Detroit Lions: Tom Kowalski, 2011 Lions Could Be What You Were Waiting for

Tom, why did you have to check out so soon? I hope you're watching this season unfold from the ultimate sky box.

Known for straight-forward and sometimes controversial reporting, Tom Kowalski was a staple in the Detroit community, respected by players and revered by his peers throughout the NFL. 

Tragically, Tom passed away in August, from acute congestive heart failure, at just 51 years young. His last game assignment foreshadowed the Detroit Lions’ 3-0 start with a pre-season dismantling of the New England Patriots just two days prior.

It was the late '70s when Kowalski began his journalism career at The Oakland Press. A mountain of a man, with a teddy bear heart, “Killer,” as he was affectionately called, covered the Lions for more than three decades and had a front row seat to one of the worst franchises of the Super Bowl era. 

Around that same time, in the midst of another dismal Lions season, Al Ackerman, a local Detroit sports anchor, implored the viewing audience to send in suggestions for how to improve the team. My father decided we should craft a response with the novel idea of notorious baseball manager Billy Martin taking over as head coach for the Lions. 

I wasn’t really sure what overwhelming credentials Billy possessed in my father’s eyes. Perhaps a fiery personality and affinity for booze and fisticuffs were enough. Looking back, I think my dad was using the letter as a release for years of Silverdome sorrow. Nonetheless, I began writing our note in my best second grade penmanship with assistance from dear old dad.

On what appears to be the cusp of a vastly improved football team compared to the ones of the CHiPs and Bee Gees period. it seems unfair that a man, who had dedicated more than three decades authoring the foibles of the Detroit Lions, be denied the opportunity to cover the potential resurgence of the once-proud franchise. Killer’s untimely passing is further exasperating, given his unwaning support of Matthew Stafford, their franchise quarterback.

Stafford has lived up to his billing for the first three weeks of the season. With a passer rating of 110.7, he is third best in the league, behind only Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. His stat line of 79-118 for 977 yards and nine TDs was punctuated by his second-half performance in Sunday’s 20-point comeback victory in Minnesota. The JUGS machine, more commonly known as Stafford, showcased everything Kowalski had preached since he arrived in the Motor City.

He made all the throws, fades, slants, curls and feather-soft screen tosses. Brandon Pettigrew, Titus Young and Jahvid Best were all beneficiaries of Stafford's efforts. Calvin Johnson being the most notable with two TD grabs and a memorable over-the-shoulder cradle that set-up the game winning field goal.  

In total, he spread the wealth amongst eight different receivers with both his arm and head. His injury-riddled previous year when he separated his throwing shoulder not once, but twice should be a distant memory.   

Who are the only two Lions quarterbacks to rally their team back from deficits of 20 points or more for victory? The answer is Matthew Stafford and Hall of Famer Bobby Layne. Is it possible this group could hearken back memories of the 1957 championship team?

After winning his third NFL championship, Layne was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958. Legend has it that Layne cursed the team on the way out of town by saying the Lions “would not win for 50 years.” 

Flash forward 51 years and the Lions drafted a talented, big-armed quarterback from the University of Georgia, Matthew Stafford. The lineage between the two should be highlighted often this week as the Lions head down to their hometown of Dallas to take on the Cowboys.

Perhaps the curse has been lifted. Detroit has been waiting for decades to see this team become what it once was. Fathers and sons have yearned for a season, rather than mere moments, of pride for the Honolulu Blue & Silver. 

We won’t know for several weeks if the Lions can continue their early season success and play significant games in December, but with the confidence this team is playing with, the 2011 campaign could prove to be a stark contrast to what Detroiters have unfortunately become accustomed to. This may be the year Lions fans have been waiting for. I’m pretty sure Killer & Bobby will be watching.