The Winning Detroit Lions

For any fan of the Lions, this has been a rough season. As I write this, we have just dropped down two touchdowns to the Vikings. As I see the players running the field, I reflect on another side of the players not always seen by the general public. This side --- the side of service to others---- maybe as important for the youngsters who stood beside them on a cold, windy day outside of Ford Field.

The United Way and the NFL have the longest running partnership between a professional league and a non-profit. The 33 year partnership has connected the players and the community. Just this week, there were many of the current players and some past (thank you Lem Barney) who helped load 30,000 pounds of chicken into trucks, vans and cars. Each vehicle represented an organization who is serving residents in need in the region.

So there was Lem Barney yelling out directions for all, Jason Hanson crawling into the back of a van hauling boxes in, and Dan Orlovsky guiding boxes onto the back end of a truck. Everyone wants a winning team on Sundays. Sometimes that can happen, sometimes it doesn't. But one thing that can be constant is the ability to serve others.

The kids helping out that day saw players in a different way. Games will come and go. By rolling up their sleeves and getting in the game of volunteerism, the players taught school age children that service to your community is important. My guess is each of the kids helping out will forget a particular game or season. I doubt,however, that they will ever forget working with the players in helping those who need help the most.

In my book, the Lions are a winning team ---- in a different way.

Thanks for reading......pass it on.