It finally took an outcry from Ford’s son, Bill Ford Jr., the team’s vice chairman, who said in a statement in to a reporter on Monday, “The fans deserve better. And if I had the authority, I would have fired the general manager.” Later, in front of a group of reporters, he repeated a similarly worded statement and answered the question over whether Millen should leave, “Uh, yes I do.” Hmm, the fans deserve better. I like that thinking. Did that actually come from someone in the Lions front office?
Bill Ford, Jr. is a Lions fan’s only hope. He was an infant when the Lions won their last championship, so hopefully when his turn comes to run this team, he’ll be able to create that special memory for himself and fans that haven’t yet had that pleasure. You know, all of us under the age of 50. After all, we aren’t getting younger.
Until then, my team of choice this year is the Indianapolis Colts. Go Peyton!
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
In a way I feel genuinely bad for Millen because he should have been put out of his occupational misery years ago, so yes, the last three or four years of failure were on Ford's head.
Now Millen probably can't even go back to broadcasting. Or do, like, anything football-related.
2 - Joanne Huspek
We should rejoice, that's what we should do!
Actually, since I grew up in Colorado and went to college in Minnesota, I cheer for the Broncos or the Vikings, not the Lions. Millen made it so very easy, too. He was a crybaby when the team lost (which was very often), and couldn't stand it when the fans expressed their displeasure at HIM. When you're the boss, the buck stops there.
I just can't believe it took this long for William Clay Ford to figure it out. Millen should have been gone long ago.
3 - RJ Elliott
Great article, Alice.
I still remember fondly the 1991 NFL season. It was the only year (in my lifetime) in which the Lions were viewed as being genuinely credible. They went 12-4, made the playoffs, won their division, even had a playoff bye, and shockingly even won a playoff game (against the Dallas Cowboys). John Madden was the color commentator for that playoff game, and he didn't sound at all pleased that these nobodies from Detroit were beating "America's Team." (Fat fucker.)
Anyway, they ended up getting crushed in the NFC Championship Game 41-10 by their nemesis (and eventual Super Bowl Champion) the Washington Redskins. Sigh...
But those were good times, the early 1990s. Barry Sanders, Wayne Fontes, Brett Perriman, Chris Spielman ... a great group of guys.
It just sucks that, in this time of NFL "parity," my team has consistently failed every season for about a decade now. Oh, well. There's always the Pistons and the Red Wings!
4 - Matthew T. Sussman
"NFL "parity,""
So, how bout those Colts and Patriots?
5 - Paul Mailloux, london On Canada
Evey year its the same thing....about this time I say that's it I'm picking a new team next season. Please Mr. Ford just give us a glimmer of HOPE!
6 - Randy
If im not mistaken, Junior was born during the same year Senior bought the our beloved Lions.