Photo: Curtis Paul ~ WJR
DETROIT, April 30, 2023 ~ The Michigan Panthers played their first home game of the year Sunday, marking the first time since 1984 that the team had played in it’s home state. The homecoming however, which was planned as a celebration of both the team’s history and revived lineage, ended on a bittersweet note.
Damping the celebration was standout New Jersey Generals quarterback D’Andre Johnson, who led a 377-yard ground and air game that all but shut down the previously undefeated Panthers.
PODCASTS:
May 1, 2023 ~ 760 WJR Senior News Analyst and Michigan Panthers Play-by-Play Announcer Chris Renwick talks to Paul W. and Sean Baligian about the team’s loss Sunday at Ford Field.
(CONTINUED) On-hand were several notable guests, including Detroit Pistons legend Ben Wallace, Detroit Lions Hall of Fame inductee Calvin Johnson, 1983 Michigan Panthers USFL champion quarterback Bobby Hebert, and former WWE Champion Big E, who all helped to rouse an already raucous crowd of nearly 7,500 fans.
“I thought they were awesome,” Michigan Panthers Head Coach Mike Nolan said of the fans.” There was a bunch of people out there. And to be perfectly frank with you, that’s one of the disappointments I had was not to have a better showing for the people that were here … we’re a much better football team than that, and we didn’t show that today. I hope they come back and support us and continue to believe in us.“
The Michigan Panthers return to action at Ford Field next Saturday, May 6, as they face the Memphis Showboats. $10 tickets are available now at TheUSFL.com, or catch the play-by-play action live on 760 WJR staring at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTOS:
April 30, 2023 ~ Michigan Panthers tight end Cole Hikutini is tackled by New Jersey Generals linebacker Chris Orr during the first half of a USFL football game at Ford Field. Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
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