By
Posted April 29, 2009

Just minutes before this year’s NFL Draft kicked off a college buddy of mine read this little speech, wrote by him, announcing the start of a new beginning to a houseload of friends in Milford as we started to gather around the TV for our annual NFL Draft celebration.

- With the 1st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select.....Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia.

As the Lions’ troubles have worsened an already horrible Detroit and greater state of Michigan economy. I ask you this......Are the hidden parallels that Stafford brings to the table a sign of change for both the Lions and the State......

Let us look at the name Stafford (Staf-FORD):

An economy crushed by the fall of FORD, GM and Chrysler. A new stadium pain-stricken with defeat known as FORD Field. An owner who shoulders the blame of the franchise's consistent failure.....William Clay FORD.

An 0-16 season coming in the 50th year of the Curse of Bobby Layne.

Bobby Layne, one of the franchise’s all-time greatest players and the last championship QB the Lions have had.

Bobby Layne, a graduate from the same Highland Park High School in Dallas, TX as Staf-FORD.

As we say goodbye to the Curse of Bobby Layne and an 0-16 season, let us usher in a new era of Detroit Lion football. Let us embrace the quarterback, who with all the subtle signs, could be the face of our franchise.

Staf-FORD Field.

Built Staf-FORD Tough.

William Clay Staf-FORD.

A new a promising coaching Staf(FORD).

Matthew StafFORD has a chance to turn around a franchise, a city and a state.......not that there is any pressure or anything.

Mr. Stafford, welcome to Detroit. -

So what do I think of the pick? I suppose I’m OK with it.

However, I was pretty disappointed that the Lions did not stay true to their word that they wanted to start from the inside-out, by drafting offensive and defensive lineman, then bring in more defensive talent.

But we can look at it this way, too. If Matt Stafford wins a game or two next season, he is already a hero.

Let’s just hope the defense doesn’t spot the opposing team 21 points after the first few minutes of play once again this season.