Detroit Lions vs atLanta faLcons JOHNSON'S Mega-PURSUIT 2012 ...

William clay Ford, Jr. has made a positive and lasting impact on
the detroit Lions since assuming his current post of vice chairman in
February 1995. he remains focused not only on creating a winner in
the present, but also on ensuring success well into the 21st century,
both on and off the field.
Ford shares his father’s commitment and devotion to the Lions
and has a burning passion to win. he wants nothing less than for
the Lions to become one of the premier franchises in the national
Football League and knows that elite status includes delivering a
championship to Lions fans.
“our fans are incredibly passionate about our football team and
the excitement surrounding the Lions is remarkable,” Ford said. “We
obviously hope that we continue to make strides on the field and
ultimately provide our fans with a championship.
“the team has worked very hard to make it to this point, and i
know that our players and coaches are determined to go far beyond
what we accomplished last season.
“We have built our most talented roster that we’ve had in
several years, and players like Matthew stafford, calvin Johnson
and ndamukong suh are among the most outstanding players in the
league,” Ford continued. “championship teams are led by these types
of players, especially at the quarterback position, and i am looking
forward to seeing them lead our team this year.
“With our ability to score points and attack opponents, we will
be exciting to watch on both offense and defense. i also think the
depth we have at several positions will be an asset for us throughout
the long season.
“coach schwartz, Martin, tom, our coaching staff and player
personnel department have all worked together to put several key
pieces in place. Jim has done a tremendous job developing this team,
and it helps that we’ve maintained consistency with our coaching staff
and schemes ever since he was hired.
“While we are always looking to improve everything we do,
i believe our team can deliver a very special season to our fans
this year.”
to see Ford’s influence off the field, one has to look no further
than Ford Field in downtown detroit and the team’s headquarters
and practice facility in allen Park. Both are considered among the
best respectively in all of sports and were shaped by Ford’s resolve
for the Lions to be a leader in the nFL.
Ford’s dedication and commitment to the fans were never more
evident than when he spearheaded the team’s stadium negotiations
that led to the 1996 decision and announcement to build Ford Field.
due largely to his determination and perseverance, the Lions struck
a deal with the city of detroit and Wayne county that established
the foundation for the Lions to return to downtown detroit in 2002.
Ford’s vision of a downtown stadium had perhaps its finest
moment to date when it played host to super Bowl xL in February
2006. it received extraordinary reviews by the international community.
in addition to developing new homes for the team to practice
and play, Ford played a vital role in detroit’s bid for super Bowl xL.
through his leadership, the Ford Family, the Lions and Ford Motor
company were integral in detroit’s impressive hosting of super Bowl
xL that exceeded expectations. overall, there was a $260 million
economic impact generated by super Bowl xL, including $100 million
in downtown improvements, $10 million in emerging businesses—the
most in super Bowl history—and $6 million in the nFL/Boys & girls
club Youth Education town—the largest in the country.
though satisfied with progress made so far by the development
of Ford Field, Ford continues to push for the stadium to become an
even greater benefit to the organization as well as the community
and its economic growth.
“two moments this past year will forever standout to me when
i reflect on Ford Field and its impact on this team,” Ford said. “on
Monday night against the Bears, the advantage we had with that
crowd and how disruptive our fans were proved just how important
our home field advantage truly is. it was an extraordinary sight. You
not only could hear our fans, but you could literally feel the impact
executives & coaching
Detroitlions.com
Media.Detroitlions.com
WiLLiam cLay ForD, Jr.
vice
chairman
of our fans.
“that game was quite special to our team, our family and the
entire city. detroit was the center of the sports world that evening
and the Lions, Ford Field and the entire city of detroit shined brightly
for all to see.
“the second came in december when we clinched the playoffs
and celebrated on our home field. i think it provided just a glimpse of
what hopefully will be even bigger and exciting games for the Lions
at Ford Field in the future.
“When you can match such a dynamic, fan-friendly environment
with an exciting team and place the best fans in the world in that
venue, much can be accomplished. it’s that success that we are all
working to achieve.
“through its first 10 seasons, Ford Field has delivered numerous
times beyond just Lions games as one of the world’s premier sports
and entertainment venues. We’ve always strived to offer the best fan
experience to anyone who has ever attended an event at Ford Field.
no indoor stadium has ever hosted football, basketball, hockey, soccer
and the other large-scale events as has Ford Field.
“We want to continue making Ford Field the most difficult place
to play in the nFL for our opponents and one of the world’s best
entertainment venues. By doing so, this will not only benefit this
franchise, but it will continue operating as one of the key economic
drivers to this region.”
since the decision was made to move to downtown detroit, Ford
also wanted to provide a world-class practice facility to complement
the team’s stadium project. the $36 million allen Park facility, which
opened in april 2002, has universally been identified as one of the best
facilities in the nFL. its state-of-the-art football facilities, including
an indoor practice facility with a regulation-size field, provide the
ideal training center for nFL players and coaches.
in Ford’s 17 years in his current role, he has helped the Lions take
major steps forward on several fronts. Ford has strongly supported
an active community outreach program which has been recognized
as the best of any team in all of professional sports.
through Ford’s support, detroit Lions charities, which has
awarded nearly $6.2 million in total donations during its 22-year
history, continues to serve detroit and the state of Michigan. Featured
among the Lions’ philanthropic efforts is the collaborative effort with
detroit Public schools and communities in schools of detroit to open
the detroit Lions academy. the school, which opens its doors for
its 12th year this fall, offers an alternative school environment for
approximately 125 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
Ford has been a significant supporter of the team’s contribution in
numerous other community programs, such as the sponsorship of the
think detroit PaL youth football program—one of the nation’s largest
tackle football leagues. over 3,200 kids from ages 8-14 participate in
think detroit PaL Football each year.
involvement in the community does not stop at the team’s
community outreach and charitable contributions, as Ford also
emphasizes the importance in growing the game of football and the
development of youth. the detroit Lions Youth Football program is one
the most extensive youth sports programs operated by a professional
sports team. From numerous youth camps held statewide to coaching
clinics, the goal of the program is to impact children’s lives on and off
the field through the game. Ford believes it is valuable to grow youth’s
interest in football and assist in the development of youth coaches.
under Ford’s direction, the team has launched one of the most
aggressive business operations in all of sports. Many elements to
this are derived primarily from events held at Ford Field and the
benefits generated from both Lions games and other ancillary events.
Ford ensures that every aspect of the team’s business operations
ultimately focus on the impact they have on the Lions’ ability to win.
over the years, Ford’s leadership has generated several key
business initiatives. allowing fans greater opportunities to attend
Lions games has always been a priority for the Ford Family, and that
includes offering several fan-friendly ticket options that enable a
larger number of fans to experience the Lions and the nFL in-person.