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Are Those Mom’s Sweatpants? Talking Detroit Lions Throwback Uniforms, Jared Goff, Ben Johnson + More with Jeff Risdon

I don’t know about you, but I was nervous going into Monday Night Football (Oct. 30). The Lions just had that huge loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Even though the…

Las Vegas Raiders v Detroit Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 30: Alim McNeill #54 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with John Cominsky #79 after sacking Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter at Ford Field on October 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

I don't know about you, but I was nervous going into Monday Night Football (Oct. 30). The Lions just had that huge loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Even though the loss wasn't a total surprise, just the lopsided nature of the game was a bit of a shock. But, every team has its good and bad days, and I knew that this year's Lions team was solid. This isn't a one-hit-wonder kind of team. So, I felt confident going into Monday, but also nervous, because the Lions can get nervous on the big stage. I don't blame them. While the big news out of Monday's game was the Lions' win against the Las Vegas Raiders, the real talk was about those Detroit Lions throwback uniforms.

Going into the season, the Detroit Lions unveiled their alternate blue helmets, which show off the vintage Walking Lion logo from 1946-62, along with grey face masks. The team also announced they'd wear these helmets during their Week 8 game against the Raiders, along with their grey color rush uniforms. Jeff Risdon of USA Today's Lions Wire is the guest on "The Squad with Anne Erickson" today to talk about those uniforms, plus, of course, the big Lions win. There's lots to delve into this season, and it's all good. Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Reach out to Anne Erickson here if you want to talk football.

On the show, they cover:

  • Has Jared Goff finally earned the respect to be the Lions' long-term quarterback?
  • Is Ben Johnson going to leave Detroit after this season?
  • What about those throwback uniforms?
  • Why does Jeff Risdon say the throwback pants look like him mom's sweatpants? (For real!)
  • Besides the Lions, what other NFL teams are thriving right now?
  • What about poor Kirk Cousins?

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

Dan Campbell

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the former head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.