The Lions are now 5-0 for the first time since 1956. That was exactly where my football story begins. It was Thanksgiving Day, 1956. I was 6 years old and sitting on the floor of the living room to watch football with my dad. The kickoff came down to the Lion's kick returner, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady who ran the kickoff all the way for a touchdown. I went beserk! I couldn't believe it! My hero....Hopalong Cassidy "Hoppy" had put down his shootin irons; donned a football uniform; and was now the greatest hero of all time! I knew it! I could just tell! My father...who had no known sense of humor...laughed and laughed at me. He told everyone in the family about me and Hoppy and they all laughed too. Finally, late that afternoon, my dad tried to explain to me that Hopalong Cassady the football player and Hopalong Cassidy the movie cowboy were two different people. I refused to believe it. I was certain that there could be no coincidence and he laughed at that. I never admitted that I was wrong, but I can still remember my father laughing. For a grim, old Irishman like him, it was something different and it's the way I will always remember him. On a Thanksgiving Day long, long ago...
Joe Schmidt, Alex Karras, Dick "Night Train" Lane, Milt Plum, Nick Pietrosante etc. The boys are back in town.
Go Lions! Cheered against them opening day vs. the Bucs for the first time in 34 years......but now I have to admit it's fun seeing them winning.