Charity event, lure of speed draws former Lions great Lomas Brown to Berlin Raceway

By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press The Grand Rapids Press

MARNE, MI – Lomas Brown has faced some intimidating football players over the years, and he has also been a fearsome presence to others on the gridiron.

Put the former Detroit Lions standout in a race car, and even the most fearsome football players get a rush of adrenaline.

“That is something else,” Brown said. “The horsepower… just the rush… I’ve never been in a battle that was this fast.”

Brown, who spent the first decade (1985-1995) of his career as an offensive tackle with the Lions, was at Berlin Raceway Saturday as part of Racing Awareness night with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.

“They told me about what the organization was all about,” Brown said, “and it sounded like a great organization and one I could immediately get behind. I came up here this afternoon and I’m turning around tomorrow and taking my son to Canada for a six-week camp.”

Racing Awareness is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families who are coping with injuries or illness. Children associated with the hospital had the chance to meet drivers, take pace car rides, wave the green flag and deliver the “start your engines” command.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive tackle moved on from Detroit to spend the next three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He then finished his career with the Cleveland Browns (1999), New York Giants (2000-2001) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002).

It was with the Buccaneers that Brown capped a 17-year career by winning his only Super Bowl; the ring is proudly displayed on his right hand.

While with the Lions, Brown was part of some good – and some not-so-good – teams. He is thrilled to see the renaissance the Lions have undergone through coach Jim Schwartz. Detroit, a 2-win team in 2009, made the playoffs in 2011; it was the first time since 1999 the Lions qualified.

“It’s great,” Brown said. “It’s awesome not only for the organization and former players like us,” Brown said. “It seems when the Lions have a down year so does the state. Michigan just lives and dies with its football team.”