Larry Foote Officially Released By Steelers; Your Move, Lions

The Detroit Lions opted to pass on the top-rated middle linebackers in the draft, and Larry Foote may be the reason why.

Foote is a Michigan man. He was born in Detroit, went to high school at Pershing High, and played his college ball at the University of Michigan.

He has a soft spot in his heart for his hometown. He has recently talked to the media about his desire to play for the Lions, saying, "Detroit is always No. 1."

One of his friends, Brian Blackburn, told the local Detroit media, "He wants to come back here. This is the last year of his contract, and he wants to come back here and play for the Lions for about four years and call it quits after that."

Foote later denied the comments, saying, "That was one of my boys just talking stupid stuff in the paper. I think all players say that toward the tail end: 'I'll just end up going home and finish up there.' But that was just talk...

"Would somebody want me? I don't know. I've never been a free agent. I've never been on the market," he said. "I don't know if the Lions even want me. My play hasn't dropped off, just my (playing) time has dropped off. I can be as productive as any linebacker in the league with the opportunity."

Larry, I don't know if the Lions want you, but they need you, and the hometown fans would embrace you. 

If the Lions can get a two-time Super Bowl winner that not only has a love for football, but also a love for his hometown like this, how can you not sign him?

Larry wants to come home. I feel that he only said, "That was one of my boys just talking stupid stuff in the paper" because he's a professional and was under contract at the time.

The only thing that would stop Foote from coming to the Lions is that he just doesn't want to get ripped off. If the Lions offer him a contract that is comparable to the other teams that want him, then he will choose Detroit.

I believe that Foote is a must-have for the Lions; it just seems too good to be true. Not only would he solidify the linebacking corps, he would also ease the minds of all the fans that were left scratching their heads when the Lions passed on Rey Maualuga.

Foote grew up in Detroit, he has family in Detroit, he just plain cares about Detroit. The Lions need him, but more importantly, the city needs him.

Do the right thing Martin Mayhew, and bring the hometown kid home.