High School Coach of the Year in 2005. He truly epitomized everything that is good about high school football and all the things it can teach young men.
"A part of him has been with me through my college and NFL careers and that will never change. I will never forget Coach Thomas. Heaven just got a great football coach and an even better man."
In Play! magazine
Thursday, June 25, 2009
LIONS SIGN C DOMINIC RAIOLA TO CONTRACT EXTENSION
Photo by Jack RosenbergAllen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed C Dominic Raiola to a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2013 season. Additional terms of Raiola's contract were not disclosed.
Raiola, 6-1, 295, enters his ninth season with the Lions and has been the team's starting center since 2002. Prior to a hand injury that forced him to miss his first career game and start vs. Jacksonville (11/9/08), he had played in every game for the Lions since being drafted in the second round (50th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. Raiola had made 104 consecutive starts at center since the beginning of the 2002 season. Among centers in the league since 2001, he had the second-most consecutive starts (104) behind Denver C Casey Wiegman (112) and Atlanta C Todd McClure (112) at the time of his injury.
During his career, Raiola has played in 124 games (108 starts). In 2007, Raiola was voted an alternate to the Pro Bowl.
Raiola emerged as one of the most effective all-around centers in the league in 2006, showcasing his ability to get outside and block on the perimeter and to get to the second level.
Prior to 2005 season, he signed a five-year contract extension (March 13, 2005). In 2004, he centered an offensive line that developed into one of the top run-blocking lines in the NFL. By the end of that season, the line led the way for a rushing attack that ranked second in the NFL over the final seven games of the season.
Raiola spent his college career at Nebraska, leaving after his junior season. That year he earned first team All-America honors by the Football Writers Association, Walter Camp, Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association. In 2000, he was a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top lineman. Raiola garnered Academic All-Big Twelve Conference honors as a sophomore and junior while making the conference honor roll three times.
In Play! magazine
Raiola, 6-1, 295, enters his ninth season with the Lions and has been the team's starting center since 2002. Prior to a hand injury that forced him to miss his first career game and start vs. Jacksonville (11/9/08), he had played in every game for the Lions since being drafted in the second round (50th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. Raiola had made 104 consecutive starts at center since the beginning of the 2002 season. Among centers in the league since 2001, he had the second-most consecutive starts (104) behind Denver C Casey Wiegman (112) and Atlanta C Todd McClure (112) at the time of his injury.
During his career, Raiola has played in 124 games (108 starts). In 2007, Raiola was voted an alternate to the Pro Bowl.
Raiola emerged as one of the most effective all-around centers in the league in 2006, showcasing his ability to get outside and block on the perimeter and to get to the second level.
Prior to 2005 season, he signed a five-year contract extension (March 13, 2005). In 2004, he centered an offensive line that developed into one of the top run-blocking lines in the NFL. By the end of that season, the line led the way for a rushing attack that ranked second in the NFL over the final seven games of the season.
Raiola spent his college career at Nebraska, leaving after his junior season. That year he earned first team All-America honors by the Football Writers Association, Walter Camp, Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association. In 2000, he was a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top lineman. Raiola garnered Academic All-Big Twelve Conference honors as a sophomore and junior while making the conference honor roll three times.
In Play! magazine
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Stafford on Letterman....
Stafford appeared on David Letterman on Monday April 27 and did the Top Ten List for the night..which was "Top 10 Thoughts That Went Through Matthew Stafford's Mind on Draft Day" - for those who missed it here is the list -
10. You don't often hear, "Congratulations, you're going to Detroit."
9. Why am I the only one who came to Radio City Music Hall dressed as a Rockette?
8. If the Lions win one game this year, I'm a hero.
7. Anybody dumps Gatorade on me and I'll deck 'em.
6. Holy crap, I think I just pulled a hamstring.
5. I didn't think anything could top the excitement of Heidi and Spencer getting married.
4. Is it me or does NFL Commissioner Goodell look like a young Larry Hagman?
3. Why am I here when I could be at that movie where Beyonce and that babe fight?
2. Why does Jessica Simpson keep calling me?
1. I'd gladly go No. 2 if it means not having to appear on Letterman.
10. You don't often hear, "Congratulations, you're going to Detroit."
9. Why am I the only one who came to Radio City Music Hall dressed as a Rockette?
8. If the Lions win one game this year, I'm a hero.
7. Anybody dumps Gatorade on me and I'll deck 'em.
6. Holy crap, I think I just pulled a hamstring.
5. I didn't think anything could top the excitement of Heidi and Spencer getting married.
4. Is it me or does NFL Commissioner Goodell look like a young Larry Hagman?
3. Why am I here when I could be at that movie where Beyonce and that babe fight?
2. Why does Jessica Simpson keep calling me?
1. I'd gladly go No. 2 if it means not having to appear on Letterman.
Full List of Lions' 2009 Draft Results
Full Lions draft results -
Round Pick Name Position School
1 1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
1 20 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
2 1 Louis Delmas S Western Michigan
3 12 DeAndre Levy OLB Wisconsin
3 18 Derrick Williams WR Penn State
4 15 Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman
6 19 Aaron Brown RB TCU
7 19 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska
7 26 Zach Follett OLB California
7 46 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland
Round Pick Name Position School
1 1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
1 20 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
2 1 Louis Delmas S Western Michigan
3 12 DeAndre Levy OLB Wisconsin
3 18 Derrick Williams WR Penn State
4 15 Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman
6 19 Aaron Brown RB TCU
7 19 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska
7 26 Zach Follett OLB California
7 46 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland
Lions make Stafford number one pick...
Lions make Stafford number one pick...
Lions came to terms with Stafford yesterday - a six-year, $72 million dollar deal - with over $41 million in guaranteed money. Incentives could push the deal's total value to $78 million.
Lions also have the 20th pick in the first round....
ESPN article on Stafford...
Lions came to terms with Stafford yesterday - a six-year, $72 million dollar deal - with over $41 million in guaranteed money. Incentives could push the deal's total value to $78 million.
Lions also have the 20th pick in the first round....
ESPN article on Stafford...
Lions Free Agency Updates (as of March 5)
Who's In…
Philip Buchanon (CB) – The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Oakland Raider agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.5 million dollar deal with the Lions On Thursday March 4th. The Lions hope the 5’10’’, 185 lb corner can help stabilize their secondary that was one of the team’s major weaknesses last season.
Grady Jackson (DT) – Along with Buchanon on March 4th the Lions brought in the 12-year NFL veteran for $8 million over three years. Jackson, 6’2’’ and 345 lb, gives the Lions’ defensive line a huge presence and run-stopper.
Bryant Johnson (WR) – Needing some depth at receiver Detroit signed Johnson to a three year deal (money not disclosed). The former first round pick (17th in 2003) had 45 receptions for 546 yards and three touchdowns playing in San Francisco last year.
Anthony Henry (CB) – Henry started in all 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys last season and is coming off four years in Dallas. The 6’1’’, 207 lb corner is coming to Detroit in the Jon Kitna trade.
Eric King (CB) – Coach Schwartz brings in a familiar face in King who played for the Lions’ Head Coach in Tennessee for the last three seasons. King signed a two-year contract and most likely be a back-up corner for Detroit this season.
Maurice Morris (RB) – Morris signed a three-year contract and will be the back-up for RB Kevin Smith.
Who's Staying…..
Jason Hanson (K) – One of the bright spots for the Lions, kicker Jason Hanson resigned with Detroit before free agency started for four years.
Stephen Peterman (G) – Peterman started 14 games for the Lions in 2008 earning him a new five-year deal with Detroit.
Ramzee Robinson (CB)
Who's Out –
Jon Kitna (QB) – Traded to Cowboys
Dan Orlovsky (QB) – Signed with Houston Texans
Moran Norris (FB) – Signed with San Francisco
Philip Buchanon (CB) – The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Oakland Raider agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.5 million dollar deal with the Lions On Thursday March 4th. The Lions hope the 5’10’’, 185 lb corner can help stabilize their secondary that was one of the team’s major weaknesses last season.
Grady Jackson (DT) – Along with Buchanon on March 4th the Lions brought in the 12-year NFL veteran for $8 million over three years. Jackson, 6’2’’ and 345 lb, gives the Lions’ defensive line a huge presence and run-stopper.
Bryant Johnson (WR) – Needing some depth at receiver Detroit signed Johnson to a three year deal (money not disclosed). The former first round pick (17th in 2003) had 45 receptions for 546 yards and three touchdowns playing in San Francisco last year.
Anthony Henry (CB) – Henry started in all 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys last season and is coming off four years in Dallas. The 6’1’’, 207 lb corner is coming to Detroit in the Jon Kitna trade.
Eric King (CB) – Coach Schwartz brings in a familiar face in King who played for the Lions’ Head Coach in Tennessee for the last three seasons. King signed a two-year contract and most likely be a back-up corner for Detroit this season.
Maurice Morris (RB) – Morris signed a three-year contract and will be the back-up for RB Kevin Smith.
Who's Staying…..
Jason Hanson (K) – One of the bright spots for the Lions, kicker Jason Hanson resigned with Detroit before free agency started for four years.
Stephen Peterman (G) – Peterman started 14 games for the Lions in 2008 earning him a new five-year deal with Detroit.
Ramzee Robinson (CB)
Who's Out –
Jon Kitna (QB) – Traded to Cowboys
Dan Orlovsky (QB) – Signed with Houston Texans
Moran Norris (FB) – Signed with San Francisco
Culpepper gets new 1-year deal...
Facing a roster bonus of $2.5 million dollars the Lions restructured Daunte Culpepper's contract , giving him a new one-year deal for next season. The contract means Culpepper will at least be part of the competition for the starting QB job next season.
What does everyone think? You happy the Lions are bringing Culpepper back?
What does everyone think? You happy the Lions are bringing Culpepper back?
Lions cut six players...
Lions cut six players...
- cornerback Leigh Bodden
- tight end Dan Campbell
- offensive lineman Jon Dunn
- wide receiver Mike Furrey
- offensive lineman Edwin Mulitalo
- safety Dwight Smith
Surprised by any names on the list? Or NOT on the list? Post your comments below!
- cornerback Leigh Bodden
- tight end Dan Campbell
- offensive lineman Jon Dunn
- wide receiver Mike Furrey
- offensive lineman Edwin Mulitalo
- safety Dwight Smith
Surprised by any names on the list? Or NOT on the list? Post your comments below!
Mike Furrey Released...Sort Of...
Mike Furrey was told by the Lions today that they would be releasing him when teams can officially start releasing players on Feb. 9.
Furrey speculates that it had to do with things said during the season, not about Head Coach Rod Marinelli, but the organization...
"We were all disgruntled. We all wanted to win. We all felt it could be different. Some guys expressed change and getting things on the right track because we all wanted to win, and it was kind of like we got pushed aside."
The Lions didn't have a comment, but more releases could be on the way in the next two weeks...
For a full write-up click the link below...
Click here
Furrey speculates that it had to do with things said during the season, not about Head Coach Rod Marinelli, but the organization...
"We were all disgruntled. We all wanted to win. We all felt it could be different. Some guys expressed change and getting things on the right track because we all wanted to win, and it was kind of like we got pushed aside."
The Lions didn't have a comment, but more releases could be on the way in the next two weeks...
For a full write-up click the link below...
Click here
Red Bull June issue of In Play! magazine.
This month we take a look at the Red Bull Air Races. In Play! sat down for a one on one exclusive interview with Mike Mangold. Get his thoughts on the course and returning to Detroit.
Check out great articles on all the sports going on here in Detroit and Windsor including, the Pistons, the Shock's quest to defend their title, Tigers and a look at the QB situation over in Allen Park plus a whole lot more.
Also take a look at the Wings run for the Cup.
http://www.inplaymagazine.com/
Don't forget you can cut/paste this link and send it to all your sports buddies!
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