Detroit Lions Legends Honored for Impactful Community Work

On August 9, 2025, Detroit native Tim Walton was honored with the prestigious President's Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful community work in Detroit. Walton, a former NFL linebacker who began his career with the Detroit Lions in 1989, has been serving as the president of the National Football League Players Association Detroit Chapter since 2015.

Walton's chapter, which has won the Chapter of the Year award for the past two consecutive years, is composed of a dedicated group of retired NFL players with Detroit roots. These former players, including Detroit Lions legends like Joique Bell, Calvin Johnson, and Tyrone Wheatley, have been actively involved in various community outreach initiatives, such as awarding scholarships, presenting financial literacy seminars, and organizing holiday food giveaways.

In addition to their individual efforts, these retired players have also teamed up with the Detroit Police Department and Detroit PAL to create the "Coolin' with Cops" program. This initiative aims to make parks and fields across Detroit safe and empowering spaces for local youth football and cheerleading organizations. The program provides hydration, community resources, and mentorship from the former NFL players, who share their real-life experiences and knowledge to help guide the city's young athletes.

The involvement of these retired NFL players has been instrumental in the success of the "Coolin' with Cops" program, which has been described as a legitimate football community policing initiative. The partnership between the former players, the police department, and the community has created a fun and supportive environment for the participating youth, who are learning valuable life lessons about staying away from negative influences and focusing on their education and personal development.