Lions OT Penei Sewell to serve as Grand Marshal for Detroit Grand Prix Sunday

The IndyCar Series is in Detroit this weekend, and for the final race on Bell Isle Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell will be the Grand Marshal.

The IndyCar Series is in Detroit this weekend, with the Detroit Grand Prix taking place on Sunday for the final time on Bell Isle before the race returns to downtown Detroit next year. For Sunday’s action, Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell will serve as the Grand Marshal.

"Following a dominant rookie season with the Detroit Lions that resulted in being named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, offensive tackle Penei Sewell will enjoy another honor on Sunday as he will serve as Grand Marshal for the final Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Belle Isle."

Sewell commented on the honor.

"I’m honored to be named the Grand Marshal of the Detroit Grand Prix on the final day of racing on Belle Isle,” said Sewell. “I definitely saw the passion and excitement from the sports fans in Detroit during my rookie season and it’s going to fun to feel that energy and be part of the last race on Belle Isle.”"

Penei Sewell becoming a celebrity in Detroit

Sewell with have the opportunity to meet some drivers and teams competing in Sunday’s race, and he’ll give the the opening command of “Drivers, To You Cars” before the race starts.

Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, talked about having Sewell as Grand Marshal on Sunday.

"We are excited to welcome one of the key foundational players of the Detroit Lions as Penei Sewell joins us as the Grand Marshal Sunday in what will be an emotional day on Belle Isle,” “Penei is one of Detroit’s true sports stars and we look forward to hosting him while we celebrate one last time with our fans on Belle Isle.”"

Sewell is a young star and a future building block for the Lions, so this will probably not be his first and only opportunity to do celebrity-like sports things outside of football. That is also somewhat dependent on the success the other major teams in the Motor City have.

The Detroit Grand Prix will start at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, and be brodcast on USA Network. Josef Newgarden is on the pole, and defending champion Marcus Ericsson came in with eighth-best qualifying time.