We ’ve seen mountain of athletes — credibly too many — adjudicate to become musicians . But what happens when it decease the other style ?
Soul singer Marvin Gaye really considered drop his melodic vocation at one point to live up to his dreaming of play in the Super Bowl with his hometown Detroit Lions . In the thick of a depression after the death of his longtime singing partner Tammi Terrell , Gaye register the single “ What ’s pass away On . ”
Appearing as background Singer on the data track were two of Gaye ’s acquaintance , Lions cornerback Lem Barney and run back Mel Farr . Barney had once preface himself to Gaye by knocking on the door of his Detroit household and the two became fast friend , eventually roping Farr into the friendship . Gaye contribute them to the studio when he put down " What ’s Going On " and invite them to sing on the track . However , when Motown producer reject to release the politically - charged single , Gaye again turned to his friend to follow up on his longtime dream of playing in the Super Bowl with the Lions .
Barney and Farr facilitate Gaye bulge up and school to become a broad pass receiver . He come near coach Joe Schmidt and require him for the chance to try out . When Schmidt asked him for plot celluloid , Gaye reportedly said he had never played , not even in high school , but that he always believe he would score a touchdown the first fourth dimension he touch a football .
According to Schmidt , the first time he met with Gaye hesaid , “ If I could whistle like you , I certainly would n’t want to play football game . ” The second time Gaye approached him for a tryout , Schmidt decided that he could n’t put the singer in harm ’s way and declined to let him on the discipline .
It probably all worked out for the best . A few months later , “ What ’s depart On ” was released and Gaye was once again sling into the glare with what would become his most acclaimed album . And the Lions ? Well , they ’re still wait on that Super Bowl .
