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PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 6, 2003) -- The day before he officially became a member of the Detroit Lions, rookie receiver Charles Rogers was half draftee, half politician. He vigorously shook every hand extended, made eye contact with every pair of eyes, flashed a million-dollar smile and spoke to anyone within earshot.
If prodded enough, he probably would have not only promised to make the Lions a better team, but also budget more money for public schools and guarantee a tax cut. He was Mayor -- not Mister -- Rogers.
But beneath the charming personality and his blue-and-gold suit was a man who knew he and the Lions were a match made in Motor City heaven. They had a quarterback with a golden arm and a new head coach with an impressive track record. All they needed was a legit, tall receiving threat opponents would have to account for -- someone who could come down with the ball when tossed his way.
Now that the draft turned out the way he knew it would, Rogers is finally free to talk about his new team.
If prodded enough, he probably would have not only promised to make the Lions a better team, but also budget more money for public schools and guarantee a tax cut. He was Mayor -- not Mister -- Rogers.
But beneath the charming personality and his blue-and-gold suit was a man who knew he and the Lions were a match made in Motor City heaven. They had a quarterback with a golden arm and a new head coach with an impressive track record. All they needed was a legit, tall receiving threat opponents would have to account for -- someone who could come down with the ball when tossed his way.
Now that the draft turned out the way he knew it would, Rogers is finally free to talk about his new team.
