Charlie Sanders was one of the greatest Detriot Lions to ever suit up and he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Lions haven't retired his number, which means an incoming player is free to wear it.
First-round draft pick T.J. Hockenson decided that he wanted to wear the legendary No. 88, but before he was given the number, the Lions called Sanders' family and gave them a heads up on the decision.
“The Sanders family appreciates the organization communicating with us prior to their announcement that T.J. would suit up in Dad’s legendary jersey this fall,” said Sanders’ daughter Charese Sanders-Sailor in a statement released on behalf of the family, via the Detroit Free Press. “We want the community to remember that our father honored the Fords and the Detroit Lions organization with great character and humility for nearly 50 years, while they too honored him. Amongst all of his accolades and positions, he enjoyed representing the Fords and Lions culture as their ambassador while yet on staff in the scouting department until his passing.
Sanders died in 2015. In the statement, the family admits that they wish the Li0ns would take the step and retire his number but since they haven't they know Hockenson has a strong work ethic and they are happy that he is the one that gets to wear it.
“Although we would have loved for our father’s number to be officially retired, we understand T.J. Hockenson’s work ethic, background, and love for family are characteristics in alignment with the Great 88’s legacy and the Lions’ decision. We look forward to meeting him at training camp! If Dad were here, he would probably tell T.J. with a firm shoulder pat, squeeze, and look straight in the eye. . . . ‘Make me proud son.'”
Hockenson has a long ways to go to have an impact on the Lions like Sanders did but this was a big first step in at least having a chance. Much like Sanders when he was in the league there are big expectations for Hockenson to perfrom right away.
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