Robert Steele, former Lions receiver, will donate proceeds from his recently published “Steele Here: An Underdog’s Secret to Success” to the UNA Division I move.

Steele, who played for the Lions from 1974-77, later went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 1978 and the Minnesota Vikings in 1979.

In 1978, he was the only one of 80 free agents to make the World Champion Cowboys team. The book is about how his dedication landed him that spot. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the first 5,000 copies sold will be donated to UNA’s Division I move.

“I hope to raise a significant amount of money as my goal,” Steele said.

Steele is happy to help the Lions pave the way towards Division I. He is excited about the opportunities it will bring to future athletes and to UNA as a whole.

Steele said he would like to see the student population double in size, despite the problems that could arise.

“I believe growth creates problems and that those problems are worth solving,” Steele said.

Marcus Dowtin, a senior linebacker who transferred from Georgia this semester, knows the benefits that Division I can offer. Division I schools have nicer athletic facilities, bigger stadiums and more academic help for athletes.

“The school will get a lot more exposure; the athletes will get a better shot at making it to the next level,” Dowtin said.

Steele, who refers to himself as the chronic underdog, believes that the Lions will do well in Division I football.

“They’re signing up to become the chronic underdog,” he said. “And yet, I think that you’re going to see them-us-accomplish things that all of us would dream about accomplishing.”

Steele and UNA officials expect this contribution to be a big help in the transition to Division I. Steele is currently working on a second book, which he plans to make the same donation of proceeds with.

“We are excited to have someone with Robert’s resolve and commitment to excellence assist us in our successful transition to Division I,” said Mark Linder, director of athletics at UNA.

As for Steele, he is excited to see the first Division I Lions football game.

“I will be at that first Division I game when we make the move, and we will make the move,” Steele said.

Copies of the book can be found at UNA bookstores and www.una.edu for $20.