Allen Park, Mich.— Joe Paquette, a devout Lions fan, ended his incredible 18-day, 425-mile walk from his hometown in Munising, Mich., located in the state’s upper peninsula, today as he arrived near the end of the Lions’ morning practice at the team’s practice facility in Allen Park.
Paquette began his walk on August 8 in support of the Lions in his hometown of Munising. By foot, he traveled through numerous Michigan cities including: Newberry, St. Ignace, Cheboygan, Atlanta, Mio, Bay City, Standish, Davison, Ortonville, Clarkston, Keego Harbor, West Bloomfield, Livonia and Garden City.
Along the way, Paquette not only showed his support of the Lions, but he was inspired to spread the message of "Sisu", which is Finnish for "strength of will, determination, perseverance and acting rationally in the face of adversity.”
His family provided updates and posted photos throughout his trip on Facebook that took him from nearly the most northern part of Michigan, all the way to the Metro Detroit area.
When he arrived at Lions practice today, he was accompanied by members of his family. He entered the team’s outdoor practice field and was presented a “425” jersey by Head Coach Jim Schwartz. Shortly after, several players greeted Paquette and congratulated him on his walk through the state.
Paquette and his travel party will be honored as special guests at the Lions’ home preseason home opener Saturday, August 28 against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field.
