Ex-Partiot tries to help Lions turn the corner

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- In a city such as Detroit, Damien Woody figures he can be a star.

Sure, he plays in relative obscurity as an offensive guard for the Lions, but he doesn't think that detracts from his visibility off the field.

"Why should it?" Woody asked. "This is the perfect town for a guy like me because it's a tough, blue-collar city."

Woody is a weekly guest on a radio show, and is often surrounded by notepads and cameras in the locker room.

When FOX analyst Troy Aikman was in town preparing for today's game between the Atlanta Falcons (6-4) and Detroit (4-6), the former Dallas quarterback talked with Woody in a production meeting.

Woody would love to be an unlikely star in Detroit like Pistons center Ben Wallace, who is wildly popular despite not averaging more than 10 points in any season.

"He's the most famous athlete around here," Woody said. "That just goes to show you that's what this town is all about -- tough, hardworking people. They can relate to athletes like us."

Unlike the Pistons, the Lions haven't won a title since 1957 and have the worst record -- 20-54 -- in the NFL the past four-plus seasons.

"When you win, everything comes with it, and that's what we're trying to do here," Woody said. "When we were winning in New England, I had regular radio and TV gigs."

Winning has become a distant memory since he left the Patriots to sign with the Lions in 2004.

"I had five great years in New England, but I had to look out for my wife and four daughters," he said. "The Lions gave me a $9 million signing bonus, which I think is still a record for an offensive lineman.

"I love challenges and this is a great one. When we win here, it will be more gratifying than the two Super Bowl rings I won in New England."