DETROIT
-- The meeting of today's Detroit Economic Club (DEC)
wasn't tamed, as the 12th Annual Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon
took place inside the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. It
was a special occasion in part of celebrating the football
franchise's 75th anniversary.
This will be a special year for the Lions, said Larry Wisne,
whose family and Tribute Restaurant sponsored the event. He
was surprised by the turnout at the luncheon --realizing how
much the people of Detroit still cares for the Lions as well
as saying "it is a special blessing" to have the
entire team at the meeting and seeing them in action on television.
The proceeds for the luncheon benefited the Lions charities
for Think Detroit PAL Youth Football, in which kids, CEO Dan
Varner spoke at the podium, learn character traits such as
perservance, courage, and diversity. Despite what has been
happening in the state of Michigan, he continues, the work
that is being done is important in order to help these kids
grow up into becoming courageous adults.
The Lions finished last season with a 7-9 record, but is doing
well in the preseason so far at 3-0, as the team heads off
to Buffalo tomorrow night to play against the Bills before
the regular season starts, which is a week from Sunday.
"There is an appointed time for everything in the sun,
and that time is now," said Lions President and CEO Matt
Millen, who also said that the team has embodied selflessness,
and it takes no talent to hustle. "Your skills set is
a gift, and how you use it is up to you. [But] It's your atttiude
that is important."
Though the team didn't make it to the playoffs in 2007, they
are expected to restore the roar here in the Motor City. Rod
Marinelli said the team will continue to work hard in the
2008 season and keep buliding up expectations; he feels very
strongly about his team. When it was his time to came to the
podium, the Lions head coach said he will run the football
because it's hard, but that is what he partly loves about
football -- the competition.
"What I'm looking [for]," he continues, "is
football character. I'm interested in guys who love football
and can't live without it. I want to league the team in effort,
and that is what I want to see on Sunday."
What matters to the Lions isn't winning ten games (they haven't
done that since 1995); they want to go beyond.
"We demand excellence from each," said Defensive
Tackle Cory Redding. "We push each other."
That demand and push is due to Coach Marinelli, who, according
to Redding, wants no excuses. "[He] don't care how bad
you're hurt," Redding went on. "You can't live soft
and fight tough. [Coach Marinelli] wants more out of us; he
doesn't pat us on the back and say 'Good job' but say it's
not good enough. The best is yet to come."
Though running the Lions physically, emotionally, and mentally,
Marinelli states that he is proud to present them to this
meeting. He is compassionate; he cares, said Millen, and that
is why they can go one mile and get their heart blow up.
"When you step on the field," said Quarterback Jon
Kitka, "it's time to practice. Having a competitive character
is what makes the Lions different from any team."
The 75th anniversary celebration of the team franchise will
take place in Ford Field, when the Lions play against the
Jacksonville Jaguars on November 9.
Redding
has one thing to say to the people of Detroit for this season:
"Be loud, stay late, don't leave the third quarter, and
stay through the game."
For ticket information, go to www.detroitlions.com.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
Lions celebrate their 75th season at this meeting of the Detroit
Economic Club.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
More
than 1,000 people attended the meeting inside Cobo Center.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Broadcasters
Dan Miller and Jim Brandstatter were masters of cermonies.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
Larry
Wisne of Tribute Restaurant welcomed everyone.
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