Barry Sanders: Lions Great the Perfect Choice to Introduce Monday Night Football

Well, we've gone from a rock star comparing President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler to a quiet man known for his humble and respectful demeanor.

Oh, how Monday Night Football has changed.

After Hank Williams Jr. was fired from MNF for comparing Obama to Hitler on "Fox & Friends" last week, former Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders announced on Monday that he would be taking over for Williams before the Lions host the Chicago Bears.

Tweeted Sanders:

There's no question that Williams' anthem "Are You Ready For Some Football?" was a trademark for MNF. His rocking intro was fitting for a sport that bred excitement and electricity.

But there's also no question that Sanders, who has a completely different style, is the perfect man to replace Williams.

While Williams represented the NFL's in-your-face explosiveness, Sanders represents the game's code of honor and integrity.

Sanders was the epitome of a team player, one of the greatest running backs who ever lived on a Lions team that constantly disappointed. He was criticized by some for retiring from the NFL in the middle of his contract and admitting it was because he didn't believe in the organization anymore, but the truth is that he gave more to the team than most would given the circumstances.

While the Lions show they are at least going in the right direction this year, they never gave Sanders even a glimmer of hope despite his years of hard work. Nobody can blame him for that.

Sanders' respect around the NFL was evident in his 10 Pro-Bowl selections and his No. 20 being hung from the rafters in Detroit. It's evident in the stories he left behind. And it's evident in all that has been said from his playing days to his Hall of Fame induction.

He may not play an electric guitar to get us pumped for Monday Night Football, but he doesn't need to. His presence alone inspires and excites.