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The City of Detroit did not accept Equanimeous St.’s comments. Brown of the New Orleans Saints about her lack of appeal to NFL players.
In the St. Brown Podcast, the wide receiver asserted that “nobody’s going there” in reference to Detroit:
St. Brown Podcast @StBrownPodcast
“If (people) could choose to live anywhere in the world or country, they wouldn’t choose Detroit.”
Balanced votes off Detroit 😳 pic.twitter.com/cMN5H3wjZu
This sparked a controversy between him and Detroit’s official X account, with the latter receiving some harsh blows:
City of Detroit @CityofDetroit
Man, we know it’s hard to be outdone by our little brother. But you don’t have to bear this on us, Equanimus. 😂
Our population has actually grown for the first time in more than six decades @uscensusbureau. Detroit is now ranked as the 26th most populous city in America. https://t.co/0hPo3GCJHc
City of Detroit @CityofDetroit
We hope that next year you will not have to move to another city 🙏🏾 https://t.co/38ANESTZ6I
Citing population numbers is not really a winning argument against the idea that your city is not attractive at all. It is doubtful that NFL players would study census data before choosing where to continue their careers.
Additionally, the Detroit Lions’ success on the field is ultimately what determines whether or not they attract talent. Green Bay, Wisconsin has a population of just over 100,000, but that hasn’t stopped stars from joining the Green Bay Packers or re-signing with the team.
The Lions reach the NFC title game in 2023 and will start this season 3-1. Should they need to make a big upgrade or two this offseason, general manager Brad Holmes won’t have much trouble.
The outlook for St. Brown’s isn’t exactly rosy. The 28-year-old has yet to suit up for the Saints this year. New Orleans released him in August and quickly signed him to its practice squad, where he remains.
All things considered, St. Brown probably wouldn’t mind living in Detroit if it meant playing a regular role for the Lions.
