David Kircus is officially a member of the Honolulu blue and silver.
The former Grand Valley State University wide receiver, and brother of Ortonville resident Lainie Jones, signed a three-year contract worth about $1 million with the National Football League’s Detroit Lions earlier this month.
He reported for the rookie portion of Lions training camp Wednesday, Aug. 23. The team held its first full-squad practice Sunday, Aug. 27.
Kircus was selected by the Lions in the sixth round (175th overall) in the NFL draft April 27. As a senior, he helped GVSU win the 2002 Division II national championship. He caught 77 passes for 1,341 yards and 35 touchdowns last season; as a junior, he caught 81 passes for 1,682 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Besides the Lions, Kircus, who could not be reached for comment as of press time, drew interest from the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
Since he was drafted, Kircus has attended about four or five minicamps, according to John Jones, Lainie’s husband and Kircus? brother-in-law. Jones said Kircus has blended in well with his new colleagues.
‘He’s real positive and upbeat, and the Lions have said they’ll let the rookies grow into the team,? Jones said. ‘The intent is not to force them in there. He’s had a lot of good comments made about him by some of the veteran players. (Lions starting quarterback) Joey Harrington really likes throwing to him ? he said David really moves to the ball.?
Jones and several other family members will be well represented at Lions games this season. He said Kircus will be allotted a block of 10 tickets for family and friends. Jones said he plans on going to all the Lions? home games this season, and will also make the trip to his native Buffalo for an Aug. 28 preseason game between the Lions and the Buffalo Bills.
Besides hoping to make an impact on the Lions this year, Kircus will be making an impact with some Brandon youngsters this year.
Jones said Kircus has agreed to speak to the Brandon Blackhawks seventh and eighth grade football team sometime this year and attend one of their games. He said Kircus, who is 6?1? and weighs 182 pounds, is a role model for his son J.R., a member of the Blackhawks.
‘He and my son share a lot of the same issues,? Jones said. ‘David’s very muscular and lean and a lot of people have questioned his size throughout his career. My son was going to quit football because people told him he was too small, but David told him not to quit.?