During his time with the Wings, there were instances in which Bob Probert’s take-no-prisoners antics on the ice were a bit over-the-top.  It is, also, safe to say that many shook their heads at his drug problem and the arrests that ensued.  However … there was always a sort of collective passion for him. It always seemed as though Probert received a “pass” for what would normally be considered behavior unbecoming of someone representing a major sports franchise.

When they looked at Bob Probert, I believe that everyone, at one point or another, saw someone they loved at one point or another.  Many of us saw ourselves in him, as well.

No matter their effort and goodwill, people, generally, are flawed.  Many of us that would be considered “good” have done things considered to be wrong and accepted the consequences of their actions.  Well, Probie had his fair share of indiscretions and then some. But, he always suffered the ramifications that came along with them.  All the while, he never came across as a primadonna— complaining and expecting support from fans.  By not expecting it, he earned it.

If you grew up watching Probert play, it’s safe to say that, if you’d have met him in person, you’d have referred to him as Mister! As one of the legendary fighters and enforcers in the game, it’d be easy to figure him as just the “tough guy.”  However, there was a bit more behind his bullying and attacking of opposing players.  He saw it as his job to protect players like Steve Yzerman.  Could you imagine what Yzerman’s early statistics and his later on-the-ice fearlessness would have amounted to without one of the NHL’s historically toughest men protecting him? Despite his rough exterior and ability to strike fear into the most grizzled veterans of the game, those who played with him always referred to him as the consummate team player.

We all have a family member, often an Uncle, that has their issues but, that is great at heart.  We hurt during their lows and feel triumphant during their highs.  Bob Probert was that troubled though essentially good family member to many ‘Wings fans.

I was greatly saddened by Probert’s passing.  He embodied much of what Detroit is about … overcoming adversity, fighting to protect those whom we believe have a chance, and working hard.  Despite his issues, Probert played his part in helping a then-fledgling organization to slowly achieve greatness and he left behind some of the most amazing fight footage that a professional hockey player ever has.  Let’s not forget the timely goals, the physical beatings that he took for teammates and, his obvious love for the game.

Forty-five years just aren’t enough for any reasonably respectable human being to live.  Let our hearts be with his family, his extended family (those who played alongside him) and, those who lived through the “Dead Wings” era and finally found hope in Detroit’s team … bringing interest back to a sport that truly deserves the utmost respect.

Goodbye, Uncle Bobby.  You live on in the hearts of many of us who grew up watching you and pretended to be you when we knocked the street-hockey ball around parking lots.  Most importantly, I wore your jersey because you were a true Detroit badass.

Author: Michael Wood II

Feature graphic: Jerusalem Rivera