When I was a kid playing football on the playgrounds in northern Michigan, Houghton Lake to be exact - I was always Lem Barney. Other kids were Joe Namath or O.J., although little did we know how THAT would turn out! Other kids were Roger Staubach or Terry Bradshaw or Mercury Morris. Not me. I was a Lion fan through and through and I loved intercepting passes, so every day at recess I was #20.
 
I suffered through those 70's teams where the Lions were always .500 ish. Mediocrity was rough as you didn't make the playoffs and you weren't bad enough to get a truly impact player. Then, came 1979 and a 2-14 season. In 1980 that got us another #20, Billy Sims! My football world was brighter, angels got their wings and we finally had a reason to hope. Unfortunately, as we all know, injuries derailed Billy's career.  
 
Soon I was on my way to Central Michigan University where I started out as a broadcasting major with dreams of relatively new ESPN station on my radar. That plan changed briefly to some business classes, and eventually, a history major with the desire to teach and coach. Life evolves and that wasn't the career path I ended on. However, my passion for the Lions remained strong and soon another #20, Barry Sanders, was coming to Motown. 
 
Even now, every week, I break out my #20 jersey and whatever other Lion paraphernalia I elect to wear and I am glued to the TV for those three hours. Many times over the years, as the final seconds ticked off the clock, my garb has ended up on the front lawn. (We moved a few years ago and my wife threatened me, insisting I remain clothed if I was near the windows facing our new neighbors) However, sometime between that moment and the kickoff for the next game it all runs through the washing machine to clean off the bad ju-ju and I am right back at it. 
 
I've known Mike for a number of years and was honored when he asked me to contribute to the Grey Manes. Hopefully, you'll see someone that is passionate, but doesn't just look at the game through Honolulu-Blue Sunglasses - someone that is able to mix honesty with their zeal for the Lions.