This is really good. I’m a younger fan and didn’t realize just how critical Schmidt is to the Lions’ history. You’re right, that’s massive disrespect from the organization.
Excellent opinionated perpective yet again. Very few greatest player 'rankings' have Joe Schmidt as #1 All-Time. Most, by and large, give the nod to Barry Sanders. However I would agree Schmidt 'did more' and exemplified greatness 'overall' as opposed to simply 'on field' performance compared to Sanders. Here's a question I have that you are qualified to answer for certain. Lem Barney was one of the greatest Lions in team history I'm sure you would agree. Did team management ever approach Lem Barney for permission to allow Barry Sanders to be assigned his uniform #20? Better yet, how did Billy Sims wear the #20 between for several years between Barney and Sanders? It appears team management is not hung up in terms of affording respect as many fans are, you and I included.
Gary Sheffield wearing Trammell's #3, now THAT'S blasphemy!
Oh and agreed about Sheff. Although he was a good dude. I interviewed him in 2007. We talked about his experience at the Junior League World Series in Taylor in the 1980s. He was tickled that I remembered that.
Good question about #20. However at the time of Billy's drafting (1980), Lem wasn't in the HOF and had only been retired himself for 3 years. I'm sure that had a lot to do with it. When Barry was in college he wore #21. I think he was encouraged to take 20 by Billy himself.
This is really good. I’m a younger fan and didn’t realize just how critical Schmidt is to the Lions’ history. You’re right, that’s massive disrespect from the organization.
All Lions Hall Of Famers Uniform Numbers should be retired.
My favorite Lions player Yale Lary and his Number 28 should have been retired when he was elected and planets still wear it.
Should be Players.
Excellent opinionated perpective yet again. Very few greatest player 'rankings' have Joe Schmidt as #1 All-Time. Most, by and large, give the nod to Barry Sanders. However I would agree Schmidt 'did more' and exemplified greatness 'overall' as opposed to simply 'on field' performance compared to Sanders. Here's a question I have that you are qualified to answer for certain. Lem Barney was one of the greatest Lions in team history I'm sure you would agree. Did team management ever approach Lem Barney for permission to allow Barry Sanders to be assigned his uniform #20? Better yet, how did Billy Sims wear the #20 between for several years between Barney and Sanders? It appears team management is not hung up in terms of affording respect as many fans are, you and I included.
Gary Sheffield wearing Trammell's #3, now THAT'S blasphemy!
Oh and agreed about Sheff. Although he was a good dude. I interviewed him in 2007. We talked about his experience at the Junior League World Series in Taylor in the 1980s. He was tickled that I remembered that.
Good question about #20. However at the time of Billy's drafting (1980), Lem wasn't in the HOF and had only been retired himself for 3 years. I'm sure that had a lot to do with it. When Barry was in college he wore #21. I think he was encouraged to take 20 by Billy himself.
Somehow I knew you would know! Thank you as always for sharing!
At one point Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler were the double play tandem wearing the same exact numbers as Tram and Whit. Disgusting.
Could not agree with you more!🤮