My Trip to the Motor City

As promised I am back in the Yard to fill you in on my trip to Detroit. I flew into Detroit right after my New England visit. I got in Tuesday night and spent Wednesday at the Lions facility. I felt at home with all the Trojans there - I met with Joe Barry and Rod Marinelli and Shaun Cody, one of my former teammates. They gave me a tour of the facility and I ran into Buster Davis, who I played against in high school. He was a senior when I was a sophomore and they beat us 21-7 but we were debating who had the better game. I got a chance to spend time with Matt Millen. He was very straight forward. He told me what to expect in my first year and how to make the transition from college to pro. It was some really good advice about eventually becoming the player who makes his teammates better. And he would know. He was a great linebacker. Detroit really impressed me. The players enjoy being there. It was kind of like when I first came to USC to visit. Everyone was so upbeat and working hard. The Lions are going to turn the corner you could just feel it.

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• 14thWarrior said April 16, 2008

  Keith, it was good to hear the good things that you said about the Lions, as I am a long time Detroit Fan. I wonder, though you talked about the work ethic of the Patroits, and talked about the environment of the Motor City Team. Did you sense the Lions are a team that understands what it will take to become a winner?
  greg Downriver from Detroit

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  • KeithRivers replied April 20, 2008

    I could definitely sense that the Lions are a team on the verge. This could be the season it happens. The way they were working together and jelling was really impressive. You could just feel that it was coming along, the guys enjoy being there.
• Valencia said April 16, 2008

  Well, the Lions are definetly improved last season, so I agree withou about them turning a corner. I guess the Detroit fans cancelled the Millan-Man March!

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• TonyTS said April 17, 2008

  Keith,
  I am a huge Lions fan, even though I am currently flying UH-60 Blackhaks in Iraq, I have been busy between duty cyles downloading prospect videos from NFL.com. I was impressed with your 1st draft video and the rich "55" tradition at USC. I had didn't remember that Claiborne was a USC guy. Anyway, just wanted to say a "whats up" to you and wish you good luck in your pro career, man. I would love to have you wear 55 in Detroit, Ernie is wearing 50 and he appears to be the only one locked in at linebacker. Especially if you con't mind moving to the middle.
  Again, good luck, and "Keep Their Heads Ringin", unless you end up against Detroit, lol.
  -Tony

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  • KeithRivers replied April 20, 2008

    Thank you for the note and I appreciate everything you are doing in Iraq. It really was an amazing visit for me. They have a great thing going on there and it would be fun to be a part of that turnaround. We'll see how it goes.
• pelechati said April 17, 2008

  What up Keith!

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• lionsfanatic80 said April 18, 2008

  Keith,
  I am glad you liked your visit with the Lions, I am also from Central Florida area(Apopka) and i am a big Lions fan too, So i am hoping that they will give you a chance

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  • KeithRivers replied April 20, 2008

    Hopefully I will get the opportunity to play with the Florida guys like Buster Davis and Ernie Sims from North Florida.
• NewhallTrojan said April 24, 2008

  Keith Rivers is a great American and a wonderful role model for kids.
  Fight on Keith- you make all us Trojans proud!!!

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• dmjazz said July 31, 2008

  Keith I'm glad you were drafted by the Bengals, but you need to get in camp brother. Your team is working hard every day, while your agent is not getting things done. You are a rich man no matter what, sign the deal and get in camp. Your agent works for YOU. If you play at a high level, a bigger contract awaits you down the road. Lets get this thing going!

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