The Harrington Family Foundation

Q) Joey, Im 26 and was born and raised in Michigan and grew up a lions fan. Im now living in Tennessee but I make sure that my wife and I watch every lions game that you play in, which can sometimes be a challenge living down heRRe. Im a huge fan of yours and I know that the lions are going to be a Championship team and I believe that youre the one who will get us there. My younger sister Amber goes to MSU and is a pretty big fan of yours too but for other reasons. I have learned a lot from watching you handle your situations in Detroit. I think that you are by far the best quarterback we have had. My question is if you had the choice what type of offense would you like to run in Detroit?

--Chad Lairmore - Murfreesboro, TN

Q) Joey, I just wanted to thank you for the eight years that my son and I have followed you. While the athlete/fan relationship is an impersonal one, my 13 year old and I feel like we know you. From the meet and greets where my son got yours and Maurice's autograph, to traveling to the Fiesta Bowl to watch you dismantle Colorado, to the time that I went to an open house at a Bank and saw you playing the piano, to just watching you on TV, you have become a part of my son's and my life. My son is a football player, and tries to mold himself in your image. While he is not a QB, but a tight-end and linebacker, he tries to be a leader on and off the field and approaches adversity with your quite strength. It is this strength which the media does not take into account. My question for you is this: How is becoming a leader in the NFL different than high school and at U of O? Best of luck to you, and if the Lions choose to go in another direction, I know that you will land on your feet and make some other team proud to have discovered that which Detroit ignored. Thanks, Dave

--Dave Hopkins - Glide, OR

Q) Not really a question as much as a statement, I for one have been bleeding Honolulu Blue for 45 years and have to say you are the most resilient QB I have ever seen,I also must say what a fine job your parents have done... I hope we give you the chance you deserve here in Detroit. And Thanks....

--Bill Mullins - Belleville, MI

Q) Joey, My family and I are life long Lions fans and are certainly fans of yours. Through these last few tough seasons, you have shown the class that all athletes should have. I also wanted to thank you for a very nice thing you did recently. My father teaches at the same school as your friend Megan and she got you to sign a picture for my 2 year old son Parker. Thank you very much. Parker and I both wear your jersey every Sunday and when asked who his favorite player is, he replies "Joey Harrington"! Thank you for being a great role model and person. I look forward to the upcoming season and a chance for you to run this team in a new offense. Thanks Joey. Matthew Welch Monroe, MI

--Matthew Welch - Monroe, MI

Q) Hi joey i am recently a new fan of the lions and of the hardwork i seen you put forth on the field. I just started watching football this past year and you make it exciting. Also I got a chance to look through your website and the work you contribute for the special needs children in hospitals, as well as all the fundraising thats being put for kids to get proper health care through CATCH, "amazin". I just want to say keep up the tremendous work your doing with your human kindness. You inspired me now to pursue my career in nursing and secondary teaching education. From a new fan from Detroit Jerry. JERRY ANDERSON JR. DETROIT,MI

--Jerry Jay Anderson Jr. - Detroit, MI

Q) Joey: I've followed the Lions for about 43yrs. and I've seen many a QB in that time and I've come to honestly believe you have more ability than any QB I've seen in a Detroit uniform. While it does little good to state the obvious with regard to the talent, or lack of, that you've been playing with these last 4 yrs, I sincerely hope you remain with the Lions. Despite the ongoing soap opera, you provide the best chance for the Lions to pull themselves together and become a force in the NFC. I can tell you I've spent a fair bit of time involved with various forums, O'Hara's, Kowalski's, and others, and the over-whelming response to the QB situation, "Harrington needs to be the guy going forward." People consistently comment on the class you've shown from Mooch's obvious attempt to make you a fall guy for the team's failures, to the Dre Bly thing, to the musical chairs at QB. Since this is the first time in my 50 years that I write an athlete, please allow me to share an excerpt from Thomas Paine written at a low point during the Revolution. "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value." Joey, unquestionably you've had a raw deal with the Lions. I know you don't quit and I will hope Detroit isn't stupid enough to quit on you. Many of us are in your corner. As Pres. Nixon called it, consider us "the silent majority." Good luck & God Bless, Alex Harris --- by the way, if you ever get up near Flint, my wife & I would be honored to have you & your family enjoy dinner with us.

--Alex Harris - Flint, MI

Q) I was wondering what you thought about how the Ducks have been doing? I also wanted to tell you that there are many Ducks fans in the air force and we all look forward to seeing you do great things in the NFL. God Bless

--jeremy.fillible fillible - Incirlik AB, XX

Q) Joey - I dropped you a line by mail, and then stumbled upon this website! I just wanted to thank you so much for the role model that you have been for others in Detroit, and for your professionalism and well-mannered ways. I also wanted to thank you for another example - your creativity -- I myself am a NeuroPsychologist by vocation, but also have a passion for musical theatre and I direct and choreograph as an avocation. Your musicianship allows you to fulfill that creative part of yourself that makes each of our lives rich. The role-model your bring others of being good in your vocation, but also having a secondary passion through an avocation (in this case music) enriches each of our lives. I add my vote to a CD of your piano playing some day! I hope to see you back in Detroit again next year - if not, whatever your path brings you, may it be filled with music, creativity, and warmth of family and friends. Ron Baumanis, Ann Arbor, MI

--Ron Baumanis - Ann ARbor, MI

Q) Dear Joey, I have been a huge fan of yours for many years, including your time at the University of Oregon. Almost my entire life I have been a UofO fan even though i have lived in Michigan my whole life. It has been a pleasure watching you play my favorite sport and belonging to my two favorite teams. Although the chances of ever getting to meet you are very slim, i was really hoping you could find a chance to answer this letter and make my dream of talking to you become a reality. p.s. who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

--Nathan Proctor - Grand Rapids, MI

Q) I think it is very admirable of you and your family to form the Harrington Family Foundation. It is a great way to share your blessings by giving back to the community. When creating your mission statement, how did you decide to concentrate so much on youth? It is clear through your involvement with the children's hospitals, education programs, and various other youth organizations that you have a strong interest in youth. I am just wondering what inspired you? Also, I greatly appreciate how well-spoken you are. Many youth idolize sports figures who do not always conduct themselves in a dignified manner. You, however, continue to conduct yourself with integrity, even when it would be understandable for you to "lose your cool" (i.e. Bly...). Regardless of your inspiration for helping youth, you are a terrific role model for the youth that you inspire. Many prayers are with you for a relaxing off-season and continued blessings in the future. Thanks for being you.

--Kait O'Sullivan - Stevens Point, WI