Detroit Lions: The 5 Best Quotes of the Matt Millen Era in Detroit

The Detroit Lions are enjoying a renaissance of sorts. They have a team that is finally being taken seriously around the NFL, and analysts are even calling the team a possible playoff contender.

There was a long period of time that was not so bright for Detroit. A time when the team was the laughing stock of the league.

The city was haunted by the general manager (technically CEO) of the Detroit Lions, Matt Millen.

Millen was the Lions' CEO for seven full seasons, from 2001–07. In that time, the team compiled a record of 31-81. The Lions .277 winning percentage was among the worst ever by an NFL team over a seven-year period.

On September 24, 2008, Millen's tenure with the team finally and mercifully ended.

So while Detroit looks forward to a promising future, it can never forget where it's been.

Let's look at the most ridiculous quotes Matt Millen said during his time with the Lions.

Quotes via Michael Rosenberg of Detroit Free Press, h/t motownsports.com.

5. Detroit Gets Tougher

The Quote:

"So regardless of what happens in coaching, Detroit will always be tough. I think we have to be that. I believe that."—Jan. 16, 2001, after he was hired by the Lions.

The Reaction:

This quote is great because Millen subsequently took skilled position players in the first round of five of the six drafts he presided over.

Not exactly the best way to showcase your dedication to toughness.

4. We Better Get Better

The Quote:

"We better get better as the year goes on."—after a 2006 preseason loss to the Oakland Raiders.

The Reaction:

The Lions, of course, did not get better. They went 3-13 in 2006.

3. Philosophical Differences

The Quote (a two-parter):

"We have the same philosophy in terms of the kind of people we like, the kind of team we want to build."—Feb. 3, 2001, after Bill Tobin was hired as personnel chief.

"I made it for philosophic reasons."—after firing Bill Tobin.

The Reaction:

Matt Millen's philosophy towards people must of underwent major changes during Tobin's tenure.

2. Developing Young Talent

The Quote (again with two parts):

"I have known Steve since he got into the NFL as an assistant. ...His offensive system is one that we already have in place, which certainly is a plus for our football team in general and some of our young offensive players in particular."—after hiring Steve Mariucci as head coach of the Lions.

"I believe we have underachieved as a football team. I also believe that we have not developed our younger players, and that is bothersome."—after firing Mariucci.

The Reaction:

Millen seems to have a pattern of changing his opinions.

1. Bratwurst and Cheese?

The Quote:

"When you think of Detroit, you're not thinking of wine and cheese. You're closer to the [bratwurst] market up here. Regardless of who comes in here, Detroit is Detroit. This is a tough town, a blue-collar town. This is about making a real living. This isn't about dodging things. There's enough white-collar stuff up here, but even the white collars have dirt under their collars. That's the way it's supposed to be."

Reaction:

This quote is yet to be fully understood by anyone.

Apparently, Detroit is so blue collar that even the white-collar people act blue collar.

This quote is ranked No. 1 because it makes the least sense and best showcases just how absurd Millen's quotes could be at times.