Detroit Lions remembering fullback (FB) Cory Schlesinger

Fullback is not a glamourous position by any means. The fullback gets charged with blocking, be it for the running backs or on a passing down. They get to carry the ball minimally. In today’s pass happy NFL the fullback position has nearly gone extinct.  But the good fullbacks they get remembered. In 1995 the Detroit Lions drafted a fullback out of the University of Nebraska in the sixth round, Cory Schlesinger who would become a Lions legend.

DETROIT – SEPTEMBER 10: Cory Schlesinger #30 of the Detroit Lions during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 10, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Seattle won the game 9-6. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Cory Schlesinger, is still remembered fondly by Detroit Lions fan’s as a player who laid devastating blocks for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Schlesinger was also a special teams standout recording 118 tackles for the unit during his career.

Detroit Lions fans still get a charge out of how many face masks Schlesinger is said to have broken with his all-out style of play. The number of broken steel cages is said to be around the 200 mark.

Cory Schlesinger, was a Lions fan favorite. He also had the love and respect of his teammates and coaching staff. Being a student of the game has helped Schlesinger in all aspects of his life.

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)

Former Detroit Lions legend, Jeff Chadwick holds a Legends Camp, where former NFL players come and instruct children in the finer points of the game. The former NFL players offer a lot of insight as they go through drills with the children.

For a student of the game like Cory Schlesinger, children can learn a lot from Cory and other former NFL players. The camp prepares young athletes for the next phase of football, where ever they fall.

The Legends Camp is action packed and is a great way for children to bond not only with fellow peers and people they may not know, but also former NFL players who  take time out of their own busy schedule to help children reach full potential on the football field, which they can carry with them in their own lives.

Detroit Lions legend: Cory Schlesinger

Embed from Getty Images During his 12 NFL seasons 11 with the Detroit Lions, Cory Schlesinger never ran for more than 154 yards in a single season. He never had more than 466 receiving yards in a single season, during his career Cory Schlesinger scored 14 touchdowns rushing and receiving. Yet, Schlesinger may be one if not the best draft picks in the history of the Detroit Lions.

Cory Schlesinger, a fullback drafted was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL draft. Schlesinger knew his job  was to block for Barry Sanders through the second half of Sanders’ career, including his 2,053-yard season in 1997. It did not matter that Schlesinger had seven carries that season for 11 yards.

During his playing days the Detroit Lions had some  bad Lions. In 2003, Cory’s numbers were   16 yards and 34 catches for 247 yards. He was named MVP of the Lions offense. A rare award for a fullback to be sure.

Cory Schlesinger, was one of the biggest fan favorites during his playing career. Fans loved his passion and the way he went about his job. Detroit is  Blue Collar city. So was Schlesinger’s playing style. In fact, Cory Schlesinger’s jersey can still be spotted at Ford Field during Lions game days.

Cory Schlesinger gave everything he had on the field. Making him not only a Detroit Lions fan favorite, but an icon of the team and a Detroit Lions legend.