Courtesy of "Detroit Lions Fan "Sisu" Journey" Facebook Page
It took 18 days and 425 miles, but Detroit Lions fan Joe Paquette finally made it to the Lions’ practice facility – by walking from the Upper Peninsula to Allen Park.
The 63-year old man from Munising, Mich. began the trek on Aug. 8, fueled only by the message of “Sisu”, which is Finnish for “strength of will, determination, perseverance and acting rationally in the face of adversity.”
On his Facebook Page, Paquette explained his reasoning behind his long walk.
“Once people find out some guy with arthritis in both knees walked all this way, they’ll realize he didn’t get down there on his own,” Paquette said. “We all have Sisu on our side, and the Lions will get Sisu on their side and will have a winning season this year.
“Once that happens, we’ll be in the Super Bowl. That’s my goal.”
The diehard Lions fan was greeted at the team’s headquarters Wednesday by head coach Jim Schwartz, quarterback Matthew Stafford, among others. Schwartz presented Paquette with a Lions’ jersey donning the number ’425′.
According to the Lions’ website, Paquette and his travel party will be honored as special guests at the Lions’ home preseason home opener this Saturday at Ford Field against the Cleveland Browns.
Here is an interview with Paquette after he completed the cross-state journey.