am humbled to this day at being its recipient and at times fear I have not lived up to its relevance. The Most Valuable Player Award, since it is voted on by your peers, is, at its essence, a reflection of leadership and dedication to 'TEAM'." At the end of the 1974 season, Strinko was selected by the United Press International as a first-team All-Big Ten player and a second-team All-American player. Strinko's younger brother, Greg Strinko, also played for the 1974 Michigan team as a defensive end. Strinko later said that, outside of his family relationships, playing football at Michigan for Bo Schembechler was "the single most rewarding experience of my life. The camaraderie and meaningful friendships formed in those four years are enduring and special." Detroit Lions Strinko was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 9th round (219th overall pick) of the 1975 NFL Draft. When Strinko was not drafted after the first six rounds, Michigan coach Bo Schembechler told reporters he was shocked: "Strinko hasn't been drafted yet? That is unbelievable! Astounding!" He underwent knee surgery before signing with the Lions in June 1975. Strinko's knee did not recuperate fully following the surgery, and he was placed on the injured reserve list for the entire 1975 season. Strinko later recalled:"I had spent my rookie year, 1975, on injured reserve recovering from knee surgery performed by the University of Michigan's Orthopedic Specialist, Dr. O'Connor. You see the Lions would not sign me to a contract unless Michigan's Team Doctor's performed the necessary surgery, as the injury had occurred playing football at Michigan. This process relieved the Lions from any liability." Strinko attempted to make the Lions team in 1976, but he was unable to keep fluid off of his knee, and the Lions told him that his condition was chronic and degenerative. In the end, Strinko never played in an NFL game. FAN, Inc. In 2007, Strinko was awaiting knee replacement surgery and a determination by the Social Security Administration regarding his application for disability. He had no insurance and there was no organization in place that offered financial assistance to athletes injured while participating in college athletics. Strinko organized a non-profit organization called FAN, Inc., the Foundation for Athletes in Need. The mission of FAN, Inc., is to identify and provide medical assistance to former NCAA athletes experiencing hardships as a result of injuries incurred during