The Harrington Family Foundation



Sign In to ask Joey a question!
Q) Hello Joey, I just got done watching the Lions press conference with the new coach Marinelli. My question is are you excited about what he going to bring to Detroit, and when do you think your going to acually sit down and have a talk with him? Thanks for your time,

--Michael St.Croix - Grand Haven, MI
A) For all those asking my opinion on the new coach, the simple answer is I haven't met him yet. I only know he has a good reputation in his years at Tampa Bay. I am sure we will talk when he has time to focus on the personnel of the team.
Q) Mr Harrington I've been a Lion fan all my life. The only pro team I remain loyal to from kickoff to the final whistle. I just want to say in this day of the greedy, selfish professional athlete, I'm proud to have my son where your #3 Lions jersey. Hang in there and hope to see you next year in the Honolulu Blue!

--Frank Silvas - Charlotte, MI
A) Tell your son to keep wearing the Lions jersey. I know there are a lot of loyal Lions fans regardless of what happens. Thanks.
Q) Dear Mr. Harrington, I know this section is reserved for questions but I would like to tell you thank you instead. Thank you for another strong effort put forth this season. Unfortunately I was unable to watch much of the season because I was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I followed as closely as I could and never wavered in support of you. In my opinion you are the best quarterback we have had in my short 27 years of being a Lions fan. The games I was able to see, I thought you played exceptional but lacked support. There are still Lions fans that have faith in you and would like to see you remain a Lion. I would also like to praise you on your professional demeanor and resilience this season in the face of your critics. In our world today athletes are looked up to by children in higher regards than most people in their lives. You showed again this season that you are the type of athlete that our kids should emulate. Again, thank you! I know it is an uncertain off season, but wherever your career lands I have confidence that you will be an impact in the NFL. I hope you remain within the Lions organization but if you find yourself in another Organization, know that there will be one fan in Detroit wearing a Harrington jersey no matter what teams logo is on the front.

--Jason White - Roseville, MI
A) I appreciate your comments a lot, Jason. There were certainly some tough times this season for the Lions and, at times, for me. When I think about my difficulties this year, they are nothing compared to the sacrifices of people like you serving overseas or those who lost everything in Katrina. I am taking some time off in Oregon and then will be back at it for next year. Right now it's tough to know what exactly will happen but I am confidant that it's going to work out for the best. Good luck -
Q) Joey, I'd just like to wish you (and your family) a happy new year, and reiterate my hopes that you are a Lion next year, as improbable as that sounds to most people. I really believe the Lions can achieve their goals next season -- with you at QB. It was also nice to hear the announcers praising you and your game against Pittsburgh. They said stuff to the vein of, "Harrington's really shown us something today," but in my opinion, you've been showing all of us what you're capable of this whole season, not just against the Steelers. It's too bad the so-called experts realized it later than the of us. Anyway, I wish you luck in your future as either a Lion or a member of another team. Thanks for wearing the Honolulu blue and silver with pride. You always held yourself accountable, even in the toughest of circumstances, and that's something I'll never forget. Athletes the world over should take a page from your book. I've never been more proud to say that I'm a Joey Harrington fan than I was this season. Thanks. Alexandra S, West Bloomfield, MI

--Alexandra Simon - W. Bloomfield, MI
A) I felt pretty good during the Steelers game and after watching them beat Indianapolis today I think we played them tough except for a few mistakes. It could have been a much closer game. Anyway, thanks for your support, Alexandra.
Q) Hi Joey, I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer one of my questions a few months ago. Not many pro athletes do that. What else can I say about you that others haven't already covered... I guess I'm just hoping like everyone else that you STAY HERE in Detroit!!! But I also realize it's a business and I'll be a Joey Harrington fan no matter what you decide to do regarding your future. I feel like this team is so close to going to the next level and you're a big part of it. I hope the Lions do the right thing and hire a coach who will aknowledge your all your strengths and utilize them. Losing you would definetely set this team back. I'm looking forward to you leading this team in the right direction. Good luck with the foundation and remember, good things happen to good people. Rich S.

--Richard Stirling - Richmond, MI
A) I am going to take a little time off and then we will see what happens. The Lions and I have to both agree that it's a good fit for next year. Whatever happens, I will work hard to make next season a good one with a team that wants to win. Thanks.
Q) My family and I would like to see you sign on with another team. Selfishly, we would like it to be a west coast team so that we can watch your televised games! I have read your Michigan fan's comments and can understand why they want you to stay in Detroit. However, after the abuse you've sustained from others, I would think moving on would be a welcome relief for you. Enough is enough. We would love to see you excel on a team that appreciates and "fits" you! Carole, Jack, Joey, & Lydia Harrington Fans in Tracy, California!

--Carole Harrington - Tracy, CA
A) I had to respond to a last name like yours even though I don't think we are related. Thanks for the support!
Q) Have you thought about making a CD with you playing the piano? I think it would be a great way to make money for your foundation. I really enjoyed the Christmas songs you played & I know I would buy a CD of yours! April S. of Brighton, MI

--April Staebler - Brighton, MI
A) I haven't really thought about it but a number of people have been asking since the Christmas and concert music was put on the website. If I get some time I might consider it.
Q) Joey, I want to tell you how proud I am of you for the professionalism you have showed throughout your career especially this past year with the Lions. Not many people could have handled the undo pressure you were under this season with such class. The Lions organization and the City of Detroit is very lucky to have you. There are many NFL teams that could really use your talent and more importantly leadership skills. I wish you success in the future and I sincerely hope you get with a team that will build around you and trust that you can take them to the Super Bowl. Regards, Rich Unrein Portland, OR

--Rich Unrein - Beaverton, OR
A) Thanks, Rich. It's always nice to hear from Oregon fans. I read them all. No word yet on where I will be for next season. I just want it to be where there is a winning attitude.
Q) I read a quote that you gave saying that the green grass was where you felt you would be appreciated. I just wanted to let you know that as a lifetime Lions fan (even while living in Packer country as a kid) I along with the rest of my family appreciate what you have done and tried to do for our team and think that you should be the QB to lead the Lions on the field next year. In that vein, I was curious as to what you hope will happen in the next few weeks in regards to the coaching vacancy and your future with the Lions? Whatever happens, I have a feeling that you will find yourself at the helm of an NFL offense that exploits your strengths and will find the success that you deserve.

--K C - Linden, MI
A) I am just watching and waiting like everyone else. When they name a new head coach then I will talk with the Lions about my future with them. We both need to be comfortable with each other. Thanks for the support.
Q) Joey -- I'll echo the sentiments of countless others, THANK YOU for the way you handled this entire season. I was very excited to watch you lead the Lions down the field in the last minutes of the Saints game, and especially to watch you light up the end zone against the Steelers. Assuming the new coach is smart enough to keep you as the starting QB, would you like to see yourself with more freedom to call the plays? Over the past 4 years, the bright spots in your game seem to often be centered around a 2-minute drill type of situation. It's exciting, and you do a great job at it. Thanks again for taking the high road, Joey. With so many pro athletes getting in trouble with the law, it's nice to see a clean athlete with class. I've got my fingers crossed that you stay in Detroit, but I'll be among the many others getting NFL Sunday ticket next year if you don't.

--Ryan Hernalsteen - Canton, MI
A) Thanks Ryan for your note. I think most QB's will tell you that it is really exciting to be involved in a 2 minute offense at the end of a game. Unfortunately, we haven't been involved in many of them in the last few years. It's too early to determine where I will be playing next season. Wherever it is, I am sure it will be for the best.