Two Detroit Lions Legends Nominated for Michigan Sports Hall of Fame

Honoring Two Lions Legends

In an exciting announcement, Kevin Glover and Thomas “Pepper” Johnson—two prominent figures in the Detroit Lions' storied history—have been nominated for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame's 2026 class. This recognition celebrates not only their impressive athletic accomplishments but also their enduring impact on the fans and community.

The Magnitude of Their Achievements

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1954, aims to honor those who have made significant contributions to the athletic landscape of the state. With nominees split into categories like Amateur, Professional, Coach, Media, and Contributor, fans can vote to help determine who will join this elite group.

Glover's journey is remarkable. A titan on the offensive line, he was drafted by the Lions in 1985 and played 15 seasons in the NFL, 13 of which were with Detroit. His accolades—four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler—are testaments to his skill and tenacity. He was integral to Detroit's rushing game, particularly during the Barry Sanders era, and was honored as part of the Lions' All-Time Team in both 2008 and 2019.

Pepper Johnson, on the other hand, personifies grit and determination. Born in Detroit, he made a name for himself at MacKenzie High School before playing collegiately at Ohio State, where he earned All-American honors. His incredible NFL career includes two Super Bowl victories with the New York Giants and Pro-Bowl accolades. Johnson later returned to play for his hometown Lions in 1996, where he continued to inspire the next generation.

Why This Matters

For Lions fans, these nominations are more than just accolades; they represent two distinct yet complementary eras of Detroit football. Each player left distinct marks on the franchise and their nomination is a chance for their legacy to be honored at a state level. As the voting opens to the public, fans have the opportunity to show their support for these iconic athletes.

Voting Process and Community Engagement

The public voting is a unique aspect of the Hall of Fame process, encouraging community involvement. Fans can assess each nominee's Hall of Fame worthiness on a scale of 1 to 10, and their input weighs heavily when final selections are made. Voting will remain open until June 12—an opportunity to not only acknowledge great sports figures but also to engage in the larger narrative of Michigan sports heritage.

Complete List of Nominees

Amateur Category

• Steve Avery
• Nick Baumgartner
• Judi Brown Clarke
• Kristin Haynie
• Mark Ingram II
• Rachel Komisarz-Baugh
• Connie Paraskevin-Young
• Marty Turco
• Peter Vanderkaay
• Mark Wells

Professional Category

• Swin Cash
• Mark Fidrych
• Lamar Gant
• Kevin Glover
• Thomas “Pepper” Johnson
• Connie Kalitta
• John “Rocky” Roe
• Tim Thomas
• James “Lights Out” Toney
• Mike Vernon

Coach Category

• Tony Annese
• Gary Bryce
• Bev Plocki
• Jim Reynolds
• Mike Turner

Media Category

• Al Ackerman
• Jack Ebling
• John Keating
• Tim Staudt
• Paul Woods

Contributor Category

• Dan Ewald
• Roger Faulkner
• John Ghindia
• Jim Gilmore
• Bill Lajoie

The Fan's Role

As fans, we hold the power to shape the narratives of our sporting heroes. Glover and Johnson's nominations give us a chance to recognize their contributions to Detroit football. It's a celebration of their legacies, a homage to the players who wore the blue and silver, and a call to action to ensure their achievements aren't forgotten.

This nomination is a moment to reflect on what these athletes mean not just to the records of the game, but to the lives and memories of those who cheered for them. Join me in voting and honoring these remarkable Lions as we celebrate their roads to greatness.