Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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Detroit Lions remembering wide receiver, Jeff Chadwick

Never underestimate the heart of a warrior. Jeff Chadwick who grew up in Michigan and was a high school track star attended Grand Valley State University. Chadwick was not drafted by an NFL team. Undeterred and clinging to his football dream, the Detroit Lions gave Chadwick a tryout. The rest as they say is history.

LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 1986: Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions runs upfield against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 1986. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)

Joining the Detroit Lions wide receiver room in 1983, that already boasted NFL established players, Leonard Thompson, Mark Nichols, Freddie Scott and Robbie Martin. Jeff Chadwick would need to earn playing time. In the NFL nothing is just given to a player.

Little by little, game by game Chadwick saw his playing time increase. He became a reliable deep ball threat. Chadwick would also run across the middle of the field. In fact in his rookie season Chadwick amassed 40 receptions for 617 yards and four touchdowns.

1986 was statistically Jeff Chadwick’s best with the Lions, he had 53 receptions and 995 yards, Chadwick would go on to play for the Seattle Seahawks and  Los Angeles Rams, in a very solid NFL career.

Now days, Jeff Chadwick runs a football camp in Clare Michigan. Chadwick enlisted help from other former NFL players (many of which are former teammates) to help instruct and show children proper technique’s at all the different positions.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

It is a valuable lesson for children. It has a larger impact due to former NFL players who played at the most elite level of football. Less than one percent of the population plays in the NFL.

Yet, with former NFL players getting down and dirty and sweating along with the children going through the same drills it allows the children to gain a lifetime of memories and allows them to dream about perhaps playing in the NFL one day.

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Detroit Lions remembering quarterback, Eric Hipple

When NFL teams draft a player they usually do so because they believe the player can help them for years. That rang true for the Detroit Lions in the 1980 NFL Draft, when the franchise selected quarterback Eric Hipple out of Utah State University in the fourth round. Hipple would play his entire 10 year career with the Lions.

Football: Detroit Lions QB Eric Hipple (17) in action vs Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium.
Anaheim, CA 10/19/1986
CREDIT: Andy Hayt (Photo by Andy Hayt /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X33891 TK1 R4 F13 )

In the beginning Eric Hipple found trying to become a starting NFL quarterback tough sledding. When then Detroit Lions starting quarterback Gary Danielson sustained  an injury the third string Hipple got the call.

Eric Hipple did not enjoy instant success, he had to work at it. Through hard work and dedication Hipple became a solid NFL signal caller. In 1985, Eric Hipple enjoyed his best season as a Lions throwing 17 touchdowns.

Through it all Eric Hipple knows how hard work and dedication pay off. Hipple also understands how beneficial it is to listen to coach’s even when you do not always agree with them.

Eric Hipple’s former teammate Jeff Chadwick holds a summer football camp for children. This summer (July 13-14) children can learn from former NFL players.

Hipple will be attending the camp and instructing children what it takes to be a starting quarterback. The children will be put through a series of drills one on one in group settings.

As a player who had to fight to become a starting quarterback at the most elite level (NFL) Eric Hipple is a wealth of knowledge that can help children take the next step in their dream of taking a snap and throwing the ball downfield.

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Detroit Lions remembering OT/OG Scott Conover

Less than one percent of the American population get to experience being an NFL player. In the 1991 NFL draft, round 5 (118th overall) the Detroit Lions would make Scott Conover one of the less than one percent. His journey from the University of Purdue to Detroit was in and of itself curious and at the same time fascinating. While at Purdue Conover played mostly defensive end and then was switched to offensive guard.

Detroit Lions tackle Scott Conover warms up before the Lions 58-37 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1995 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on December 30, 1995 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Crisp/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions drafted Scott Conover to help the teams offensive line, keep in mind when he was drafted Conover had just one year experience playing guard. Now he would be expected to do it on the most elite level of football, the NFL.

In the 1994 Lions season Scott Conover scored a receiving touchdown. Conover played six NFL seasons before retiring. He now spends a portion of his time helping with youth football camps.

NOV 3 1987; Mike Harden puts a hit on Lions Jeff Chadwick before gaining any more yardage in the 3rd quarter.; (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Fellow Detroit Lions alum Jeff Chadwick, whom Conover did not have as a teammate yet know each other through various Lions events has a great youth football camp (July 13-14, 2022) is one of the youth camps that Conover attends with the intention of helping young athletes gain more knowledge of the ins and outs of football.

From small tips and pointers to large tips and pointers. Children of all ages gain a lot of useful information from Scott Conover. Conover is known at the camps to get down and dirty. He hits the pads and runs through the drills in hopes of showing children you never take it easy at any practice. Not to mention that it is a blessing and a gift to make the final cut and be on a team.

Children can learn a lot from a former NFL player who played defense in college and switched to offense at the tail end of his college career.

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Detroit Lions remembering OT, Lomas Brown

Selected in the first round (5th overall) in the 1985 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, left tackle (LT) Lomas Brown became a mainstay in the Lions offensive line. Brown is another former Lions player who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is one of the best offensive linemen in Detroit Lions history.

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 15: Lomas Brown #75 of the Detroit Lions during a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 15, 1992 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Lomas Brown played in six Pro Bowl games,  1990 ,1991, 1992, 1993 ,1994, 1995. Brown was first team All Pro in 1995 and was second team All Pro in 1991 and 1994. Yes, Brown blocked for Barry Sanders who ran all over the place which actually made Brown and the rest of the offensive line’s a bit more difficult as they had to maintain blocks not knowing where Sanders was running.

Lomas Brown played on four playoff teams while with the Lions. Offensive linemen generally do not get the credit or recognition they deserve they are usually pointed out after a penalty. Yet the ball does not move one inch without the players up front.

Lomas Brown would go on to win a Super Bowl as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Brown remained true to the Lions even going so far as to say ‘We never got to the Super Bowl with the Lions, But we still bleed Honolulu Blue and Silver.”

Now a days Lomas Brown can be heard as the color analyst for WJR’s Lions radio coverage.

With all that he gave to the game and all the accolades that have come his way, wouldn’t it be nice if children had the opportunity to learn from one of the best offensive linemen to ever strap it up?

LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 1986: Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions runs upfield against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 1986. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)

For the low cost of $89 children can. Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Jeff Chadwick has an outstanding football camp. Where they will receive one on one coaching in a group setting from Lomas Brown, Chadwick and others who have played at the most elite level.

This is a golden opportunity to improve skills in young people who one day could be the next great NFL player.

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Detroit Lions remembering kicker, Eddie Murray

Sometimes a player is special. So special they go unnoticed until they show why or how they are special. For the Detroit Lions kicker Eddie Murray was that special player. “Steady” Eddie, that was his nickname. When Murray would enter the game be it a field goal or extra point the Lions were coming away with points. Eddie Murray ranks second all-time in Lions kicking history. He should be in the Hall of Fame.

WASHINGTON, DC: Eddie Murray of the Detroit Lions circa 1983 attempts a field goal against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. (Photo by Owen Shaw/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions selected kicker Eddie Murray in the seventh round (166th overall) in the 1980 draft. Murray is easily one of if not the best seventh round draft pick in Lions history.

In his 12 NFL seasons kicking for the Detroit Lions, Murray was very consistent. He was loved by Lions fans and still beloved to this day. Having a career kicking percentage of 75.7 is more than enough to have Murray in conversation for the Hall of Fame. Even though the Hall of Fame has an unfair bias against offensive linemen and kickers.

All was not rosy for Eddie Murray he did miss the game winning field goal in the 1983 Divisional Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, that was not completely on Murray. The old Candlestick Park in San Francisco had swirling winds many of games played there be it the 49ers or Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants.

The ball was snapped, Murray approached the ball which was well on it’s was to going through the uprights and they a wind gust pushed the ball to the side. Lions fans were not upset or angry at Murray, but the wind gust that stinking wind gust.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 18: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium on August 18, 1984 in Orchard Park, New York. The Lions defeated the Bills 17-12. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Eddie Murray is a Detroit Lions legend. He will be at former Lions teammate Jeff Chadwick‘s Legends Camp. Instructing children the proper way to kicking the ball, from lining the kick up to the follow through with the leg.

As a player who should have a bust in Canton Ohio, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that would be a remarkable gift to be able to learn from a special player and a child would always remember they learned from one of the best to ever do it.

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Detroit Lions remembering LB, Jimmy Williams

“He has a nose for the ball,” that is a phrase that more times than not is associated with a linebacker. The Detroit Lions have had some solid linebackers over the years, Joe Schmidt, Ken Fantetti , Mike Cofer, Chris Spielman, George Jamison, are some of the more “household” names. I would like to submit a former linebacker that I believe has fallen through the cracks of time, Jimmy Williams.

Jimmy Williams had a very good college career at the University of Nebraska. In fact Williams was voted first team All-American in 1981 (Kodak,) Williams was voted second team All-American 1981 (AP,) also during the 1981 Cornhuskers season Jimmy Williams was voted three-time Nebraska Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 2: Jimmy Williams #59 and William Graham #33 of the Detroit Lions battle for possesion of the ball against Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams during a game at Anaheim Stadium on October 2, 1983 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 21-10 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Williams fantastic ’81 season lead to the Detroit Lions selecting him in the first round (15th overall) in the 1982 NFL draft. What followed was perhaps the most underrated Lions linebacker career, all Jimmy Williams did was make plays.

Jimmy Williams would play nine of his 11 NFL seasons in Motown. Where he would lead the Lions in tackles. Williams seemed to always be around the football, remember the “he has a nose for the ball” phrase? That was Jimmy Williams.

There have been fan viewed bigger names at the linebacker position for the Lions over the years. But those of us who saw Jimmy Williams play, remember just how solid and fluid he was.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

In his post playing days Williams has been in coaching. In fact he started coaching in 1994. Jimmy Williams is going to take part in former Detroit Lions wide receiver (not to mention former teammate) Jeff Chadwick‘s Legends Camp.

Imagine a child being taught the game of football by former NFL players and the knowledge they provide. Throw in someone like Jimmy Williams who not only played at the highest level in football but went on to coach. That is a lot of knowledge right there.

July 13 (ages 8-12) and July 14 (ages 13-18) 2022 are dates to keep in mind. For just $89 children can learn from former NFL players. The experience will be incredible the knowledge will last a lifetime.

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With the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, Detroit Lions fans should be excited about the future

The 3-13-1 regular season record does not sound like a bright future is ahead for the Detroit Lions. What if I told you that given the state of the L.A. Rams, the Lions future has very good potential? This is not a “homer” or “drink the kool-aid” write up, so ditch that thought right now. This is what I see looking at both teams. One playing in the NFC Championship Game (Rams) and one trying to reverse it’s fortunes (Lions.)

General view of the Kool-Aid man in the Kool-Aid lounge during the after party for “Spy Kids: All The Time In The World 4D” Los Angeles premiere co-sponsored by Osh Kosh B-Gosh & Kool-Aid at the EPSN Zone at L.A. Live on July 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. *** Local Caption ***

The Los Angeles Rams are a very good football team and on on the cusp of grabbing a spot in Super Bowl LVI (56.) The Detroit Lions are rebuilding….. again. However this is where hope comes in, hope in the form of Lions general manager Brad Holmes.

Holmes you may recall spent 18 years working in the Rams organization.  You see Brad Holmes played a large role in the Rams roster building. Holmes is known for getting tremendous talent in the mid to late rounds of NFL Draft’s. Something he demonstrated with his first Detroit Lions draft class.

With seven draft picks in last years NFL Draft, six of Brad Holmes seven picks became starters during the 2021 Detroit Lions season. The seventh draft pick gained more playing time as the season moved along.

The Lions traded longtime starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams and cashed in. Holmes has two- first round draft picks, a second round draft pick and three third round draft picks as well as one each in rounds 4-7. One more draft tidbit of note the Lions have been awarded an NFL record three compensatory draft picks due to free agents who signed with other teams.

As if the plethora of draft picks was not enough the Lions will have $35 million in available salary cap space and will be able to bring in a few big name players to push the rebuild along. That is something Brad Holmes spoke about after the season.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Holmes told reporters that he now intends to add players, signaling that 2021 was a bottoming out season for the Lions. NFL rebuild are faster that other sports.

For Detroit Lions fans take a look at the L.A. Rams. If you like what you see and it is hard not to, imagine that coming to Motown.

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How COVID has shown why Martin Luther King Jr’s dream is still far off

“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: – ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Powerful words from a dynamic man. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the equality of all men. Poor, Black, White, Hispanic all is a rather encompassing word.

Old Testament. Genesis (Photo by: Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The bible tells us in the Book of Genesis (1:27) “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The good book goes on to tell us “then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” That is also found in Genesis (2:7)

Political leaders have longed said they will and do fight for the same rights and values of Mr. King but do they? The COVID pandemic has uncovered a nasty secret. They really have little regard for those who are minorities.

The pandemic hit and the wealthy areas were the first to receive testing. In 2011 wealth gaps between White Americans and Black Americans as well as Hispanic Americas widened. It is sickening to think because of skin color as well as how much is in a bank account and the location of residence influences priorities still to this day.

That is not the dream Dr. King was brave enough to share with the world. In fact what the COVID pandemic has shown is that there is still a substantial gap between dream and reality.

With one single breath God started mankind which in that same one breath has lasted since the Garden of Eden and carries on today. Making man in His image that same image that no matter of skin color, residence or bank account or poverty we have stopped looking at.

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 05: Coronavirus test samples are processed by a Janus G3 automated workstation at Advagenix, a molecular diagnostics laboratory, on August 05, 2020 in Rockville, Maryland. An advanced genetics testing company, Advagenix has a contract with Montgomery County, Maryland, to test about 1 million people for COVID-19 over the next year. The company is expanding by moving into additional lab space and doubling the size of its workforce to around 30 people to handle the increased work. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The bible should be a mirror into our souls. In order to take a step in the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream we need to get back to seeing our fellow man in God’s image.

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Star Wars and the Book of Ephesians

Star Wars is a fantastic movie franchise that is loved by people worldwide. The Book of Ephesians is the bible’s answer to how we must face trials, uncertainty and evil, something that Star Wars offers. So let’s take a look at how both can easily be intertwined as there truly is a connection between the two.

Bible opened to Ephesians 6:11

First off, I do not think nor believe George Lucas was thinking about The Book of Ephesians when he was writing the original screen play for what would become Star Wars.

Ephesians 6:10-17, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

So in Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is trained to be strong in the Force, which is described as well the Holy Spirit, Obi-Wan Kenobi says “It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.” Much like Luke we need to daily become more aware of the Force (God’s Holy Spirit.)

Through the first three Star Wars films Luke realized his struggle was not against the flesh and blood of Darth Vader, But against spiritual forces of evil (Emperor Palpatine.)

Luke was basically taught to stand his ground for good. He did not want to fight his father, and was craving a peaceful resolution. Sometimes we need to fight for that in our own lives.

American actor Mark Hamill and British David Prowse on the set of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi directed by Welsh Richard Marquand. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Luke knew the truth, He stood up and for that truth even when facing evil. There is a lesson for us there. Sometimes we have a hard time identifying when evil is present. Yet, if we stand with the Helmet of Salvation on and are calm and lean into the Holy Spirit we will know.

Like Yoda told Luke, “You will know the good from the bad when you are calm, at peace, passive.” Now I leave you with this from the Book of Philippians, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Put your Armor on today.

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Holding the peace

This coming July my wife and I will be celebrating 27 years of marriage. That is something I am humbled by and yet proud of. That said I have a secret, a rather large secret when considering the years we have logged together. My secret is that my wife and I have never argued. Impossible, you say. It is the absolute truth, my wife will back me on. Heading into our 27th year and zero, zilch, nada an argument has been had between the two of us.

The main reason for our non- arguing marriage is that we talk about everything, there is no grey area. There are very clear words which helps keep things calm and not escalate. The other reason is that I find arguing an incredible waste of time and breathe. My opinion is simply not more important than the person’s that I love.

From the get go it seems like my beautiful wife and I had an unwritten agreement. We both just seemed to not want or choose to argue. The reality is that we never discussed arguing before we said our wedding vows. We talked about children, where we wanted to live, what side of the bed she likes to sleep on and just about everything else.

I like most people have been around others who look for any opportunity to argue. When I have been in those situations I walk away. Again, I do not argue. There are times I will present facts which is also effective in keeping an argument from erupting, after all it is difficult to argue with facts.

My wife and I are not special people or view ourselves greater than anyone else. We are just two people who are madly in love with each other and who talk about everything.

By the way talking helps tremendously as an instrument to hold the peace in our house. But that is the choice we daily make, listen, talk, love .