Pride Of Detroit: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Interview With UMD Athletic Director, Dr. Debbie Yow

Friday Notes: Lions Claim a Former Chief, Release a Linebacker

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 1963 file photo, Detroits Lions football player Terry Barr is shown in Detroit.  Barr, a rookie on the Lion's last championship team in 1957, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, after an extended illness the team said.. He was 73. (AP Photo/File)

More photos » AP

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 1963 file photo, Detroits Lions football player Terry Barr is shown in Detroit. Barr, a rookie on the Lion's last championship team in 1957, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, after an extended illness the team said.. He was 73. (AP Photo/File)

  • As mentioned in a FanShot, former Lions great Terry Barr passed away yesterday at the age of 73.  Barr was a rookie on the 1957 championship team and returned an interception for a touchdown in the title game.  He later switched from defensive back to wide receiver and was a Pro-Bowler in 1963 and 1964.
  • The Lions claimed defensive end Brian Johnston off waivers.  Johnston is a former Chief who was drafted last year in the seventh round.  Gunther Cunningham obviously was the defensive coordinator for that draft, so it's no surprise that Johnston is now a Lion.  I wouldn't expect him to be anything more than someone that is on the team for depth reasons, but he did play in nine games last year, so he will compete for a roster spot at the very least.
  • John Niyo has a list of the six players the Lions have claimed off waivers since February, three of whom are former Chiefs.  I know comparisons to Rod Marinelli and his love affair for former Bucs probably popped into some of your heads after reading that, but think of it this way: Marinelli was bringing in his former players to be starters most of the time; the Chiefs players (only two are even still on the roster, by the way) are being brought in primarily for depth purposes and may not even make the team.  I would say that alone shows that the roster is in much better shape than it ever was in the Marinelli era.
  • The Lions also released linebacker Andrew Downey, an undrafted free agent from Maine.
  • Jim Schwartz, Matthew Stafford, Casey FitzSimmons, and Jared DeVries went to the Motor City Casino yesterday to give a Lions helmet to Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR driver who made an appearance for autoworkers and members of the National Guard.  Schwartz hopes to make it out to Michigan International Speedway for the NASCAR race there on June 14.
  • Kevin Smith is one of five running backs who could have a Steve Slaton-like breakout season for fantasy football owners, according to ESPN's Christopher Harris.

0 recs  |  Comment 5 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

JANSEN!

Looks like Detroit did the right thing and signed Jon Jansen. He should add depth at RT and provide Cherilus with a great veteran he can learn from. Now Jansen just needs stay healthy so he can contribute. The last 4 season have pretty much been a waste because of injuries.

by TonyDC on May 29, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He started in 11 games last year

and played in 14 of 16….he only missed 2 games from a slightly sprained right knee last year. He did have injury issues in 04 (torn achilles tendon), and 07 (broken ankle) where he was out for the season in both cases, but he played and started in all 16 games in 05, and played and started in 15 games in 06. He is a leader in the locker room, a very hard worker, and a solid offensive lineman all the way around. This signing is out-Fing-standing.

by KDawg on May 29, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't it feel...

Great and a bit odd at the same time. To have a seemingly, very good front office?

by JCruize on May 29, 2009 9:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol im loving it

NFL- Vikings,Lions,Texans,Bills Adrian Peterson!
MLB-Rays,Marlins,Reds,Twins Evan Longoria
NBA-T-Wolves,Cavliiers,Warriors,Bobcats Lebron James!
NHL-Wild,Penguins Sidney Crosby!
NCAA-Gophers,Gators,Longh orns,ND Tim Tebow!
all in the order in which i root for 1st

by RaysOfHope on May 29, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's blog that is your source for everything Detroit Lions.
Start posting about the Lions »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Comcast NFL RedZone Moments from SB Nation

Music City Miracles
Tennessee Titans Red Zone Report
Bleeding Green Nation
Comcast NFL Red Zone stat of the week - Something doesn't have to give
Niners Nation
49ers Red Zone numbers: How effective are they?

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

New-lions-logo_1__small
Great Article
Pod_small
There is no "L" in Mike Iupati's name

Recent FanPosts

Calvin_small
Detroit Sports Project's Second Lions Mock Draft
Fahr_small
The Philosophy of the Draft (and our place in it)
N51800214_32466642_5344_small
Eric Berry is the safest pick...
Matt_and_tara_engagement____dec
NYCLions fan in Las Vegas
Ernie-sims-23jpg-670818058d08cc8d_medium_small
Running back DeDe Dorsey signs with Lions
L_5d4f0ce445ea44f3b0644fd3a8c7b514_small
Peyton Manning
Small
Why trade down?
Javen_small
My Worst Nightmare is Likely to be a Lion Reality.....
1st_win_small
Stallworth
1st_win_small
2011 superbowl and Staffords chances of going to disney world

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

Acme Packing Company
Replay: Tracy Porter's Super Bowl INT Return
Mocking The Draft
Morgan Burnett NFL Draft scouting report
The Phinsider
A quick look at free agent tight ends

Managing Editor

Pod_small Sean Yuille

Writer

New-lions-logo_1__small DrewsLions