(CBS-DETROIT) – The Detroit Lions are partnering with the Stronger Warrior Foundation to renovate a home for a disabled veteran in Clinton Township.
Kingsley Ifezue, 39, was honored along with his wife and two daughters. The family received more than $200,000 in renovations, including a new roof and landscaping, and made their home ADA compliant.
Ifezue says he doesn’t deserve such kindness.
“I’m not used to this kind of treatment,” Ifezue said. “I’m used to giving it to other people and helping and sweating. It feels like I’m on cloud nine. It’s a feeling I’ve never really had, except the feeling when your mother gives you something for your birthday or Christmas I feel like it’s almost Christmas.”
Ifezue served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed out of Southfield from 2005 to 2008, where he helped with payroll and behind-the-scenes operations.
Ifezue was paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident on a sandbar in St. Clair Shores in 2023.
However, he doesn’t let this injury define who he is. Ifezue has a zest for life and a love for lions.
“I’m just glad they still remember us and help us with diehard Lions fans who always believed in them,” Ifezue said. “This jacket is very old, so I want to thank you, Detroit Lions, for your help.”
The home renovation was made possible after Ifezue’s insurance company would not help with repairs due to the age of his home.
That’s when the Stronger Warrior Foundation stepped in to help along with the Lions and the Sam Bernstein law firm.
“Knowing that we mean so much to someone like Kingsley as he faces his challenges certainly inspires us as a community relations team, but it also inspires our football team,” said Roxanne Caine, vice president of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community . Relations.
The renovation of the house began on October 22 and was completed on Friday afternoon.
Friday’s home unveiling comes ahead of the Lions’ Salute to Service game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Ford Field.
Jordan Burrows
