Detroit Free Press Michael Rosenberg column: Ford was true blue.(former president Gerald R. Ford Jr.)(Column)

Byline: Michael Rosenberg

Dec. 28--BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Twelve years ago, the University of Michigan retired No. 48. It had belonged to the center for the 1934 Wolverines, Gerald R. Ford Jr. Ford was asked where this honor stacked up against his more notable accomplishments. "Of course, it was great to be sworn in as President of the United States," Ford said. "But on a personal level, this is as meaningful to me." That sounds ridiculous. But anybody who knew Ford would say he meant it. Though he would eventually become the most powerful man in the world, Ford was always happy to be seen as a Wolverine. Whenever anybody from the athletic department asked him …