Finally Hope for Lions Fans?
Fans weigh in on the firing of Detroit Lions president
By Brittney Moody
After being mocked by not only the announcers, but fans across the nation during
Sunday, Sept. 21’s performance against the San Francisco 49ers, William Clay Ford took
a stand and fired the Detroit Lions president, Matt Millen.
“It’s obvious he was the problem,” Nick Masters, junior media arts and technology major
at MSU said.
Millen had been president and general manager for the Lions for seven years. The Lion’s
accomplishments have been minimal under Millen, with a 31-84 record at the time of his
removal.
“It was crucial to fire Millen if they wanted to win,” Masters said.
Even though the Lions have put up some of the worst numbers in NFL history, they still
seem to have devoted fans with perpetual faith and hope.
“I’m always optimistic at the beginning of the game and watch until there’s no possibility
of a comeback,” said Nicholas Simeri, freshman at MSU.
Anthony Garwood, sophomore at MSU who is a Green Bay Packers fan, said that if the
Packers had a record like the Lions he would still support them.
“They’re my team; I’m not a fair weather fan. It would be tough obviously, but I would,”
Garwood said.
Finally, it seems that fans’ dedication has paid off, as Millen is asked to walk. Hopefully
there is only room for improvements now.
The Lions went without a game Sunday, Sept. 28 and will be returning to the field next
Sunday facing the Chicago Bears without Millen. Will they come out looking like a
different team?
“I think it’s definitely a possibility. They have a decent amount of talent,” Garwood,
sophomore at MSU said.
Although Garwood is a Green Bay Packers fan, he watches the Lions anytime the
Packers aren’t on. He typically will watch most of the game, unless they are getting
“blown out.”
“If I were Ford I would make sure I hired the right person to replace Millen who will
draft the right players,” noted Garwood.
Many of Millen’s recruits, like Joey Harrington, have been less than favorable. Currently
there is talk of Coach Rod Marinelli’s and other players’ jobs being in jeopardy.
“Lets take Jon Kitna for an example. I think he’s a hard worker, a solid quarterback, but
he’s not going to lead them to greatness,” Garwood said.
It was also noted by Masters that among the many things the Lions need to change is an
attitude adjustment.
“The next five weeks is going to say a lot as to how much influence Millen had on their
attitude and team,” Masters said.
The announcers for the game against the 49ers kept focusing on attitudes as well. They
kept repeating that the Lions didn’t look like they even wanted to play.
“I would say that any team in the NFL has a chance to be good if they want to be,”
Garwood said. “It doesn’t mean they’re going to be, but they could be if they found the
right people.”
Many agree the Lions won’t be going anywhere this year, but there is a possibility in the
future.
“I think over the next five years they’ll be a lot more successful, but not instantly,”
Simeri said.