The Detroit Lions really aren't known for pulling in the big-name free agent, so the general excitement throughout the city surrounding the signing of Reggie Bush is no surprise. Detroit just isn't a sexy destination, and there's no deep winning tradition in the Super Bowl era to entice many free agents.
The organization's new star has already been honored in food form, MLive.com's Eric Lacy reported (I don't remember Kyle Vanden Bosch getting that kind of treatment). Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham features the 22-ounce bone-in "Reggie Bush Ribeye." It didn't take long for Bush to make his way to the restaurant and post a picture of the menu Wednesday.
The entire city is desperate for the Lions to become a consistent winner. The organization has one playoff appearance in the last 13 seasons and has a banner hanging inside Ford Field to commemorate the accomplishment. Could you imagine seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers or Green Bay Packers putting up banners for simply reaching the postseason? That's how hungry they are for sustained success.
The Lions hope Bush is the missing link that can truly open up their offense. They have the quarterback in Matt Stafford and the NFL's top wide receiver in Calvin Johnson. A threat out of the backfield could complete the offensive puzzle.
Bush already has the steak. The city might erect a Joe Louis-type statue of Bush, Stafford and Johnson if they ever advance to the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.