Shelia Ford Hamp praised over Detroit Red Wings ownership in bold claim
Christopher Ilitch & Shelia Ford Hamp. Image Credits: Imago
Christopher Ilitch & Shelia Ford Hamp. Image Credits: Imago
The Detroit Lions have become one of the NFL's model franchises in recent years, and one analyst believes ownership deserves much of the credit.
Following the Detroit Red Wings' decision to move Steve Yzerman out of his role as president and general manager, Locked On Lions host Matt Dery pointed to Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp as the biggest reason Detroit's football team has become the city's standard for success.
"Because they've got good ownership. Finally, Sheila Ford Hamp stays out of the way, hires good people and lets them do their job," Dery said.
He added that Hamp showed patience during the early stages of Dan Campbell's tenure instead of making a quick coaching change.
September 27, 2024, Michigan, USA: Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch, center, celebrates with players and coaches in the clubhouse after 4-1 win over Chicago White Sox to clinch a playoff spot at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Michigan USA - ZUMAf31_ 20240927_zaf_f31_001 Copyright: xJunfuxHanx
September 27, 2024, Michigan, USA: Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch, center, celebrates with players and coaches in the clubhouse after 4-1 win over Chicago White Sox to clinch a playoff spot at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Michigan USA - ZUMAf31_ 20240927_zaf_f31_001 Copyright: xJunfuxHanx
"She was patient early with Dan Campbell and didn't pull the trigger and do anything stupid," Dery said on his YouTube (@Locked on Lions).
Dery said that difference starts with leadership. He pointed to Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, saying they built a winning culture even without reaching a Super Bowl.
His comments came shortly after Hamp earned a spot on Sports Illustrated's Power List, which honors 50 of the most influential people in sports.
Most recently, Hamp was named to Sports Illustrated's Power List, which lists the 50 most influential people in sports.
The decision worked out for Detroit. After opening the 2022 season 1-6, the Lions have gone 35-15 in the regular season and established themselves as one of the NFC's top teams.
Steve Yzerman's exit puts Red Wings ownership under the spotlight
Talk about the Red Wings' future grew after the team announced that Steve Yzerman will step down as executive vice president and general manager. He will continue working with the organization as a senior advisor.
According to a report by Chris Gosselin of Hockey Feed, owner Chris Ilitch's statement announcing the move drew attention because of its direct wording.
"I'm looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves," Ilitch said in the team's official statement.
Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019 after helping build Tampa Bay into a contender. But the Red Wings never reached the playoffs during his time.
Yzerman will stay with the organization in an advisory role while the search for a new hockey operations leader begins. His departure has also renewed debate about ownership across Detroit's sports teams.
Dery believes the difference is easy to see. In his view, Sheila Hamp trusted the right people to build the Lions into contenders. The Red Wings are still trying to find that same path back to the top.
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Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Rudra Dubey