Ex-Lions Coach Forzano Surprises Shelby Fantasy League

A very cool surprise awaited the 12 members of the Rick Forzano Football League at their annual fantasy draft party this year.

Rick Forzano himself.

The former Detroit Lions head coach (1974-76) and league's namesake made an appearance Sunday night to offer well wishes and pose for photos with the fantasy football league members as they gathered to make their official picks. 

The league consists of Lions hopeful friends and past and present area politicos including State Rep. Pete Lund and Michigan Taxpayers Alliance chair Leon Drolet.

After the official hellos and handshakes with Forzano, Dean Ausilio announced the annual draft party kickoff tradition to the group involving the cup that dates back to 1984.

"Leon (Drolet) is our winner from the past season and the first thing we do at the draft party is award the trophy to our new champion," said Ausilio.

Forzano did the honors of presenting the cup to Drolet, who is currently an educational programs director for George Mason University in Virginia.    

"It's an honor to win the cup either way, but having Coach here to present it makes it triple the accomplishment," said Drolet.  "We've honored the league with his name and he's honored us with his presence.  This is a terrific occasion and we really appreciate it so very much."

So why call it the Rick Forzano Football League?

"When we were looking for a league name years ago, we decided it would have to be someone associated with the Lions and during our formative years," said Ausilio. "He was someone who we respected a great deal. We all agreed that the 1970s era was important to us, so we named it after Coach Forzano. Also, we're all hopeful Lions fans and most of us are Italian."  

Lund, who was instrumental in extending the invitation to Forzano, chimed in to further explain the name choice.

"Rick Forzano was the greatest Italian-American coach in the history of the Lions," said Lund.  "I'm the one that named the league."

League members include Ausilio, Greg Suma, Steven Taormina, Lund, Joe DiSano, Bob Pokorski, Drolet, Scott Ausilio, Rob Huth, Chris Hurley, Dave Klaft, and Joe Munem.

Coach Forzano, a current West Bloomfield resident, was asked about his thoughts on the Lions outlook this season.

"I think they are going to be a very good football team," said Forzano.  "I think they've got an organization for the first time in years; they're pulling together.  They have a great coaching staff.  Jim Schwartz is one of the best coaches in the National Football League.  Their offensive team will be good but they gotta run the ball.  If they can get 100 yards a game, they're going to win a lot of football games."

Drolet joked that if Schwartz lets the Lions down this year, he has a good idea for a replacement, pointing to the 82-year old former coach.

Forzano quickly replied, "I'm not going to work for a paltry $5 million a year, that's for sure."