Sunday, September 9, 2012
DETROIT LIONS VS. ST. LOUIS RAMS: POSTGAME NOTES AND QUOTES
With today’s 27-23 win over St. Louis in the team’s home-opener, the Lions registered the franchise’s 50th home-opening win in team history. The Lions became the second franchise to record 50 wins in home-openers.
The win was also the team’s 44th victory on opening day, the fourth-most wins in NFL history on opening weekend.
HANSON’S RECORD SEASON
By playing in today’s game, K Jason Hanson has now played in 21 NFL seasons, all with the Detroit Lions. Hanson now holds the NFL record for the most seasons played with one team and for the most seasons played by any player with the team that originally drafted them.
In 2011, he set the NFL record for the most games played with one club and moved that total to 312. He is the only player to ever play 300 games with one team.
With three PATs in today’s game, Hanson moved past K John Carney (628) for seventh place on the NFL’s all-time career PATs list. Hanson now has 630 career PATs.
STAFFORD SURPASSES 8,000 CAREER YARDS IN 30 STARTS
Lions QB Matthew Stafford made his 30th career start today against the St. Louis Rams. With 172 yards in the first half, Stafford surpassed 8,000 career yards and joined Kurt Warner (8,739), Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (8,467), Tony Romo (8,044) and Aaron Rodgers (8,000) as the only quarterbacks to have at least 8,000 passing yards through 30 career starts in the Super Bowl era. Stafford became the fifth quarterback to accomplish this feat. Stafford entered the game with 7,840 passing yards through 29 starts.
Stafford registered his seventh career fourth quarter game-winning drive when trailing or tied as he led the Lions back to a 27-23 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Trailing 23-20 with 1:55 left to play and with only one time out, Stafford and the Lions went on a 9-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 1:45.
He threw for 355 yards in the win against the Rams. His 355-yard outing was the second highest tally in Lions history on opening day (QB Bobby Layne, 364 vs. Pit September 27, 1953). He also joins Layne as the only passers in team history with two 300-yard games on opening day, and Stafford is the first to do it in back-to-back seasons (305, at TB September 11, 2011).
It was Stafford’s 10th career 300-yard game, and he has thrown for 300 yards in exactly one-third of his 30 career starts.
Dating back to 2011, Stafford’s 355 yards was his fourth-straight 300-yard game.
With one touchdown in today’s game, Stafford moved past QB Joey Harrington (60, 2002-05) for fifth place on the team’s all-time passing touchdowns list.
Stafford also registered his first career reception when he caught a deflected pass and gained 3 yards on the play. His reception was the first by a Lions QB since QB Jon Kitna registered a 9-yard catch off a deflection in OT vs. Minnesota September 16, 2007.
Stafford’s 32 pass completions marked the sixth time in his career he has completed over 30 passes in a game. His 32 passes tie for the third-highest single-game tally of his career.
LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ
On how he approaches Stafford when he has a stretch like he did at the beginning of the game:
“We talked a little bit after some of those drives. I think that one drive, I don’t think we had an incompletion that whole drive – it was 14 plays until the very end when we threw an interception. He’s smart enough; he knows what it is. It wasn’t like he was just having a bad day; he had a couple bad plays and they were able to make those plays. Like I said, we put that behind us. You have to be resilient. We knew there was going to be ups and downs over the course of the game; there’s going to be ups and downs over the course of the season, but you’ve got to have a demeanor that can allow you to bounce back from that and Matthew does.”
LIONS QB MATTHEW STAFFORD
On the Ram’s defense confusing him in the first half:
“No, no. The one where I was throwing on the left side to Pettigrew, that one was a good play; (the) guy undercut it. Really, the goal line fade, same kind of thing. You look at tape and those guys have been turning their backs the whole time. Thought the back shoulder would be there and the kid did a good job. Like I said, I didn’t throw great passes. Cortland Finnegan, he’s a high-price free agent and he showed why. It was a heck of a play getting all the way out to a comeback outside from the slot. It’s going to happen. Obviously you don’t want to have three – you don’t want to have three in the first five games and you don’t want to have three in the first half of the first one. But the guys, we believe in each other. I believe in all the guys in that locker room that we can get it done no matter what happens to start the game. That’s all we did. We went out there and put a little bit of a second-half together and got a win.”
Thursday, September 6, 2012
STATEMENT FROM LIONS TEAM PRESIDENT TOM LEWAND ON THE PASSING OF ART MODELL
“On behalf of the Ford Family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to David, John and the entire Modell family.
“Our game is what it is today in large part due to the exemplary ownership and leadership of Art Modell.
“His work over the years with our first-ever collective bargaining agreement, numerous network TV contracts and the 1970 NFL-AFL merger helped propel the NFL to unimagined heights of popularity.
“We all are forever indebted to him.”
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
DENNY HOPKINS OF LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL NAMED DETROIT LIONS FIRST COACH OF THE WEEK FOR 2012
Michigan Army National Guard on Board as Presenting Sponsor of High School Coach of the Week Program
Detroit, MI—The Detroit Lions have named Denny Hopkins of Linden High School the week one recipient of the 2012 High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Hopkins led his Eagles to a 17-15 victory over arch-rival Fenton on August 24 to claim the Eagles first victory of the season. The victory was also Hopkins’ 100th career victory (100-43) in 14 seasons as Linden’s Head Football Coach. Prior to becoming head coach, he spent 26 years as an assistant coach at Linden. Hopkins, a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has led Linden to the state playoffs 12 times, including the last 10 seasons in a row. This Friday, Linden will look to go 2-0 as they take on Holly at 7 p.m.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Coach Hopkins and the Linden High School Athletic Department are proactive in terms of promoting player health and safety within their school. Baseline cognitive evaluations are administered to all Linden High School student-athletes of contact sports at the outset of the school year. These tests are administered by Dr. Donna Benford of Silver Lake Family Practice. This baseline testing is critical in identifying and managing a concussion once an injury has happened.
Detroit, MI—The Detroit Lions have named Denny Hopkins of Linden High School the week one recipient of the 2012 High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Hopkins led his Eagles to a 17-15 victory over arch-rival Fenton on August 24 to claim the Eagles first victory of the season. The victory was also Hopkins’ 100th career victory (100-43) in 14 seasons as Linden’s Head Football Coach. Prior to becoming head coach, he spent 26 years as an assistant coach at Linden. Hopkins, a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has led Linden to the state playoffs 12 times, including the last 10 seasons in a row. This Friday, Linden will look to go 2-0 as they take on Holly at 7 p.m.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Coach Hopkins and the Linden High School Athletic Department are proactive in terms of promoting player health and safety within their school. Baseline cognitive evaluations are administered to all Linden High School student-athletes of contact sports at the outset of the school year. These tests are administered by Dr. Donna Benford of Silver Lake Family Practice. This baseline testing is critical in identifying and managing a concussion once an injury has happened.
Monday, July 23, 2012
LIONS TERMINATE CONTRACT OF CB AARON BERRY
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew today announced that the team has terminated the contract of CB Aaron Berry due to personal conduct which adversely affects the club.
“We have repeatedly stressed to everyone in our organization that there will be appropriate consequences when an expected standard of behavior is not upheld,” Lions President Tom Lewand said.
“We have repeatedly stressed to everyone in our organization that there will be appropriate consequences when an expected standard of behavior is not upheld,” Lions President Tom Lewand said.
Friday, April 27, 2012
DETROIT LIONS SELECT T RILEY REIFF (23rd overall) WITH THEIR FIRST ROUND PICK OF 2012 NFL DRAFT
“Riley Reiff – big, smart, tough guy; versatile. We think he can play four positions; Jim can talk a little bit about that. But the guy is a three-year starter in a good program. He’s a good, solid offensive lineman.
“We came into this draft thinking that we needed to try to add some young players to that group and Riley certainly fits that mold.”
LIONS HEAD COACH JIM SCHWARTZ OPENING STATEMENT.
“Last year, (when) we drafted Nick Fairley, we needed a lot of things to happen in front of us with all of the quarterbacks that went last year to push a guy like that to us. We felt very fortunate that was able to happen this year. It was a very similar situation.
“It’s not very often that the second offensive lineman off the board goes off at No. 23 overall. You’ve seen historically there (are) usually about four guys off the board by then. So we were very fortunate to be able to sit at 23 and still end up with a player that we liked.
“Riley is a left tackle; he fits the criteria for that position: athletic, former tight end, the guy was a three-time state-champ wrestler. Went to Iowa as a tight end, they moved him. He comes from a great tradition of offensive linemen at Iowa. He’s a good run-blocker and he’s a good pass-blocker.
“Even though he’s still a young player, he’ll still improve and take other steps. We’re not drafting a guy that’s a developmental player. He’s a very experienced player; he’s played at a high level in the Big Ten and we were very fortunate to be able to get him where we were.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
LIONS 2012 SCHEDULE HERE
Lions set to play in five nationally televised games, including four on prime time television
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced their full 2012 season schedule today. For the first time since the 1998 season, Detroit will appear in five nationally televised games with four prime time appearances.
Since the launch of Monday Night Football in 1970, this marks just the fourth time (1990, 1994 and 1998) the Lions will play in five nationally televised games during a season. It is only the second time (1998) that Detroit will have four prime time games in a season.
Detroit’s first prime time game occurs in Week 2 when the Lions travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers, who claimed the NFC West last season, on NBC’s Sunday Night Football (9/16; 8:30 p.m.; NBC). The Lions return to SNF after appearing on NBC’s prime time game for the first time last season when the NFL flexed the team’s game at New Orleans (12/4/11) into the Sunday night prime time slot. The Lions also played in prime time on NBC during last year’s playoff game at New Orleans (1/7/12).
The Lions prime time game in Week 2 is the club’s earliest prime time game in any season since it opened the 1991 season at Washington during a Sunday night TNT telecast.
In 2011, the Lions returned to MNF for the first time in 10 years when they defeated Chicago at Ford Field (10/10/11) in front of a record crowd. This year, ESPN will once again feature the Lions on MNF.
In Week 7, the Lions travel to Chicago to play the Bears on MNF (10/22; 8:30 p.m.; ESPN). It is the Lions’ first-ever prime time game at Soldier Field. Detroit has previously played Chicago five times on MNF and twice on SNF, but all seven prime time games occurred at home.
The schedule features the Lions’ 73rd Thanksgiving Day Classic (11/22; 12:30 p.m.; CBS) vs. the Houston Texans, who won the AFC South division last season. This year’s game marks the first time the Lions will play the Texans on Thanksgiving and the third time in the series. The teams have split the first two games with each home team claiming victories.
Their next prime time game is set for Week 14 when they face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on SNF (12/9/12; 8:30 p.m.; NBC). This year’s meeting is the sixth prime time game between the two clubs since 1970 and first since they played on Sunday night December 11, 2005. The Lions have played three previous games (11/1/71, 11/2/97 and 12/11/05) at Green Bay on prime time television.
Detroit’s fourth prime time game features an ESPN MNF broadcast on Saturday night as the Lions host the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field in Week 16 (12/22/12; 8:30 p.m.; ESPN). The Lions have played the Falcons only one previous time in prime time, which dates back to the team’s meeting October 1, 1973.
In Week 1, Detroit will kick off the regular season at home for the first time since 2006 when they host the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field (9/9/12; 1 p.m.; FOX).
The Lions Bye Week occurs during Week 5 (Sunday, October 7) of the NFL season.
Since the launch of Monday Night Football in 1970, this marks just the fourth time (1990, 1994 and 1998) the Lions will play in five nationally televised games during a season. It is only the second time (1998) that Detroit will have four prime time games in a season.
Detroit’s first prime time game occurs in Week 2 when the Lions travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers, who claimed the NFC West last season, on NBC’s Sunday Night Football (9/16; 8:30 p.m.; NBC). The Lions return to SNF after appearing on NBC’s prime time game for the first time last season when the NFL flexed the team’s game at New Orleans (12/4/11) into the Sunday night prime time slot. The Lions also played in prime time on NBC during last year’s playoff game at New Orleans (1/7/12).
The Lions prime time game in Week 2 is the club’s earliest prime time game in any season since it opened the 1991 season at Washington during a Sunday night TNT telecast.
In 2011, the Lions returned to MNF for the first time in 10 years when they defeated Chicago at Ford Field (10/10/11) in front of a record crowd. This year, ESPN will once again feature the Lions on MNF.
In Week 7, the Lions travel to Chicago to play the Bears on MNF (10/22; 8:30 p.m.; ESPN). It is the Lions’ first-ever prime time game at Soldier Field. Detroit has previously played Chicago five times on MNF and twice on SNF, but all seven prime time games occurred at home.
The schedule features the Lions’ 73rd Thanksgiving Day Classic (11/22; 12:30 p.m.; CBS) vs. the Houston Texans, who won the AFC South division last season. This year’s game marks the first time the Lions will play the Texans on Thanksgiving and the third time in the series. The teams have split the first two games with each home team claiming victories.
Their next prime time game is set for Week 14 when they face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on SNF (12/9/12; 8:30 p.m.; NBC). This year’s meeting is the sixth prime time game between the two clubs since 1970 and first since they played on Sunday night December 11, 2005. The Lions have played three previous games (11/1/71, 11/2/97 and 12/11/05) at Green Bay on prime time television.
Detroit’s fourth prime time game features an ESPN MNF broadcast on Saturday night as the Lions host the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field in Week 16 (12/22/12; 8:30 p.m.; ESPN). The Lions have played the Falcons only one previous time in prime time, which dates back to the team’s meeting October 1, 1973.
In Week 1, Detroit will kick off the regular season at home for the first time since 2006 when they host the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field (9/9/12; 1 p.m.; FOX).
The Lions Bye Week occurs during Week 5 (Sunday, October 7) of the NFL season.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
INAGURAL LIONS/KEVIN VANDAM CHARITY FISHING TOURNAMENT SET FOR JUNE 12
Charity Fundraiser will be held at Kensington Metropark in Milford
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have announced the date for a new and exciting fundraiser for Detroit Lions Charities (DLC), the organization's philanthropic foundation. The Inaugural Detroit Lions/Kevin VanDam Charity Fishing Tournament will be held Tuesday, June 12, at Kensington Metropark on Kent Lake in Milford, Mich.
Kevin VanDam is one of the most recognized and accomplished outdoor athletes. He has won the Angler of the Year award seven times and is a four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion. The Lions and VanDam have partnered to create this unique fishing tournament to not only fish with your favorite Lions' player, but also have the opportunity to fish with professional anglers. All proceeds from the event will go to support both Detroit Lions Charities (DLC) and Kevin VanDam Charities.
"I grew up watching the Detroit Lions, so I'm a lifetime Lions fan. For me it's truly an honor and a privilege to be partnered with the Lions Organization," said VanDam.
The tournament will be added to the list of the Lions' major fundraisers that have helped DLC donate more than $6.2 million to charity since 1991. Lions' Head Coach Jim Schwartz will be fishing in the event and will be joined by current and former Lions' players, coaches and staff.
"It is with great excitement that we join in partnership with Kevin, who is not only the best angler in the world, but also a very loyal and dedicated Lions fan," said Schwartz. "The coaching staff as well as the players are looking forward to being involved with the tournament."
The event will take place on one of Michigan's nicer fisheries. Participants will enjoy great food and have the opportunity to bid on unique items through silent and live auctions. The competition concludes with a weigh-in and awards dinner.
The fishing tournament is open to the public with sponsorship levels available. For more information, please visit http://www.kevinvandam.com/ or contact Detroit Lions Community Affairs at 313-216-4173.
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have announced the date for a new and exciting fundraiser for Detroit Lions Charities (DLC), the organization's philanthropic foundation. The Inaugural Detroit Lions/Kevin VanDam Charity Fishing Tournament will be held Tuesday, June 12, at Kensington Metropark on Kent Lake in Milford, Mich.Kevin VanDam is one of the most recognized and accomplished outdoor athletes. He has won the Angler of the Year award seven times and is a four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion. The Lions and VanDam have partnered to create this unique fishing tournament to not only fish with your favorite Lions' player, but also have the opportunity to fish with professional anglers. All proceeds from the event will go to support both Detroit Lions Charities (DLC) and Kevin VanDam Charities.
"I grew up watching the Detroit Lions, so I'm a lifetime Lions fan. For me it's truly an honor and a privilege to be partnered with the Lions Organization," said VanDam.
The tournament will be added to the list of the Lions' major fundraisers that have helped DLC donate more than $6.2 million to charity since 1991. Lions' Head Coach Jim Schwartz will be fishing in the event and will be joined by current and former Lions' players, coaches and staff.
"It is with great excitement that we join in partnership with Kevin, who is not only the best angler in the world, but also a very loyal and dedicated Lions fan," said Schwartz. "The coaching staff as well as the players are looking forward to being involved with the tournament."
The event will take place on one of Michigan's nicer fisheries. Participants will enjoy great food and have the opportunity to bid on unique items through silent and live auctions. The competition concludes with a weigh-in and awards dinner.
The fishing tournament is open to the public with sponsorship levels available. For more information, please visit http://www.kevinvandam.com/ or contact Detroit Lions Community Affairs at 313-216-4173.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
LIONS SIGN WR CALVIN JOHNSON TO A NEW 8-YEAR CONTRACT
All-Pro receiver signed through 2019Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed WR Calvin Johnson to a new eight-year contract beginning with the 2012 season and extending through the 2019 season. No other contract terms were disclosed.
Through five NFL seasons, Johnson has established himself as one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowler and 2011 All-Pro selection joined only five other players (Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Lance Alworth, Marvin Harrison and Larry Fitzgerald) in NFL history to register 45+ TD catches and 5,500+ receiving yards through their first five seasons.
Since the 2008 season, Johnson ranks first in the NFL with 45 receiving touchdowns, second in receiving yards (5,116) and third (tie) in the NFL with 49 receptions of 25+ yards. Including his 2007 rookie season, Johnson’s 49 touchdowns tie for second in the NFL over that five-year span.
Johnson’s career totals of 366 receptions for 5,872 yards and 49 touchdowns are the most by any Lions receiver through their first five seasons. He reached 5,000 career receiving yards (69 games) and 300 receptions (66 games) faster than any receiver in team history. Prior to Johnson’s arrival, no receiver in team history ever registered 1,000+ receiving yards and 12+ touchdowns in more than one season and he accomplished that three times (2008, 2010 and 2011) in his first five seasons.
As he has ascended to the upper echelon of NFL wide receivers, 2011 was his best and the most-prolific in Lions history as he helped lead the Lions back to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. He garnered career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,681) and touchdowns (16). He broke the team’s single-season receiving touchdowns record that was held by E Cloyce Box (15, 1952) for the past 59 seasons. Johnson led the NFL with 1,681 receiving yards, and he had the highest (224 yards at Green Bay 1/1) and third-highest single-game (217 yards at Oakland 12/18) receiving tallies in the NFL.
His 1,681 yards are the second-most in team history and just five yards shy of the club record (WR Herman Moore, 1,686 in 1995). That tally is also the seventh-highest single-season tally in NFL history and most since Rams WR Torry Holt had 1,696 in 2003.
Only Johnson and Minnesota WR Randy Moss (2003) have ever registered 1,600+ receiving yards and 16+ receiving touchdowns in a season. Johnson is only the fourth player in NFL history to register 1,600 receiving yards and catch less than 100 passes in a season (Houston WR Charley Hennigan in 1961, San Diego WR Lance Alworth in 1965 and St. Louis WR Torry Holt in 2000). Only Hennigan (1,736) has registered more yards in a season with less than 100 catches receptions. He became the third player in NFL history with 95+ receptions, 1,600+ receiving yards and 15+ touchdowns in a season.
Johnson started 2011 by becoming the first player in NFL history with 2+ TD catches in the team’s first four games of the season.
Johnson’s stellar season extended into the playoffs as he broke Lions’ playoff records with 12 receptions for 211 yards and scoring 2 TDs at New Orleans (1/7/12). He is the third player in NFL history with 200+ receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs in a playoff game since the NFL-AFL merger. Johnson became the first player in NFL history to have 200 receiving yards in a playoff debut.
Including the Lions Wild Card game, Johnson had 36 catches, 771 yards and 6 TDs over the team’s final four games, including 3 200+-yard receiving games. Including his postseason totals (17 games), Johnson finished with 108 receptions for 1,892 yards (17.5 avg.) and 18 touchdowns. His season totals of 1,892 yards ranks fourth and his 18 touchdowns are tied for seventh in NFL history for combined totals in regular season and postseason games. Only Johnson and Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice (1,965 in 1995) have recorded 1,850+ yards while playing in 17 or less games (including postseason). Johnson is one of only 8 players to accumulate 110+ yards per game average (including postseason). However, only Johnson and Rice (115.6 in 1995) have registered 110+ yards per game while playing in at least 17 games. Both played 17 games in their respective seasons.
Monday, March 12, 2012
LIONS RELEASE TE WILL HELLER
The Detroit Lions announced today that they have released TE Will Heller.After joining the Lions prior to the 2009 season, Heller played in all 48 games and had 22 starts. He established career-highs in 2009 with 29 receptions, 296 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Heller finished the 2011 season with 6 receptions for 42 yards. He started in the team's NFC Wild Card game at New Orleans (1/7) and had a 10-yard touchdown reception on the team's opening drive.
Monday, March 5, 2012
FORMER LION JOHN PANELLI DIES AT 85
“PEP” PLAYED TWO SEASONS WITH THE LIONS, ‘49 & ‘50 
Allen Park, Mich. — One of the last two-way players in the NFL, John Panelli, died Friday, March 2 of a sudden illness in Royal Oak, Mich. He was 85.
Panelli was the 12th overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions after leading Notre Dame to three-straight undefeated seasons (1946-1948). During his senior season, the 5-11, 190-pound back averaged 7.5 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns, and he was voted Most Valuable Player of the 1949 East-West Shrine Game.
Lions Head Coach Bo McMillin was very familiar with Parnell’s talent. He had the challenge of trying to stop Panelli on the collegiate gridiron as head coach for Indiana University in 1947. Panelli had a great game with numerous long runs and McMillin took notice. As the Lions’ head coach in 1949, Panelli was his first draft pick, and Panelli received a record setting signing bonus and contract at the time.
Panelli played linebacker and running back for five NFL seasons (1949-53). During his first two years, Panelli registered 42 carries for 119 yards and 3 receptions for 22 yards on offense and 1 interception on defense for the Lions. He then went on to play for the Chicago Cardinals from 1951-53. Overall, he played 51 career games, recorded 55 carried for 157 yards, 4 receptions for 27 and 5 interceptions for 29 yards.
After his NFL career, Panelli started J.R. Panelli Equipment Company, a construction equipment dealership in Southfield, Mich.
Panelli stayed active in football as president of the Detroit Lions Alumni Association, and he was a founding member and president of the National Football League Alumni Association. The NFL Alumni Association worked with NFL franchise owners to create a fund for pre-1960s players who were not pensioned, many of whom were in financial difficulty.
Golf was a major passion for Panelli. He was past-president of the Birmingham Country Club, and with his partner Bud Stevens Panelli won the BCC invitational golf tournament an unprecedented 10 times. He was also active in celebrity Golf Tournament fundraisers including the NFL Alumni's "Super Bowl of Golf" and was active with the Saint Lewis Center - a charity for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
Panelli is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret; his sons, John, Andrew (Patricia) and Peter; daughter, Velma Krupnik (Steve); and his sisters, Angelina Lombardo and Anna Brockman; and grandchildren, Amanda Maurizi, and Juliana, John and Angelina Panelli.
Visitation will take place at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (between 13-14 Mile), Friday, March 9 from 2-8 p.m. Scripture service is at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 32340 Pierce, Beverly Hills Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m. Visitation at church begins at 10:30 a.m. View obituary and share memories at http://www.desmondfuneralhome.com/
Those wishing to make a commemorative donation may do so at www.stlouiscenter.org or mail to The Saint Louis Center, 16195 Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Allen Park, Mich. — One of the last two-way players in the NFL, John Panelli, died Friday, March 2 of a sudden illness in Royal Oak, Mich. He was 85.
Panelli was the 12th overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions after leading Notre Dame to three-straight undefeated seasons (1946-1948). During his senior season, the 5-11, 190-pound back averaged 7.5 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns, and he was voted Most Valuable Player of the 1949 East-West Shrine Game.
Lions Head Coach Bo McMillin was very familiar with Parnell’s talent. He had the challenge of trying to stop Panelli on the collegiate gridiron as head coach for Indiana University in 1947. Panelli had a great game with numerous long runs and McMillin took notice. As the Lions’ head coach in 1949, Panelli was his first draft pick, and Panelli received a record setting signing bonus and contract at the time.
Panelli played linebacker and running back for five NFL seasons (1949-53). During his first two years, Panelli registered 42 carries for 119 yards and 3 receptions for 22 yards on offense and 1 interception on defense for the Lions. He then went on to play for the Chicago Cardinals from 1951-53. Overall, he played 51 career games, recorded 55 carried for 157 yards, 4 receptions for 27 and 5 interceptions for 29 yards.
After his NFL career, Panelli started J.R. Panelli Equipment Company, a construction equipment dealership in Southfield, Mich.
Panelli stayed active in football as president of the Detroit Lions Alumni Association, and he was a founding member and president of the National Football League Alumni Association. The NFL Alumni Association worked with NFL franchise owners to create a fund for pre-1960s players who were not pensioned, many of whom were in financial difficulty.
Golf was a major passion for Panelli. He was past-president of the Birmingham Country Club, and with his partner Bud Stevens Panelli won the BCC invitational golf tournament an unprecedented 10 times. He was also active in celebrity Golf Tournament fundraisers including the NFL Alumni's "Super Bowl of Golf" and was active with the Saint Lewis Center - a charity for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
Panelli is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret; his sons, John, Andrew (Patricia) and Peter; daughter, Velma Krupnik (Steve); and his sisters, Angelina Lombardo and Anna Brockman; and grandchildren, Amanda Maurizi, and Juliana, John and Angelina Panelli.
Visitation will take place at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (between 13-14 Mile), Friday, March 9 from 2-8 p.m. Scripture service is at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 32340 Pierce, Beverly Hills Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m. Visitation at church begins at 10:30 a.m. View obituary and share memories at http://www.desmondfuneralhome.com/
Those wishing to make a commemorative donation may do so at www.stlouiscenter.org or mail to The Saint Louis Center, 16195 Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
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