Detroit Lions launch 'Living for the City'

Eastern Market was the backdrop Tuesday morning as the Lions kicked off a new community initiative called "Living for the City". It's a project that supports health, wellness and development in Detroit.

"It's not just about hunger. It's about providing access to great, healthy, locally grown food, and that's another component to this is we have it all here in Detroit. We have it all here in Michigan," said Lions President Tom Lewand.

The effort is a formal partnership between Playworks, Eastern Market, Goodwill Industries, Hatch Detroit and the Lions Academy, but it is also getting a huge assist from some current and former Detroit athletes.

"We weren't born here, but we are committed to this city. It's not just about coming here to play and earn a living. We have become part of the community," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing.

"People here are fantastic, and that's what makes me want to give back and help out, and I'm just lucky enough to play for an organization like the Lions that's willing to give us a platform like "Living for the City" that makes it easy for players to go out and give back," said Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.

"The more and more times we get to spend with the kids and have these kids involved in things, whether it be after school with sports or academics, the better and better this city will become due to that," said Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Of course, the highlight of Tuesday's announcement is when some of the kids from area schools had a chance to get hands on with Stafford and Johnson playing a little jump rope.

"It meant a lot. I was really excited... because this is my first time meeting a football player," said one student.

"I get pure joy out of it just seeing the expressions on the kids' faces. I love working with kids, and they get lifelong memories out of it," Johnson said.

Learn more online at www.detroitlions.com/community or follow @Living4City on Twitter to keep up with "Living for the City" initiatives.