Lions sign free agents Kennedy, Pollard

By Hugo Guzman  |   Wednesday, March 09, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Detroit Lions
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ALLEN PARK, Michigan - Kenoy Kennedy was about to board a flight to Miami to continue his free-agent tour, but had second thoughts. He returned to the Lions' practice facility and signed a contract while the team was introducing another new player, TE Marcus Pollard. "They were calling my name and saying that I had to get on the plane or I was going to get left behind," Kennedy said. "I told them to go ahead and leave me. I decided I wanted to be a Lion."

Kennedy has played his entire 5 year career with the Denver Broncos. He is best known as a hard hitter, and has earned the wrath of the NFL for illegal hits. Kennedy was suspended for 1 game in 2002 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Miami's Chris Chambers, and has been fined for similar plays on at least 3 other occasions. "I think I bring a presence," he said. "Receivers are looking for me, and they might develop alligator arms."

Kennedy has 5 career sacks and 4 interceptions. "I think we got better today, and Kenoy is a big part of that," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said.

In the first of their back-to-back press conferences, the Lions brought out Pollard, who caught 6 of Peyton Manning's record 49 TD passes last season. "Until a couple weeks ago, we didn't even expect that Marcus would be available, so we feel very good about adding him to the roster," team president Matt Millen said. "He brings experience, an understanding of how to win, and some great hands."

Pollard, 33, spent his first 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Last season - as one of the last options in Manning's attack - he caught 29 passes for 309 yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing 3 games with leg injuries.

Like Kennedy, Pollard had interest from other teams. But his wife, Amani, made the decision easier. She went to high school in the Detroit suburb of Farmington.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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