Detroit Signs Former Chippewa Standout

MOUNT PLEASANT - Former Central Michigan University standout Brock Gutierrez has signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Detroit Lions.

The Charlotte (Mich.) High School product inked a one-year pact with the Lions.

Brock Gutierrez joins the Lions after spending the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He was the starting center and played in all 16 games for the 49ers in 2004.

"He is a good guy and we will give him a shot," said Lions' coach Steve Mariucci. "We have (Tyrone) Hopson who has not been practicing and we can use another center in this camp and in training camp as well."

During his eight NFL seasons, the 6-3, 304-pounder has played in 98 games with 23 starts. He began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996 where he played through 2002.

Gutierrez was a three-year starter for Central Michigan University and an All-Mid-American Conference pick in 1995.