Current, Former Detroit Athletes React To Mike Ilitch's Death
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- Players, former players and colleagues all spoke out Friday night after hearing about the passing of the legendary Mike Ilitch.
The owner of both the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings touched the lives of many players over the course of the past 30 years or so. Detroit athletes, past and present, gave their condolences to the Ilitch family on social media Friday night.
Heartbroken hearing of Mr I's passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ilitch family. Our city and team will miss him
— Tomas Tatar (@TomasTatar90) February 11, 2017
#RIPMikeIlitch #RedWings #Tigers #Detroit
Saddened to hear the news about Mr. I's passing. My condolences to the entire Ilitch family. #RIPMrIlitch
— Michael Fulmer (@MFulmer12) February 11, 2017
Mr "I", not just our owner but a man who cared about every single player, no matter your importance. #RedWings and hockey lost a great man
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) February 11, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ilitch family. pic.twitter.com/zSeHgA7cFS
— Joe Kocur (@kocurfoundation) February 11, 2017
Really sad to learn the news of Mr I's passing. He meant everything to the Wings, Tigers & Detroit. Best owner in sports. #RIPMrIlitch
— Dylan Larkin (@Dylanlarkin39) February 11, 2017
RIP Mr Ilitch, He was a great person, who did great things for the city of Detroit. It was as honor to start my pro career with his team.
— Curtis Granderson (@cgrand3) February 11, 2017
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
RIP Mr I. Ive not been n ur organization long but I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of. We will rejoice in all u have done for Detroit
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr.Ilitch. He was a pleasure to play for and his will to win was second to none. #MrI #Wings #Tigers
— Danny DeKeyser (@DeKeyser5) February 11, 2017
Sad to hear the news about Mr. I. I'm glad I got to meet him and be able to play for his team. #RIP
— Jordan Zimmermann (@JZimmermann27) February 11, 2017
— Gustav Nyquist (@GNyquist) February 11, 2017
Sad news about the passing of Mr Illitch. Thank you for all you did for Detroit. It was an honor to play for you. Praying for Illitch family
— Matthew Boyd (@mattboyd48) February 11, 2017
Mr. llitch RIP! The best owner I ever played for. The city of Detroit has lost a great man. You will be truly missed! #rip #gotigers
— Gerald L Laird lll (@laird_lll) February 11, 2017
Sad to hear the passing of Mr Ilitch. I quickly realised how much of an impact he had on the Tigers and the city of Detroit.
— Anthony Warwick (@Wazr30) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the news of Mr. Ilitch. RIP
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) February 11, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch. Sad day in Detroit.
— Teej. (@TJLang70) February 11, 2017
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ilitch. A great man who did so much for Detroit. Honored to have played under his ownership.
— Ian Krol (@IANKROL_TKB) February 11, 2017