Cory Michael Schlesinger (born June 23, 1972)[1] is an American former professional football player who was a fullback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) and current executive for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Schlesinger was a two-time all-state selection at linebacker at Columbus High School, leading the team in tackles as a junior and senior.
[2] Schlesinger scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 1995 Orange Bowl in a 24–17 win over the Miami Hurricanes as a senior to secure Nebraska's first national title under then-head coach Tom Osborne.
In 1997, he split time at fullback with Tommy Vardell and saw more action there than in previous years with the Lions with the team moving to a predominantly two-back set.
He served as one of squad's most productive special teams players for a fourth consecutive season, with his 18 tackles ranking fifth on the Lions.
Schlesinger was named as a member of the 1999 All-Madden team and filmed a sketch for the show in a Lincoln, Nebraska grocery store where he repeatedly crashed into other shoppers with his cart.
In 2001, the Lions named Marty Mornhinweg head coach and the team moved away from a power rushing attack to the west coast offense.
Schlesinger missed the first portion of the 2005 season after suffering a fractured left fibula in preseason opener at New York Jets on August 12.
Schlesinger was the 2005 recipient of the Detroit Lions/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association's Media-Friendly "Good Guy" Award.
[2] In 2007, Schlesinger signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 11, 2007, in anticipation he would become the lead blocker for running back Ronnie Brown.
However, he was released at the end of training camp, losing out to rookie sixth-round draft pick Reagan Mauia.