Rookie DE Ezekiel Ansah Signed 5-Year Contract With @DetroitLionsNFL

The Detroit Lions open their rookie camp with all nine of its draft picks signed. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.

“This is not the first practice we’ve had with Ziggy Ansah” and “We knew what to expect from him athletically,”  Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said.

The Detroit Lions have signed CB Darius Slay (Round 2, 36th overall), G Larry Warford (Round 3, 65th overall),  DE Devin Taylor(Round 4, 132nd overall), P Sam Martin (Round 5, 137th overall), WR Corey Fuller (Round 6, 171st overall), RBTheo Riddick (Round 6, 199th overall), TE Michael Williams (Round 7, 211th overall) and LB Brandon Hepburn(Round 7, 245th overall) to four-year contracts.

G Larry Warford caught an elbow during rookie camp.

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@DetroitLionsNFL Claim LB Cory Greenwood And G Derek Hardman Off Waivers

Both LB Cory Greenwood and G Derek Hardman were un-drafted free agents in 2010 and their contracts figures were not disclosed.

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

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Detroit Lions Signed Rookie WR Cody Wilson From Central Michigan

The Rochester Hills, Michigan native played big when Central Michigan defeated Western Kentucky during the ‘Little Caesars Pizza Bowl‘ in Detroit Michigan at Ford Field in front of 23,310 energetic fans. Cody Wilson had 10 receptions for a total of 101 receiving yards

Terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

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Rainier Ehrhardt/AP

The Detroit Lions drafted four players during the 2013 NFL draft from the Southeast Conference.

In the 2nd round, the Detroit Lions drafted CB Darius Slay(36th overall) from Mississippi St. and Darius Slay made it clear to the media that he did not have any prior surgeries. Darius Slay stated that his knee is pretty healthy and he will not have to have surgery.

“He ran really fast” and “He’s sub-4.4″ and “He’s a guy that played in the Southeast Conference and another guy that when you watch the tape,” Detroit Lions head coach Jim Swartz on scouting CB Darius Slay.

In the 3rd round, the the Detroit Lions drafted G Larry Warford (65^th overall) from Kentucky.

“We had a chance to be with him full-time and he was made to play guard in the NFL” and “Powerful guy” and “Good athlete for his size,” Detroit Lions head coach Jim Swartz said about seeing G Larry Warford during the Senior Bowl.

In the 4th round, the Detroit Lions drafted DE Devin Taylor(132nd overall) from South Carolina.

“Runs real fast” and “He’s a 4.6-type guy” and “This is a guy that was a state triple jump champ in South Carolina and for a defensive end, that’s pretty rare,” Detroit Lions head coach Jim Swartz said about DE Devin Taylor said.

In the 7th round, the TE Michael Williams(211th overall) from Alabama.

“What I really like about Michael Williams, or Big Mike, is he has an extremely high football IQ,” Detroit Lions tight end coach Bobby Johnson said about TE Michael Williams.

Overall, most analyst believe that the Detroit Lions addressed their needs coming into training camp during the 2013 draft. The Detroit Lions had a good couple days in New York and helped themselves by upgrading the roster.

With the addition of first round draft pick BYU DE Ezekiel Ansah, the Lions defense will be faster and more athletic.

Written By Adrian Mitchell For Woodlawn Post Sports

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Ezekiel Ansah To Be Introduced At Ford Field On Friday; GM Martin Mayhew "He'll be playing for us”

“This is a league, business” and “It’s a production-based sport” and  ”All I know is I’ve just got to produce,” 2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah said.

The Detroit Lions had the opportunity to coach 2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl which gave the Detroit staff an opportunity to evalute the tremendous athletic ability, size and speed too see what he was capable of.

“He’s going to be a guy that will play a big role for us on defense” and “He’s got an opportunity to play left and right” and “He’ll be playing for us,” Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew said about 2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah making an impact right away.

After the press conference on Friday, the the Detroit Lions will bring 2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah to Ford Field to introduce him to the fans. Season ticket holders will have an exclusive and up-close opportunity to welcome the new player in the fan tunnel during his introduction at the event and Live coverage of Day 2 of the NFL Draft will air on the stadium video boards.

“He’s very respectful about the game” and “He’s an instinctive football player” and “He picks it up really quickly” and “A natural athlete, that maturity impressed us during the week,” Detroit Lions head Coach Jim Schwartz said about 2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah.

2013 first-round draft pick DE Ezekiel Ansah also will be introduced to Detroit fans during the Lions Draft Fan Fest at Ford Field at approximately 6 p.m. The Lions Draft Fan Fest will be at  Ford Field, Friday, April 26 from 5-8 p.m. The free event is free and is open to the general public (no ticket required). Fans will enjoy photo opportunities with Roary and Lions alumni, interactive games and inflatables, on-field youth football clinics, field goal kicking opportunities, locker room tours, face painting and more.

Ezekiel Ansah To Be Introduced At Ford Field On Friday; GM Martin Mayhew "He'll be playing for us”

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

The free event will be highlighted by the introduction of the Lions’ 2013 first-round draft pick and is open to the general public (no ticket required).

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Lions players – including QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson – along with coaches and alumni will be in attendance for meet-and-greet opportunities. Exclusive merchandise for autographs will be available for purchase during the event; outside items will not be permitted into the building.

Food and Beverage participants include: Forest Grill, Town Tavern, Bacco, Slows To Go, Andiamo Italia, Cuisine, Levy Restaurants, Root, Rattlesnake Club, Detroit Beer Company, Billy Sims BBQ, Henry’s, Tria, The Sardine Room, Lazy Bones BBQ, Russell Street Deli, 2 Unique, Garden Fresh, Schoolcraft College, Sweet & Savory Bake Shop, Treat Dreams, Zingerman’s Bakehouse, EJ Gallo, Atwater Brewery and Sugar House.

Chefs will prepare a signature dish from their restaurant for guests to sample and will suggest a pairing with wines provided by E&J Gallo Winery. VIP guests will enjoy a private cocktail reception, featuring Sugar House mixologists, in the Detroit Lions locker room and have early access to each of the chef stations.

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

General admission tickets ($150) and VIP tickets ($250) can be purchased through Detroitlions.com and Ticketmaster.com. Both options include a Taste of the Lions tray, wine glass and gift-bags.

Guests will also enjoy live entertainment from the Jill Jack Band and a silent auction throughout the night. Silent auction items include ultimate Lions Game Day experiences, Lions memorabilia, luxury suites for upcoming Ford Field concerts, and an exclusive winery trip to northern California, provided by E&J Gallo Winery.

Taste of the Lions extends the league’s own Taste of the NFL program which began in 1992. The NFL’s annual event, held the night before the Super Bowl in the hosting city, brings together the country’s top chefs to raise funds for local food banks.

Taste of the Lions chefs will be led by Brian Polcyn, acclaimed chef and proprietor of Birmingham’s Forest Grill, who has been representing Detroit at Taste of the NFL for 20 years, including Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. Chef Polcyn is a professor of culinary arts at Schoolcraft College and his award-winning restaurants and cooking have led him to become a staple in many communities and restaurants around Metro Detroit.

Proceeds from this event benefit Living for the City partner Eastern Market and their fight against Detroit’s food access crisis. As the regional food hub for metropolitan Detroit area, Eastern Market supports the economic and social health of our city.   Eastern Market’s collaboration with the Detroit Lions leverage the bounty of regional agriculture to build a healthier Detroit by improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved areas.

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

Detroit Lions To Host Inaugural Taste Of The Lions At Ford Field With Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson & More

For more information and updates on Taste of the Lions, please visit http://www.detroitlions.com/tasteofthelions.

Despite 34 Minute Power Outage, Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII 34 - 32 Over San Francisco 49ers

QB Joe Flacco was named MVP of  Super Bowl XLVII after he completed 22/33 passes for a total of 287 passing yards and 3 TD’s and RB Ray Rice rushed for 59 yards with 20 carries during Super Bowl XLVII.

Detroit Lions Wide receiver Clavin Johnson was named to his 3rd consecutive NFL Pro Bowl Team(2011, 2012, 2013) as an offensive player, and Calvin Johnson“Megatron” broke Jerry Rice’s single-season record for receiving yardage with a 26-yard reception from QB Matthew Stafford during a home loss to Atlanta. During week 5 verses the Atlanta Falcons, Calvin Johnson accumulated 11 receptions along with 225 receiving yards, givingJohnson 1,892 for the season. The old record set in 1995 by Hall-Of-Fame WR Jerry Rice was 1,848. Calvin Johnson ended the season with 122 receptions 5 touchdowns and (NFL Record)1,964 yards becoming the first player in NFL history with 1,900 receiving yards in a single season.

In Week 1, Detroit will kick off the regular season at home for the second-consecutive season when they host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field (September 9, 1 p.m.; FOX) in an NFC North clash.

The Lions Bye Week occurs during Week 9 (Sunday, November 3) of the NFL season and here is the schedule breakdown:

WEEK 1
September 8: vs. Minnesota (10-6) 

WEEK 2

September 15: at Arizona (5-11)

WEEK 3
September 22: at Washington (10-6)

WEEK 4
September 29: vs. Chicago (10-6)

WEEK 5
October 6: at Green Bay (11-5)

WEEK 6
October 13: at Cleveland (5-11)

WEEK 7
October 20: vs. Cincinnati (10-6)

WEEK 8
October 27: vs. Dallas (8-8)

WEEK 9
BYE

WEEK 10
November 10: at Chicago (10-6)

WEEK 11
November 17: at Pittsburgh (8-8)

WEEK 12
November 24: vs. Tampa Bay (7-9)

WEEK 13
November 28: vs. Green Bay (11-5)

WEEK 14
December 8: at Philadelphia (4-12)

WEEK 15
December 16: vs. Baltimore (10-6)

WEEK 16
December 22: vs. New York Giants (9-7)

WEEK 17
December 29: at Minnesota (10-6)

Dec. 16, 2012; Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals; Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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(Photo: Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports)

The Detroit Lions announced their 2013 Preseason Schedule.

“It’s time,” Jason Hanson said.

Jason Hanson announced that he is retiring after 21 seasons with the Detroit Lions. Jason Hanson ranks 1st in every statistical category for a place kicker in Detroit Lions’ history with longest field goal (56), field goals made (495), field goals attempted (601), points scored (2,150), extra points made (665) and extra points attempted (673).

• 2013 Detroit Lions Season Tickets (Includes Tickets To All Regular Season Home Games)

  Ford FieldDetroit, MI

  Sep 07th, 2013TBA

  View Tickets

• Along with home games against their traditional NFC North Division rivals (Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings)
• Lions 2013 home schedule includes the following NFC opponents: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• AFC opponents visiting Ford Field in 2013 are the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.

(Photo: Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports)

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Detroit Lions Jeff Backus Retire's From @NFL After 12 Seasons

“To my dad, you set the standards I live by,”  Jeff Backus said.

Jeff  Backus ended his college career with the 2nd-longest streak in University of Michigan football program history. Detroit Lions T Jeff Backus, who holds the Lions all-time franchise record with 187 consecutive starts.

“Today, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for me to hang up my cleats and retire” and  ”It’s a bittersweet moment, but I’m content knowing I gave everything I had, played as hard as I could and tried my best to live up to the standards I believe in,”  Jeff Backus said.

Since being drafted from the University of Michigan, Jeff Backus Backus has served as the Lions’ starting left tackle.

“To the fans of Detroit, I thank you for the support and loyalty you have shown the Lions and myself. You deserve a winner,” Jeff Backus said.

The former 2001 first round NFL Draft pick ranks third all-time in team history with 191 career games and a franchise record of 187 consecutive starts.

“I want to thank the Ford Family and the Detroit Lions for allowing me the privilege to represent the city of Detroit and play in the National Football League for the last 12 years,” Jeff Backus said.

Jeff Backus is also the first offensive lineman to begin his career and start his first 160 career games. In 2003 and 2010, Backus was given the Eric Andolsek Offensive Lineman Award as the team’s top offensive lineman in a vote by his teammates.

“Looking forward, I wish the entire Detroit Lions organization and all Lions’ fans the best” and “I will always be a Lion at heart,” Jeff Backus said.

During the 2009 season, Backus was selected as the 2009 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. With Detroit Lions, in 2011, Backus became the first player in team history to play in every game in his first 11 seasons in the NFL.

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