Friday Notes: Casey FitzSimmons Wanted to Help Right the Ship

by Sean Yuille on Apr 16, 2010 12:50 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Notes

I know a lot of people have been talking about how there was a deadline yesterday for restricted free agents to sign, but that was strictly a deadline for them to sign with other teams. The deadline for restricted free agents to sign their tenders isn't until June 15.
I felt sorry for Casey FitzSimmons having to retire when I first heard the news, but after reading this quote from him, I really, really feel sorry for him, because he has the best attitude you can possibly ask for out of a football player.

"I think the worst part about this whole deal is that I can’t see the ship right -- for the Ford family, for the people of Detroit, for every Lions fan across America," the former tight end said today over the phone from his home in Montana. "I can’t be a part of this turnaround that I think is right around the corner.

"I think that’s what hurts the most having to make this decision, knowing damn well that my body -- legs, arms, everything -- can still play at a high level. It’s just one hit to the head, and it could be a whole different ballgame."

FitzSimmons later estimated that he's suffered six concussions during his football career, making it just too risky to keep playing.
The Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel conducted a poll about potential busts that play on the offensive line, and the results were interesting, to say the least.

Over the last few weeks, the Journal Sentinel polled 21 personnel people, asking them who among the top offensive linemen had the best chance to bust. The fact that Campbell led with 12 votes (Anthony Davis had four votes and five others, including Iupati, each had one) can be attributed to a variety of reasons, but mental acuity was cited by four scouts.

This just about seals the fact that the Raiders will draft Campbell, right?
Utah offensive tackle Zane Beadles has privately worked out for the Lions.
Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati has also worked out for the Lions, and he has visited the team as well. The prospect visit tracker has been updated with this news.
Sam Bradford won't sign a deal until after the draft. Which team that deal will be with is a little up in the air now that the Browns have revealed that they've had some talks with the Rams about trading up for the No. 1 pick. A deal doesn't necessarily seem likely, but it's just something to think about.
Drew Stanton put up a post on his blog about his draft day experience.
I can't remember if this has been mentioned on Pride of Detroit before, but I figured it was worth passing along that Nate Burleson will be wearing No. 13 for the Lions.
Stan Kroenke, who is attempting to buy 100% of the Rams, has ties to a stadium group in Los Angeles. I'm sure that's no coincidence.
NFL.com is running a "Predict the Pick" contest that gives participants a chance to win a trip to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

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sheppards visit???

since i moved to vegas 4 years ago i get about 95% of my Lions news off of Pride. i believe Lito’s visit was Wenesday and Thursday, any word on the visit???

by LV-D-FAN on Apr 16, 2010 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

Sean posted that Lito visited

this week. But there hasnt been anything to update, Mayhew acknowledged that Lito was in yesterday but that was all.

Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin

by Leapin Lion on Apr 16, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

OFF-TOPIC

The 49ers just acquired Ted Ginn Jr from Miami

Life is a waste of time and time is a waste of life... so lets get wasted all the time and have the time of our lives!

by JazzyBBP on Apr 16, 2010 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

Why would they do that?????

he’s not even the 3rd best WR on that current roster. They must have needed a ST return guy REAL BAD!

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Apr 16, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I just knew it

I knew the Rams were heading back to Los Angeles one day.

I feel sorry for the people of St. Louis though, maybe they should get Jacksonville’s franchise.

by metatron5369 on Apr 16, 2010 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

13 was derrick williams I belive must be changing his #

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass.
God Help Me I love this stuff !..(HBK describing DX)

by The Profiler on Apr 16, 2010 6:47 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah Williams is 12 now

Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Apr 16, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Bradford not signing is interesting

Shouldn’t be too much of a big deal, but interesting nonetheless.

"Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind." - Pride Leader, Sean Yuille, wielder of the Ban Hammer.
2010 Wests Tigers : Current record - 4-1 : Current Position - 3rd : Last game - Defeated North Queensland Cowboys 23-16

by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 16, 2010 7:50 PM EDT reply actions