There are few things that young athletes who play football in the metro-Detroit area would love more than the chance to suit up for the Detroit Lions, and one former Eastern Michigan University cornerback Freddie McGee III is hoping for that chance.
He’s gone viral for appearing outside of the Lions’ Practice Facility in Allen Park holding a homemade sign asking for a chance with the Lions, and as the current reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the Arena Football League, he might have a better chance than others.
Former Eastern Michigan Defensive Back Freddie McGee III Wants A Chance With The Detroit Lions
He’s already caught the attention of the Lions, who are no doubt aware of his plea to them.
Now, he’s telling his side of the story, explaining why he chose to stand outside of the team practice facility with a homemade plea on a sign.
“(When I) came out (in 2021), I had a solid pro day. Ultimately, I didn’t get a shot in the NFL, so I had to take the (Arena Football League) route,” McGee said via MLive. “Last year, I won defensive player of the year in the AFL. I led the league with 14 interceptions and 25 pass breakups. Like I said, no agent. Just looking for a shot, man. One opportunity, one workout. See what it does.”
“I mean, grit, man. It’s right here,” McGee explained. “I feel like I’m the epitome of that. Underrated kid, small school. Walked on and earned a scholarship. I always put my head down, and I just worked, man. So I feel like if anybody was to give me a shot, it’d be (Lions coach) Dan Campbell. Hopefully, he receives this message, man. Hey, you’re going to get a ball player.”
“I’ve been out here since about 8:45. No telling how long I’m going to be out here (today),” McGee said. “I wanted to kind of catch the coaches coming in this morning. If I have to come back tomorrow, then I’ll do that too.”
Meanwhile, his former EMU coach believes that he’s deserving of a chance.
“Freddie believes in himself and is going after his dream. He walked on here and earned a scholarship. He has been super productive in the AFL. He wants to keep going and I absolutely love that,” said EMU coach Chris Creighton.
Frank McGee III Is The Reining AFL Defensive Player Of The Year
With 14 interceptions and 25 pass breakups, McGee is the current reigning AFL Defensive Player of the Year.
After playing at Eastern Michigan University, he’s played in the AFL with the Iowa Barnstormers and Salina Liberty. While with Eastern, he accumulated 85 tackles, 11 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and an interception across 47 games.
Not only did he attend school locally, but he’s a native of the nearby Detroit suburb of Canton, and knows all too-well of the grit mentality that the Lions have built up for themselves under head coach Dan Campbell.
Having shown he can be an effective player in the AFL, he’s hoping for a shot at the next level.
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