Story by
Martha Ford makes surprise speech in Detroit Lions locker room ahead of playoff home game
- Story by
- Martha Ford makes surprise speech in Detroit Lions locker room ahead of playoff home game
The Detroit Lions shared a video of coach Dan Campbell's postgame speech and game ball delivery following the 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings , but the typical victory ceremony had a special twist to honor the Lions' return to the NFL playoffs after tying the franchise record for wins in a season.
When Campbell finished up his quick speech, he waved in owner Sheila Hamp and her mother, former owner Martha Ford, and presented them with a game ball. Campbell said the turnaround that resulted in the 12-5 season and a home playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams couldn't have happened without starting at the top.
Advertisement
"To do what we've been able to do, man, you gotta have the right ownership," Campbell said. "And it is the Ford family, but Sheila is the one we deal with, man, on a day-to-day basis, and without her..."
Campbell was cut off by a loud round of applause throughout the locker room as Sheila walked in with Martha, who was using a walker, to the center of the locker room to receive the ball. Martha, at 98 years old, quipped she was happy Sheila got the game ball because she "isn't as athletic" and the last two team owners both delivered a message to the team.
Sheila held the ball up with her right hand and said, "You guys are the best and we've just begun," which was met with more thunderous applause from the players.
Detroit Lions principal owner and chair person Sheila Ford Hamp, left, and former owner Martha Firestone Ford smile on the field during Calvin Johnson's Hall of Fame Ring Ceremony at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.
Then, Martha, who stepped down as the principal owner and chairperson of the Lions in 2019 , said this Lions team was the most pride she has felt towards any Lions team during the six decades of the Ford family's ownership.
Advertisement
"I'm so proud of our whole team," Martha said. "I mean it wasn't for how many years, 50? 60 years and I have never been more proud than this season."
PLAYOFF READY: Detroit Lions 'ready' for Matthew Stafford, Rams after tying franchise record for wins
The crowd in the locker room returned the compliment with another round of applause for Martha before Campbell finished the speech with another reminder the Lions were ready for the postseason.
"We are (expletive) hardened and ready to go, men," Campbell said. "We're ready."
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Martha Ford, Sheila Hamp speak to Detroit Lions after Vikings win
