ALLEN PARK — Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Cinderella NFL journey started three years ago when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the fourth round.
“When I got drafted this is the one team I didn’t want to go to. If you told me I was going to Detroit I was like, ‘Damn,’’’ St. Brown said on Friday.
Now looking back on it, he realizes it was the best possible NFL landing spot for him.
“The people, the organization, the coaches, the players, the fans. I didn’t know what kind of fans there were here. I knew it was, for the most part, a losing franchise. … I remember my rookie year the fans were out almost every game and we weren’t winning games and they were supportive,’’ St. Brown said during a Friday press conference after signing a four-year extension worth $120 million.
When he first heard the deal was done, he said he was emotional after briefly talking to his Dad and getting a text from a close friend.
“I was close to crying, but I didn’t. I was super excited. I felt like a lot of weight was lifted off my shoulders. When I didn’t cry I was OK, it’s time to go now, it’s real,’’ St. Brown said.
It’s not the end of the story for St. Brown, it’s just a new chapter that is starting. And what better way to kick if off than at the start of the NFL Draft in Detroit on Thursday night to welcome fans from around the world.
St. Brown took the stage with teammates Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson. They were joined by Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. Also Eminem, a Detroit favorite, was with them whipping up the crowd. St. Brown mentioned he got a selfie with Eminem.
Detroit broke the NFL record with 275,000 fans for the first night. It looked like a sea of mostly Honolulu blue. It was amazing.
“I knew there were a lot of people there, but I didn’t know how many (without) looking at it in person. I’m walking out, I’m like, ‘Damn ‘ve never seen this many people in my life.’ I’ve played football games, I’ve been in front of 100,000 people, 90,000 people, whatever … it was like I was Travis Scott in concert,’’ St. Brown said. “… There were so many people it was awesome to see the fans, the city all come together. i just feel like everything’s happening all at once, at the right time for the city and the fans.’’
And for the Cinderella man.
“If you would’ve told me three years ago I’d be here today, I don’t know if I’d believe you. This is — everything that’s gone on these past three years, the whole journey, it’s been amazing,’’ St. Brown said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.’’
(The Lions have one second-round pick on Friday at 61st overall. Rounds 2-3 start at 7 p.m. on Friday. The draft wraps on Saturday with rounds 4-7 starting at noon.)
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