Larry Foote and the Steelers/Lions

Bills2083 · 01-30-2009, 10:46 AM

http://www.freep.com/article/2009012...091/1049/rss14
It's a pretty good article.

Friend: Steelers' Larry Foote wants to play for Lions

TAMPA — Could linebacker Larry Foote leave the Pittsburgh Steelers for his hometown Lions?

“He wants to come back here,” said Brian Blackburn, a friend of Foote’s. “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.”

When Foote was a student at Detroit Pershing, Blackburn was the offensive and defensive line coach and ran the weight room. They still lift together occasionally in the off-season and keep in touch throughout the year.

Blackburn said Foote told him of his future plans the last time they spoke. Told it is hard to believe that any NFL

player, especially one playing in the Super Bowl, wants to play for the Lions, Blackburn laughed.

“He does,” Blackburn said. “He’ll take it. He wants to get something set up in the Detroit area for inner-city kids. He’s got as real desire to work with kids. As a matter of fact, I tried to get him to come to my son’s school at Warren Cousino and speak to the kids, and he said, ‘I’ve got to go in the city first and speak to them.’”

Foote also told Blackburn that he wants coach, but not at the college or pro level. Foote played in college at Michigan.

“He wants to coach Pershing,’’ Blackburn said.

Foote was not asked about the Lions today. But asked whether this could be his last season with the Steelers, even though he is signed for 2009, he said: “It could possibly be that way. We’re running out of room here on this team. Hopefully, we’ll see what happens in the off-season.”

For two years, Foote has held off first-round pick Lawrence Timmons for a starting job.

“But he’s showing what he can do,” Foote said. “He’s definitely the future of this team. We’ll just see what happens.”

BroadwayJoe10 · 01-30-2009, 10:52 AM

First thing I thought was that's a sneaky move by Timmons, spreading a rumor like that. All joking aside, it is refreshing to hear of someone that is that passionate about helping his hometown, especially one in such need, and doing so in a barren franchise such as the lions. The lions could use a veteran, hardworking presence like foote and i wouldn't be surprised if he ends up there, if it is truly what he wants.

Xiomera · 01-30-2009, 10:53 AM

Heard this on the radio this morning. I can only hope it comes to fruition. The Lions need a guy like Foote, and he's one of my favorite Wolverines of my generation.

terribletowel39 · 01-30-2009, 10:53 AM

Sadness. One of my favorite players. Check the sig.

He is right though, Timmons is better than him. I'm just glad he was able to hold him off this long.

Gay Ork Wang · 01-30-2009, 11:02 AM

He does have 1 ring and chance to get another, but yea, i think its nice, not everyone wants to play on a 0-16 team

Prowler · 01-30-2009, 11:15 AM

sound the horn! our team is so bad that it will finally just assemble itself. don't even worry about the draft, they will come on their own volition.

BroadwayJoe10 · 01-30-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prowler

sound the horn! our team is so bad that it will finally just assemble itself. don't even worry about the draft, they will come on their own volition.

If you lose, they will come..(in my best james earl jones voice)

Prowler · 01-30-2009, 11:38 AM

we can fix qb with stafford, help out o- and d-lines, and hopefully grab a corner. we need help at linebacker and another wide receiver. if only housh went to the same high school...

Smooth Criminal · 01-30-2009, 01:41 PM

Foote is a great player. Nothing but a class act and a very hard worker. I'd hate to see him leave Pittsburgh, but he'll do great things anywhere he goes.

JonasBlane · 01-30-2009, 03:01 PM

I would hate to see him leave as well... He's been a great Steeler, and an incredibly solid ILB for the past 5 or so years for us. But with Timmons showing he has the makings of an elite LB, Foote is expendable. I would love to see him stick around until the end of next season though, as I love the rotation we have going on with our LB's this year. Seems like they're always fresh.

Mr. Stiller · 01-30-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonasBlane

I would hate to see him leave as well... He's been a great Steeler, and an incredibly solid ILB for the past 5 or so years for us. But with Timmons showing he has the makings of an elite LB, Foote is expendable. I would love to see him stick around until the end of next season though, as I love the rotation we have going on with our LB's this year. Seems like they're always fresh.

I was hoping Foote would man the SILB spot when Farrior leaves, he's adequate in coverage, nothing great, but, he's great at blitzing and sifting through garbage for the RB.

bam bam · 01-31-2009, 12:58 AM

If the Lions could pick up Foote and Bart Scott this offseason their linebacker corps would make a formidable unit

Mr. Stiller · 01-31-2009, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bam bam

If the Lions could pick up Foote and Bart Scott this offseason their linebacker corps would make a formidable unit

Who would play where?

Bart scott is overrated and a big *****.

Foote would be either a MLB or SLB.

Scott and Sims are WLB.