Zack Follett Done With Detroit Lions
by Sean Yuille on Aug 2, 2011 10:52 PM EDT
in Detroit Lions News
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PrintLinebacker Zack Follett was reportedly having a good first few days of training camp for the Detroit Lions. After working all offseason to come back from a severe neck injury, Follett sounded like he was practicing well enough to not only continue playing football, but to possibly get into the rotation at linebacker.
After missing practice on Tuesday, however, the situation changed drastically. Follett sent out the following two tweets tonight:
Respect to Schwartz Mayhew Lewand didnt want to risk a life threatening injury after seeing my pain, Someone had to make the tough decision!less than a minute ago via Echofon 
Favorite 
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Zack Follett
ZakarianFollett
Much as I fought to give it a go just wasnt in His plan. No longer a Lion. God has me filled with plenty of Joy #Godbetheglory Thanks!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyZack Follett
ZakarianFollett
At this point it sounds like the Lions decided to release Follett. This may not necessarily be a mutual split, but based on Follett's tweets it doesn't sound like he will continue playing football. As nice of a comeback story it would be, his long-term health is more important. Considering another bad hit could put him in a wheelchair for good, the risk just isn't worth it.
If this is indeed the end of Follett's career, I want to say thanks for all he has done for the Lions the last two years. He went from being a seventh-round draft pick to being on the practice squad and then eventually the active roster in 2009. Last year he went from being simply a special teams player to starting early in the year, and even after his injury he fought awfully hard to make it back. He is quite the personality on and off the field and a great guy, so if this is the end of the road, he will certainly be missed.
UPDATE: In a follow-up tweet, Follett said his "neck was on fire" and he "couldn't compete in hitting drills." He added, "So a decision had to be made." That certainly sounds like he's called it a career.
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imo it sounds like he was cut.. i doon how to word that though to ask him with out sounding like a ass
RIP KURTIS CHAIVRE
I seriously doubt he was cut this early on.
I’m sure this was 100% about his health.
"I don't take shit from anybody... If I have to throw somebody on their neck two times for them to understand that, it's that simple. They are not going to disgrace me." -Ndamukong Suh
He was probably released, but because of his injury
Waived/injured is what it’s called.
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they said the last practice he participated in was sort of a test for him.
When I heard they gave him the next practice off I was worried his body didn’t hold up, if it didn’t then it sounds like they made the decision for him.
I'm recruiting riders for a Moped gang in Detroit, let me know if you want in...
by DetroitDrew1980 on Aug 2, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I said alot in the fan post so I'll keep it short
Zack has been simply this a 7th rounds draft pick nobody knew. Who for some reason stole the fans hearts. Not sure why but Zack is definitley a little different. He made football fun. He joked around, Has a passion for life that just cannont be measured. He may have made a stupid comment in the past but it really is hard to not like this guy I think. He gave us everything he had and thats all we can ask. I wish him the very best at whatever he does from here. Maybe he should coach church league football or something. I will still wear my 49 jersey until it unfit to be seen. Thanks Pain Train….One last time dust off the poster
Thank you Zack Follett for all your hard work.Pain Train Forever
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Aug 2, 2011 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
I wanted the Lions to draft him in the 4-5th round that year!
I was anger when we passed on him and was over joyed when we picked him in the 7th. This reminds me of Brown both were OLB had great talent that got there playing careers shorten by a neck injury in there 2nd yrs.
you should tweet that to him Pro!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
tom leyland
reporter from channel 7 in det. said his neck was “on fire” and he couldn’t take part in drills. so it’s obviously the right decision, no matter who made it.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
This sucks
A lot of us here will miss him. He was an example of who this Lions team is becoming and why it will succeed. Good Luck Zach. Thanks for playing with the fire that you did.
I gotta say
I did not like the idea of him hitting people like he used to after such a bad neck injury.
Sounds like he was sugar coated how well his comeback was going
Having his neck on fire during the hitting drills does not sound like a healthy way to go. As much as I would have liked to see Follet out there, I would hate to see him risk his life or future health just for a game.
by WestsideLionsFan on Aug 2, 2011 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
Sounds like he was sugar coated how well his comeback was going
HUH?? I don’t think anyone sugar coated anything… it was reported he looked good.
Performance during practice and the pain after ward are two different things.
Great guy all around.
And a good football player, if not a great one. What he lacked in talent he made up for in passion and a love of the game. Not to mention, he puts the Lord first.
I give him a thumbs up and wish him the best. Do great things Zach, even if pro football is not where you are meant to be!!
Favorite player
Love the guy. Stands for what he believes in, never backing down and a force on the field. God bless you Zack and good luck in your future.
by TheForceOfFollett on Aug 2, 2011 11:23 PM EDT reply actions
I say keep it man
omage to the guy
Thank you Zack Follett for all your hard work.Pain Train Forever
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Aug 2, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I think a P.O.D. vote to determine his new username should be set up.
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
lol i'd be up for that
it’d be pretty sad to change it though..
by TheForceOfFollett on Aug 2, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe from TheForceofFollet to say
TheTenacityofTulloch or TheSlammingfromSuh. . has a nice ring to it. TheDeliveryfromDelmas maybe. . .just throwing them out there
How many lumps you want Doc?
That really sucks.
Zack only you could have made that decision, we all wish you well in life. Better to go out like this than like Mike Utley. Thumbs up!
How many lumps you want Doc?
Good luck in everything you do, Zack
your long-term health is more important
Build a man a fire, he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
That sucks
That’s not how you want to go out.
It’s the right decision though. At the end of the day, it’s just a game, and it’s not worth drinking meals through a straw the rest of your life.
I wish him luck.
I'm kind of glad this happened.
I was afraid he was going to get paralyzed during a game this season. This is the best way. He tried to come back and couldn’t. Now he wont always wonder “what if”
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer. I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me aroused." - Jim Schwartz
Gotta love his passion
He was he looking good out there! I’m glad he felt pain though early on and we didn’t have to witness the unthinkable in a game…my hats off to him!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
He really gave his all on the field.
Sad to see you go Pain Train. You always brought it every game. Loved those videos too.
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
rtsp://v1.cache1.c.youtube.com/CjgLENy73wIaLwna8hUY-WHH2RMYJCAkFEIJbXYtZ29vZ2xlSARSB3Jlc3VsdHNgxIGXprHS9LBNDA==/0/0/0/video.3gp
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
this should work
http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=en&client=mv-google&v=2cdh-RgV8to
"We're looking to improve this team every day, every week, every month until we get to our ultimate goal which is to win a championship."
-Martin Mayhew Detroit Lions GM, Master of the Universe
"Fairies don’t win championships. Bad Ass Mofo’s Do!"- Kevinz418
by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Aug 2, 2011 11:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I guess now I need a new favorite player..
….GO CALEB CAMPBELL BABY!!
by TheForceOfFollett on Aug 2, 2011 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
Love Caleb
The only upside I see from this is now it’s his chance to make a mark. The oppertunity is there.
Thank you Zack Follett for all your hard work.Pain Train Forever
PCP 4 LIFE
by The Profiler on Aug 2, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I miss him already
such a stand up guy, he was one of the few people that truly loved being a detroit lion.
At the group outing
Someone should bring a sign for Follett, whichever game it is.
by Mavyrk on Aug 3, 2011 12:10 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think we may have to.
I am planning on having one for Lo Jack’s Sack Pack so why not add a Pain Train sign.
"Where in the World is Ndamukong Suh?
Probably pushing 800-pound gorillas out of their choice seats in movie theaters."
By: I voted for Kodos (Acme Packing Company)
P.C.P. supporter since March 2011 (Phonz Carpenter Pratt for all that don't know)
by Enforcer on Aug 3, 2011 7:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Mixed Reactions.
It is really sucks that his career is over. I never wish injury on a player. However, I am glad he is no longer with the Detroit Lions. I still feel crossed the line this off-season with Stafford.
Sorry, its how I feel.
I am sure I will get some shit for this.
I don't agree with you..but I am not going to give you shit for your opinion.
I just think that Zach was saying what we all were thinking…and that maybe what he said was taken a bit out of context. Maybe?
He didn't say anything
That EVERYONE wasn’t already thinking (myself included, and I’m an optimist.) I commend him for being a straight shooter.
To each their own, but I’d take a team of 53 Zack Follett personalities if I could. That true passion and honesty is rare; too much political correctness is encouraged and we villify the players who talk straight. He’s a good cat, and we didn’t gain anything with his retirement.
by Mavyrk on Aug 3, 2011 12:31 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
We've had this argument.
I completely understand that EVERYONE was thinking it. My issue was with WHO when public with it. If it was Calvin, KVB, or Suh that said something then it is different. They are guys who are fixtures on the team. Follett was an undrafted guy who hadn’t really made much of an impact aside from the love he generated from fans. I think people were hoping he would become our Steve Tasker.
I LOVE Zack Follett the player. I do not like Zack Follett’s off the field actions.
I agree with u though
It is WHO said it! Zach wasn’t established and probably honestly shouldn’t have opened his mouth on the subject of Matt’s injury. Injuries are just an unfortunate part of the game.
"Who" is so amazingly irrelevant, it is ridiculous.
The problem was there. He was asked about it. (it’s not like Zack just volunteered his take on Stafford) He answered the question honestly. Period.
I guess you think he should’ve refused to answer the question??
Or he should’ve lied??
It was said a thousand times before, by a thousand different people. How was Zack to know these bitches would get so upset this time in particular?
He said the same damn thing EVERYBODY was saying. In the media AND on POD! It’s okay for Jamie Dukes to say it; it’s okay for some random blogger to say it, but not a guy ON THE FREAKIN’ TEAM?? That is absolutely ridiculous. His injury and his place on the depth chart have absolutely NOTHING TO DO with Stafford’s injury, nor does it have to do with the MAJOR effect Stafford’s injury had on the entire team that ZACK PLAYS FOR. (really people? I needed to say that?) If he’s such a scrub that what he says doesn’t matter, why was he even interviewed? Oh yeah, that’s right, that’s because it DOES matter, because he was affected, you elitist jerks.
Anybody who thought this was an “attack” on Stafford is, I’m sorry to say, not really firing on all cylinders.
the kid is an awesome talent. He has a tremendous arm.
That’s “knocking our QB”?
I guess you people will get mad at anything, no matter what – I feel like I’m at a freakin’ sorority function.
Whatever ladies, I’m sure we can find something else this season to get your panties in a bunch ‘cause Zack is outta here. Hopefully wherever he goes, whatever he does, he will be judged on who he is, and what he means, not some misconstrued BS like y’all want to persecute him for. (Burn the witch! Burn the witch!)
Sorry to see you go, Zack! Thanks for all the hard work! Thanks for the heart! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
(and please keep in mind Zack, not ALL Lions fans are idiots)
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live it's whole life believing that it is stupid"
-Albert Einstein
+100
He said how he felt, not maliciously going after his qb. It was just an opinion, his thought. I know we all wished stafford didn’t get injured because the bottom line is we do need him healthy. As good as Drew and Shaun might be at backing him, they aren’t the golden boy and the guy who’s really getting paid to be there.
+1
He crossed the the lines by knocking our Qb.Who’s the china doll now? ha ha
Suh, Biz Markie, Kvb , Avril , C Will, SLH, Lo-Jack , Young blood , and Andre 3000 = Silver Crush -Get em boys
by smelllyfingers on Aug 3, 2011 7:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Short stay but it was one hell of a ride...
Its was fun, forever a Lion in my book. Zack Follett a.k.a Pain Train… Good Luck at what you decide too tackle in life next.
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
Carpenter signs
davebirkett Dave Birkett
His nameplate’s been hanging in locker room all week. Figured he’d return RT @DeadStroke96: Bobby C signs accord to radio guy in Columbus
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Man, that really sucks.
He was coming along nicely. Reminds me a lot of David Pollack a few years ago, sucks that guys lose out to injury so often. Especially a guy with his passion, motivation, and will. It was really nice to see him come back, and really terrible to see him go out like this. Comeback stories of this caliber are so rare nowadays.
OK SEAN ENOUGH WITH THE BAD NEWS ALREADY............... THE FOOTBALL GODS CANT HATE US THAT BAD
we sacrificed a whole season to them…remember 0-16!
I wonder how he will be covered under the new CBA...
I can stand his religious blabber, love his openess, love his honestly, love his dedication, love his heart… I’ve been one of the biggest follet backers and its a sad night knowin that I won’t get to see that train in action ever again!
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback: a man barely alive, Gentlemen we can rebuild him, We have the technology, We have the capability to make the worlds first bionic QB, Matthew Stafford will be that man, Better than he was before
Better, Stronger, Faster
by Gyorick on Aug 3, 2011 1:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
good luck zack
just remember you only need to put faith in yourself, you hold the keys to your future, not the lord, not satan, you, believe in yourself and you will go as far as you want to go in this lifetime
Mixed feelings
I liked Zack because he played hard and with emotion. I would love to have him on the team, backing up someone, and playing special teams laying the wood. I would much rather him be pretty healthy though and walk away from the game than be wheelchair bound. He’s much too young for that, and he seems like a pretty good guy. I love his energy and attitude. I have no doubt that he’ll be ok and find something to occupy his mind and time.
Much love and respect to Zack, God be with you brother!
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
that makes me sad
You hate to see such a talent’s career get cut short in only there second year. I believe he could of been a top notch player for us for many years. but like many of u had already said I’m glad he realized he wasn’t healthy enough to play and avoided possible serious injury. i think making a sign for him in the group outing is a great idea.
Man i wish i lived in Detroit especially now that we are headed in the right direction and are going to be a good team for years to come. if i lived there i would definitely want to be a season ticket holder. feel the roar!
Let the Schwartz be with you!
by IBleedHonoluluBlue209 on Aug 3, 2011 4:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Good luck Zack
Horrific news. I hope for great things in his future. Thanks for your service to the Lions.
Thanks Zack!
Sorry for the bad news, but you have the right attitude. Keep on keeping on! You will be missed on the field.
"My grandma could play behind that line!"- Zack Follett
10 words or less!
I loved watching the Pain Train, Hate watching the Caboose!
"WR Brandon "I'll stab you bitch" Marshall (who finally got stabbed himself for once) had 10 catches for 102 yards and no TDs". - KDAWG
" Thumbs up " on that decision.
Another Mike Utley incident is averted that no one needed to see…
Wakan Tankan Nici Un
( May the Great Spirit walk with you )
" I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this. " " What are you doin' here? You oughta be out in a convertible bird-doggin' chicks and bangin' beaver. " " Medication time. Medication time. " ( One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - 1975 )
Fan Favorite
Zack is and always will be a fan favorite. His personality was electric and his passion for football was unrivaled. It’s sad, but it was the right decision to make.
"How in the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?" Allen Iverson
by Disassembly Line on Aug 3, 2011 9:59 AM EDT reply actions
Exactly what I was afraid of.
This shit is so depressing. It actually looked like Zack might make a comeback, and then this… how is it fair that the guy who had more passion for the game then anyone is the one who’s career is cut short before he even got a chance to have one? Damn.
Much love to Follett in whatever he decides to do with himself, and hope that he’s able to keep himself involved in the game of football in some capacity. Lions fans will forever have your back, Pain Train.
Zack Rocks
That wa s a nasty hit, Glad to see him back in camp, but if it does not feel right someone make a hard choice. Still looking foreward to following him on facebook, he is a blast.
1 slice, 1 beer, 5 more reps.
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