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."
Saturday, March 12, 2011
NFL Labor Update on “Decertification”-Litigation-Lockout : Players Walk Away
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
LIONS DT NDAMUKONG SUH NAMED ASSOCIATED PRESS DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
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.”
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.”
Friday, January 21, 2011
LIONS QB MATTHEW STAFFORD UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SHOULDER SURGERY
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
LIONS DT NDAMUKONG SUH TO UNDERGO SHOULDER SURGERY
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.”
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.”
Thursday, December 30, 2010
LIONS REACH SELLOUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME VS. MINNESOTA
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.
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.
Monday, December 20, 2010
DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
DREW STANTON NAMED LIONS’ ROBERT PORCHER MAN OF THE YEAR
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.
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.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Still a possibility Favre plays
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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