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Sunday, 5 September, 2010 1:31 AM

Detroit Lions officials are optimistic for the 2010 regular season

DETROIT -- Everything -- and everybody -- was cool as blue inside Ford Field for the 14th annual Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon, held on the day before the Lions would take on the Buffalo Bills in the final preseason game. Presented by the Wisne family, money that will be made at this Detroit Economic Club (DEC) meeting will go to several Lions charities and the Think Detroit PAL.

"It's a great time to be a Lion," said general manager Martin Mayhew. "When I took this job in December of 2008, I had a vision for what I wanted this team to look like. I had a feel for what I wanted to accomplish. In January of 2009, Tom Lewand and I went to Nashville to interview Jim Schwartz for the head coach job. We were sitting in a hotel room and Jim was describing the team that he wanted. It was like the team that I wanted. It was basically the same team. There's a lot of buzz about what's going on and what's different."

Mayhew added: "I want to point out two things that are happening. First and foremost is the hard work that we put in. The work that goes into it to get this team right. I also point to the commitment four our ownership, it's much appreciated, Mr. Bill, Mr. Ford. They have really trusted Jim and I to make the right decisions and give us support in every step along the way."

With an estimate of 3,200 kids active and looking for positive role models, the Think Detroit PAL is one of the largest after-school leagues in the country.

"I'm really proud of what Martin and Jim have done with this team in a short period of time," said vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. "They've worked incredibly hard to get us better. I can't wait for the season to begin and neither can our fans. I think the buzz around this team this year around the city is as loud as ever in many years. I'd like to thank all of the fans for sticking with us through a tough period with the team and a tough economic time in this city."

Returning for another season as Lions coach, Jim Schwartz states that it's not just what his team do in the field, but what the guys do behind the scenes. Why? It's all due to responsibility, he respond. We feel that responsibility to the players, the staff, and the Motor City. Still optimistic, one of his most important goals is that his grandchildren will call Detroit home one day.

"Well, it's a world of difference," Schwartz said. "It's a different team. I think a lot of people here have mentioned the excitement. I think the fans feel it, we feel it. There's a reason we feel it because of the players we have, the commitment they shown and because of the things they've done on the field. I think optimism is eternal. Everybody's feeling good this time of the year. I think there's substance to that optimism."

The head coach added: "We feel the responsibilty to have a winning team. But it's not just us. It's certainly we and the fans are included there. We all need to do a good job. The players will feed off your excitement. It's OK to cheer for this team. It's OK to put yourself out as a fan. I've experienced some of the same things people in Detroit have experienced. So many times you put yourself out as a fan and you get your heart broken. We'll feed off of you. You can feed off of you. We're one in the same."

The Detroit Lions won their final preseason game against the Bills, 28-23. That means the Lions won three out of their four preseason games this year. They will play their first regular season game at the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12 at 1:00 p.m.

For more information or to buy tickets for the Detroit Lions, visit www.detroitlions.com.