Lions' Stanton passes out Olympic medals

TRAVERSE CITY -- Drew Stanton has a clause in his National Football League contract that prohibits him from taking part in extreme sports.

That's fair game for the Detroit Lions quarterback, who will join others Feb. 10 for a cold dip at Lansing's Hawk Island Park. The plunge -- one of 14 statewide -- is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI).

Stanton, who was presenting medals to the top snowshoe finishers Thursday in the Special Olympics State Winter Games at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, said he wasn't coaxed into it.

"I volunteered," he said. "I'm trying to give as much time as I can to the foundations and charities that I believe in and want to help support. If jumping into freezing water is going to help people donate money, I'm all for it."

Stanton, drafted by Detroit in the second round last April, missed his entire rookie season after he was placed on injured reserve following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee during training camp. The surgery was on the same knee Stanton injured and had surgically repaired at Michigan State.

The Farmington Hills Harrison graduate said he experienced swelling in the knee "taking drops" during training camp.

"It was beneficial for them to go in there and remove some cartilage and make sure everything was alright," he said. "The thing I needed most was time to heal and rest. I was able to get that by staying off it and not feeling pressured to come back so quickly. I feel very confident about it right now."

Although he was not able to practice, Stanton did attend team meetings, walk-throughs and watched film.

"I still took a lot away from it in regards to learning the mental aspect as to what it takes to be a quarterback in this league," he said.

The 23-year-old signal caller, who holds Michigan State's career pass completion percentage record (64.18), will be working with a new quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator this season.

Mike Martz held those positions the last two years. He's now with the San Francisco 49ers. Line coach Jim Colletto has taken over as the coordinator. Former Michigan assistant Scott Loeffler was hired as the quarterbacks coach.

Stanton has not had much communication with the team since the season ended, but he expects the Lions will try to establish the run more often next season.

"When the offensive coordinator is also the line coach I think he's going to want to be balanced and he's going to want to establish the run," Stanton said. "I think (Colletto) wants to be more multi-dimensional. It's a different philosophy and different style of coaching."

Stanton said he learned a "great deal" from Martz, who "retooled" some of the quarterback's mechanics.

"He changed my grip," Stanton said. "That had a huge impact. He also changed where I hold the ball when I drop back. It now allows me to incorporate my wrist more so I'm not throwing all arm. Doing that allows me to be more in balance and work more efficiently."

Stanton said veteran quarterback Jon Kitna's presence has also helped his development.

"He's the consummate professional in the way he approaches the game," Stanton said. "Getting a chance to learn from him, pick his brain, has been very beneficial."

"It will be interesting," he said. "It was a great game when they played during the regular season. The Giants are going to give them their best shot. I think it's going to be closer than people think.

"I'd like to see the Giants win. But more so than that I would just like to see a competitive game, a game that's fun to watch."

Photos

Drew Stanton handed out medals the Special Olympics State Winter Games Thursday. Record-Eagle