Jim Bob Cooter for president? Jim Bob Cooter for president!
If Trump vs. Clinton doesn't excite when you, you're not alone. And you might have another option.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate posted a picture on his Instagram page Wednesday night of a van with "Jim Bob Cooter For President" written on its back windows, and the photo made the rounds at the team's Allen Park headquarters today.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin signed off after his 11-minute session with reporters today by saying, "Jim Bob for President." Cooter followed Austin at the podium, only to be grilled about his potential running mate.
"I've got my own problems," Cooter smiled.
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Tate said he saw the van, which also was adorned with Lions bumper stickers, on his way home from practice Wednesday and followed it for several blocks.
"I wanted to follow him all the way home and tell him he has my vote," Tate said.
Cooter said he was alerted to the picture just before his weekly media session, though Tate asked him earlier in the day whether he happened to see his Instagram page.
"I'm not very in tuned out there," Cooter said. "I’m not in the world. So nice of (Austin) to leave me with that present as he walked out."
Cooter has been a popular figure in Detroit and across the NFL since taking over as Lions offensive coordinator seven games into last year. His unique name and prolific offense have made a fan favorite, though, at just 32 years old, he'll have to wait until 2020 to make an official run for U.S. president.
By that time, there's a chance Cooter could have another job -- as an NFL head coach. But if he doesn't, Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he'd endorse a Cooter run for the White House.
"I think he’d be a good one," Caldwell said. "I know he’d get the Southern states, that’s for sure."
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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.