Detroit Lions Step Up: Team to Fully Pay Cancer Treatment for Beloved Franchise Legend
Detroit, MI — October 24, 2025
The Detroit Lions have pledged to cover all medical expenses for one of their most cherished icons, honoring a player whose spirit and brilliance helped define the franchise’s identity in the 1980s.
Owner Sheila Ford Hamp announced the decision in an emotional statement, reaffirming the organization’s loyalty to those who laid the foundation for the Lions’ legacy.
“He gave everything he had to this franchise — his passion, his strength, his spirit,”
Hamp said. “Now it’s our turn to give back. Once you’re a Lion, you’re family for life.”
That promise was made to Billy Sims, the Lions’ legendary running back and
No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft. Known for his explosive blend of speed and power, Sims became the face of Detroit football during the early 1980s and a beacon of hope for fans across Michigan.
Over five remarkable seasons (1980–1984), Sims rushed for 5,106 yards and scored 42 touchdowns, leading the team in nearly every major offensive category. He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1980)
and earned three straight Pro Bowl selections (1980–1982). His 1981 season — with 1,437 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns — remains one of the finest campaigns ever by a Lions running back.
Tragically, a devastating knee injury in 1984 cut short what could have been a Hall of Fame career. Yet, even in retirement, Sims continued to embody the resilience and loyalty that define Detroit — staying connected to the community, mentoring young players, and representing the Lions with pride.
As news of his illness spread, fans from every generation flooded social media with messages of love and gratitude. For Detroit, Billy Sims isn’t just a former star — he’s a symbol of what it means to wear the Honolulu blue with heart, honor, and courage.
The Commanders fooled everyone in their loss to the Chiefs, after a tale of two halves for both sides of the ball
Commanders looked like a contender in the first half
The offense was clicking to start the game, and they drove right down the field, but unfortunately, Deebo Samuel deflected a catch right to a defender and ended a great opening drive with a turnover. The defense did the unthinkable and had two turnovers off of Patrick Mahomes in the first half, and finally found the endzone on a Terry McLaurin toe-tapping catch.
The defense had its best showing in the first half, while the offense didn't take advantage and add more points to reward their efforts. Going into halftime 7-7 against the Chiefs on the road is the best start you could possibly ask for, and it should've been a bigger lead for the Commanders. It did nothing for the second half, though, as we saw the ugly side of the team we've grown used to seeing over the last few weeks.
The second half showed that the Commanders need a lot of work
The Chiefs adjusted at halftime, and the Commanders didn't. They shot themselves in the foot as well, and that's not something you can do against Mahomes. Rookie Jaylin Lane missed a kickoff on the first drive of the second half that ended up going down at the two-yard line after the Chiefs scored to go up 14-7. The Commanders ended up punting five plays later and gave the ball right back to the Chiefs after having it for only two minutes.
That drive was a killer in the end, because the Chiefs scored again after that drive to go up 21-7. The Chiefs caught all the momentum in the second half, and they didn't look back. The defense went back to giving up huge plays, and players like Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice had easy touchdowns.
The truth about the Commanders is that they do have good players who are capable of making big plays, but they can't play four full quarters to beat a team like the Chiefs right now. I don't know how much Jayden Daniels would've helped tonight if he were playing, but seeing the defense go back to its old habits in the second half raises questions after seeing how they played in the first half. Seven points obviously will never be enough to win a game like that either. Both sides of the ball are at fault.
The season is slipping away from the Commanders, who have the Seattle Seahawks at home next Sunday night, and a lot more injuries are starting to pile up. There's only a small thread of hope left before we can call it a bad season, and look forward to the offseason.
