The Harrington Family Foundation



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Q) Joey, I hope you are enjoying your time off this off-season. I am a life long Lions fan who now lives in Vancouver Washington. I was able to meet your Dad and Uncle a couple of years ago at the QB shootout and they were very nice to talk to. I hope that you will be back in Detoit next year, but if you are not I will definately understand. The Detroit QB is one of the toughest jobs in the league. I just hope that coach Marinelli can get everyone on the same page. My question is, have you talked to the new coach and what are your impressions of him? Do you think his style will be better than the past few years?

--Dan Frank - Vancouver, WA
A) I have heard good things about him but have not had a chance to sit down and talk with him yet. He has a lot to do getting a staff hired before he gets to the roster issues I would imagine. We need a strong person in the head coach position and I hear he will be that.
Q) This site is probably not for this kind of thing but I wanted to send a very late thank you to you since I never had a forum to do so before. A few years back I was home on vacation from the army and my dad managed to get a hold of some Lions tickets for me while I was home. I took my parents with me to the game and we went to the Mongolian BBQ after the game. I'm a huge football fan and recognized you, and your family immediately when you came in. As big of a fan as I am I also understand that you were there with your family and decided not to be a pest. My mother however is another story. Before I could say anything to stop her she was at your table asking for an autograph (she's a huge fan too). You could have just turned it down right there but instead asked where our table was and said you would stop on the way out as not to cause a scene at your table. True to your word you stopped by on the way out and signed her ticket. I was to embarassed about my mom coming to your table to have you sign anything for me, but the gesture to just come by the table was not something most athletes in your position would do these days. Good luck, I really hope things work out in Detroit. If not, wherever you end up I'll always be a fan. Thanks. Chris perdue

--Chris Perdue - Bethel, AK
A) I am glad it worked out Chris. I know how mothers can be looking out for their sons.
Q) My seven year old son absolutely idolizes you. He wears your jersey to every game (and around the house during away games). He wants to be a Detroit Lion when he grows up, but he doesn't want to be a quarterback. He says he doesn't want to take away your job. In his mind (and he tells everyone at Ford Field each Sunday) you are the best QB to ever play the game. I just wanted to let you know that MANY of the fans here in Detroit are pulling for you. I blame some of the booing and negative comments at the games on the outspoken minority, frustration and mob mentality. Please hang in there and you'll see this city embrace you like no other city can. I really hope you decide to stay. Hang in there Joey. It may not always seems like it, but Detroit is pulling for you.

--Jim Jones - Frankenmuth, MI
A) I don't think I can wait long enough for your 7 year old son to join the Lions. The QB position should be open by the time he signs a contract with the Lions and then I can cheer him on. Tell him thanks for his support.
Q) Hi Joey: As an Oregon Duck alumni myself I want to tell you how much I admire you as a both a college and professional athlete that is a role model for people of all ages, not just for kids. My daughter is also a UO Alum and her son is a big fan of yours and will likely continue the family tradition of graduating from the University of Oregon. Whatever happens in your career I know you will continue to show what an outstanding person you are, not just an outstanding athlete. Ken Ehlers Sisters, Oregon

--Kenneth Ehlers - Sisters, OR
A) Tell your grandson he can't go wrong in Eugene. I am proud to be from Oregon and the UO. I love Central Oregon and the Sisters area. My family has been coming over from Portland to vacation since I was young. Thanks for your support.
Q) i asked a while back for suggestions for a place to eat in portland and you were gracious enough to answer. i am compelled to tell you that jake's was great. thanks. :) we also had a little time to make it out to cannon beach and drive down the coast a bit. what a beautiful rainforest. the people were all really friendly and helpful, too. what a nice place to go home to. p.s. powell's is four floors of wonderful.

--connie farmer - kalamazoo, MI
A) Glad to hear your trip to Oregon was a good time.
Q) What a cool website! did a "Joey Harrington" google, and here I am! Joey, I just wanted to let you know that i think that the class with which you handled yourself during some really difficult times was extremely admirable...and much appreciated by this fan. Before the year was out, you also proved that you can wing it with the best of them (when allowed to). Unfortunately when things don't run like clockwork (injuries, depleted recieving corp for various reasons, pylons providing pass protection at times), the QB seems to get most of the guff (especially in Detroit). I know that a lot of Ducks (not Oregon Ducks) need to line up just right for you to stay with us. I also know that to the extent you control events, it's a huge time for you. My hope is that you are still with us next year. If the Lions don't do all they can to keep you in town, well, it just wouldn't make sense. I just hope you haven't soured on Detroit, and Detroit fans. We need you around if this ship is gonna get righted. Boy, I look at the line-up and I can't beleive we're that far away. At any rate, your a good man Joey and may you realise all your goals and dreams (hopefully with us). I've been a Lions fan since Alex Karras and Greg Landry and Lem Barney et. all. I've been saying "wait 'till next year" since 1968, and I was 2 when we last won a championship (don't remember that game). With you with us we have a chance. Whatever happens, all the best.

--Mike Bell - Lake City, MI
A) I feel very fortunate to have been able to fund a foundation that addresses the needs of young people. My parents have been actively involved with me which makes it a great opportunity for my family to give back to others. The website just grew from that mission. I have learned a lot in the last four years in the NFL. Many things need to be in place for a team to be successful. I haven't lost faith that it will happen for me as a NFL QB on a winning team.
Q) Joey, I know that you played many sports when you grew up and enjoyed them all. My question is: Did you ever second think football as not being your best sport and thinking about going pro in another? And like all lions fans, keep faith in yourself, those are the powerfull words of life. Thanks.

--Doug Raftery - Brick, NJ
A) I enjoyed every sport I played when I was playing it. During high school I played football, basketball and golf but when I was younger I played soccer and baseball too. Actually, my dad used to tell me that he thought my best sport may have been baseball. I was a pitcher and shortstop. Of all the sports golf is certainly a lifetime sport and I love to play whenever I can. I never played any sport thinking that my goal was to become a pro in any of them.
Q) Having grown up in Detroit my entire life, and being a season ticket holder, I know that being the Lions quarterback has got to be one of the toughest positions in all of the NFL. With all the negativity and cinicism that has been thrown at you, I think that you have handeled it with not only with a professional attitude but you have shown a sense of class that is above and beyond any of that I have ever seen in any profession. The fans here in Detroit are truly lucky to have you as a leader of our team. Although the future of the Lions organization seems uncertain, I strongly feel that you are the cornerstone of this team, which in turn helps things become a lot more stable. The Lions need you, the people of Detroit need you, your sense of perseverence and work ethic is inspirational to this city. I have always worn my #3 jersey with pride and will continue to do so, no matter what team it represents.. I truly hope that you remain with the Lions, a lot of fans have faith in you, even if it doesn't seem like it at times. And if it you do end up going to another team, know that you will always have a fan still here in Detroit. Thanks for everything, and Go GET EM' in 06!

--Gregory Sloup - Westland, MI
A) Thanks for those nice words, Greg. When things weren't going well this fall, I was contacted by a lot of people like you. It certainly helped keep me as positive as I could be under the circumstances. We will see what happens for next year. A lot of things have to fall into place.
Q) Hi Joey, By now you must know that your approach to life and ultimately to the game of football have profoundly and positavely affected a vast number of fans. When my 13 year old son wins or loses a tough wrestling match, yet carries himself with dignity to congratulate his opponent and coaches, I see your example, and so does he. I would like to say that I am excited again for next season. Just for the record, you have no idea how much I want you to succeed as a Lion, but having said that, I also respect you enough to trust you to do what is right for you. It wouldn't surprise me if you found a new home and future here. If not, then thank you for everything that you have done for our team. I will always be your fan.

--Bruce Walker - Grand Marsh, WI
A) I appreciate your comments, Bruce. It sounds like your son has got a great attitude already about competition. Too early to tell about next season. I will probably have a better idea of what I am going to do by mid-February.
Q) Hey Joey. I know lots of people have asked for this before, but I'm hoping that the more people that ask, the more likely it will be to happen. I'd really like to see some Joey Harrington CDs. It would be a great way to raise some money for the Foundation. I downloaded the clips from your Christmas concert, and they're great. Please consider coming out with some more CDs! On another note, I'm sitting on pins and needles now that Marinelli has been hired. I hope he can see all the un-tapped talent in Detroit, and put it all to good use. Of course, that means seeing #3 on the field every Sunday!

--Ryan Hernalsteen - Canton, MI
A) I am flattered that a lot of people have asked about CD's. I really haven't had any time to take on something like that. Maybe I'll give it some thought.