Kyle Vanden Bosch Shows What True Leadership Is: One Fan's Experience in Detroit

On January 2nd, 2011, I arrived at Ford Field filled with anticipation. It was my first live game, and I wanted to take in the full experience of it all.

Being at Ford Field was a dream come true. I was the first person in line, waiting impatiently to get inside of the stadium, where the Lions would be taking on the Vikings in their final game of the season.

When the doors finally opened, I couldn't wait to find my seat and smell the sweet scent of artificial turf.

It was when I had traveled down to the front row to get a better look at the field that Kyle Vanden Bosch caught my eye.

Kyle was standing next to the field just studying it. He was transfixed like he was watching every play to come and mentally preparing himself for every block, every move and every possible defensive scenario.

It was amazing to see his intensity and focus, especially knowing that Kyle would not be in the defensive lineup that day. But to watch him, you would not have known that he was still healing from neck surgery.

KVB was mentally preparing to play anyway.

When Vanden Bosch made it over to the stands, one of the fans said, "Hey Kyle, thanks for coming to Detroit." Without looking up, Kyle said, "You're welcome. Thank you for supporting us." This may not seem like much, but given that no other player had entered into conversation with the fans, it struck me as an important aspect of his character.

As he approached where I was standing, I also thanked him and asked if he planned on staying with the team. Kyle's answer was simply, "Yes. I'm staying until we get this thing done."

For clarification, I asked if “getting it done” meant that the team would be going to the playoffs. He allowed a small smile to form on his face and again answered in the affirmative. He glanced up at me as if my follow-up question was unnecessary. It was understood that he was brought in to elevate the Lions and bring them into postseason play.

The sincerity in KVB's voice left me believing that he would do just that.

Being approachable, focused, intense and sincere is not new to Kyle Vanden Bosch. In fact, leadership by example has always been part of who Vanden Bosch is.

When coach Jim Schwartz approached Kyle as a free agent in 2010, he knew how important this player would be to the team. Schwartz had firsthand knowledge. He was the defensive line coach at Tennessee when Kyle played for the Titans. He knew that Vanden Bosch was a special player, not just for what he brings to a team in terms of athletic ability, but also for his ability to lead and to motivate other players.

Though Kyle has only been with Detroit for one season, he has already earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and fans. He has shown the Lions, through example, the importance of having a strong work ethic and playing every down as if it was the most important play of the game. He has an intensity and passion for the game that has rubbed off on the front four of the defensive line.

Kyle Vanden Bosch has unquestionably helped solidify the Lions defense and has led them to become one of the most dominating "formidable fours" in the league.

Ndamukong Suh is right to be excited about Kyle's return next season. Suh is a beast of a player all on his own yet often refers to Kyle as the one who motivates them and provides them with leadership. Kyle Vanden Bosch is a difference maker and a huge asset to the Detroit Lions.

Someday it will be Suh's role to mentor and motivate the team. But for now, I am grateful to Kyle for bringing true leadership and solidarity to a team that had struggled without it. He is helping this team become what we know it can be and shake off the shadows of the past. 

Kyle Vanden Bosch is a player with character and will lead this team to the playoffs.