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What is your relationship with the Detroit Lions and fatherhood?

NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

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Share your best Detroit Lions moments or stories about you and your dad—or you and your son.

Sunday is Father’s Day, and for a lot of Detroit Lions fans, it’s a holiday that is intertwined with their football fandom.

While some may be new to their Detroit Lions fandom due to the recent success of the franchise, a huge portion of local fans have a family football tradition going back generations. Detroit Lions fandom can be a way to deepen a relationship between father and son, father and daughter, mother and son, or mother and daughter.

But seeing as it’s Father’s Day, I figured today would be as good as any to share your relationship with your father and how it pertains to Lions or football fandom.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What is your relationship with your father and the Detroit Lions?


My answer: My father is essential to my love of the Detroit Lions. I grew up watching how passionate (see: angry) he was while watching them, and it was something I deeply wanted to be a part of. It’s hard to find a picture of my childhood where I wasn’t wearing Lions gear or hold a pair of Silverdome souvenir pom poms. For nearly two decades, I’d spend every Sunday watching the team side-by-side with my dad.

There’s a longer story there, and I wrote about it nearly a decade ago now. It’s still a little hard to go back and read that today, but I’m starting to view this day as more of a celebration than a reminder that he’s gone. I owe so much—including this profession—to my father, and I will spend most of this day remembering those Sundays spent in the Silverdome and Ford Field with gratitude in my heart.

What’s your football relationship with your father? Got any special stories to share? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/6/15/24449506/detroit-lions-fathers-day-stories-history
 
Lions GM Brad Holmes reiterates confidence in team’s defensive ends

Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes continues to suggest the team is happy with their defensive ends.

Last week, free agent defensive end Za’Darius Smith declared that he wants to re-sign with the Detroit Lions, leading many fans to get excited about finally adding to the team’s defensive end room. And while that signing could still very well happen, Lions general manager Brad Holmes made it pretty clear he’s happy with the room as it currently stands.

Speaking with former NFL defensive lineman Chris Long on the “Green Light” podcast, Holmes broke down why he’s happy with the team’s defensive ends. His argument was essentially three-fold.

Aidan Hutchinson looks like himself


Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had his 2024 season cut shot after breaking his leg last October. Hutchinson, who was on pace to be Defensive Player of the Year, was a full participant in Detroit’s OTA practices earlier this month, and Holmes said he looks like himself.

“Aidan looks great, man,” Holmes told Long. “He’s been out there in OTAs. I didn’t really expect anything else. You never truly, truly know, because you don’t have a crystal ball, but just knowing how that guy’s wired and how he attacks things and how in tune he is with his body, it did not surprise me. He’s out there, he looks explosive, he’s changing direction. I mean, he looks really good, man.”

He’s confident in the rest of his crew


Beyond Hutchinson, Holmes hyped up a trio of players in the defensive end room: veteran Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanein. Here’s what he said about each:

Marcus Davenport: “He was playing really good football for us before he unfortunately got hurt, man. Hopefully, he gets better luck on his side. He’s been out there, and I’ll say he looks just as good. His body is feeling great, his body looks great, and he had a good summer as well.”

Al-Quadin Muhammad: “(He) logged some good snaps for us, played good football, plays hard. He’s physical, he’ll set edges, and he plays with a lot of effort.”

Ahmed Hassanein: “He’s got some work to do from a developmental standpoint, just like they all do, but he’s not some fish out of water, raw, don’t know what he’s doing out there. When you look at his production, he had the most—in terms of sacks and pressures combined the last two years—he had the most production out of all the edge rushers in that class. It just so happens that he plays with his hair on fire, as well.”

Don’t forget their strength at defensive tackle


Holmes’ final point involved the rest of the defensive line. The Lions general manager argued that a team without a strong interior defensive line doesn’t stand a chance at doing much of anything. And he is confident in the depth and talent at defensive tackle.

“You know as well as anybody, if you’re not good in the middle—I don’t care what you have on the edges, at corner, and safety—if you’re not (strong) in the middle, it’s hard, man. That’s a hard life. So that’s why we were really happy to get (first-round pick) Tyleik (Williams) to really fortify that middle, along with DJ Reader still coming back. We were able to get Levi Onwuzurike back in free agency. And then, while we’re having Alim (McNeill) come back, too, we were able to sign Roy Lopez in free agency. So we feel really good about the middle because if that’s not right, there’s some long days on defense.”

As it pertains to Za’Darius Smith, Holmes didn’t make any comment about his chances to re-sign. Smith was mentioned in passing by Long, but Holmes did not address the situation.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...reiterates-confidence-in-teams-defensive-ends
 
How do the NFC North’s quarterbacks rank coming into 2025?

NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions

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How does Jared Goff compare to the young QBs around this division?

Blink and you miss it. With all the hype surrounding young quarterbacks, Jared Goff still stands as the presumed top dog in the NFC North. That may change at some point, but when that might be is always a question. Goff will have to deal with a new playcaller, but so so, too, will Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, and it’s practically a redshirt year for J.J. McCarthy.

On this episode of the Pride of Detroit PODcast, we return a small, manageable version of LISTCAST, our ranking system for all things in all places. We’ll be tackling the top players at positions in the NFC North and figuring out who comes out on top. This week, it’s quarterbacks. Jared Goff is the veteran of the division, while the rest of the group has questions—or relatively little body of work—and is banking on growth and development. So how does that all pan out, and where do you place Goff in relation to Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy and Jordan Love (and I suppose Malik Willis)?

Plus, we also discuss the ongoing saga with Za’Darius Smith, when he might return to the Detroit Lions, and go over more offseason rankings from news outlets of Lions players.

Thank you for your continued support of PODcast.

Subscribe to the PODcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Pride Of Detroit on Twitch to get notified when we record the PODcast live and chat with us. Video replays are available on Twitch and YouTube.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...d-goff-caleb-williams-jj-mccarthy-jordan-love
 
Open thread:: Should any Lions starters play in the preseason?

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions will have four preseason games. Should any starters make an appearance in those games?

It’s still over a month until the Detroit Lions will kick off the NFL preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, but it’s never too early to speculate about it.

While the Lions are retaining a large majority of their players from last year, there are a few significant new pieces in Detroit. They’ve got new coordinators on both sides of the ball. They may have a new starter at all three interior offensive line positions. Defensively, there will be some shakeups on the defensive line, along with a brand-new starter at CB1.

And given that the Lions have an extra preseason game now, it may make some sense to give some starters—who would otherwise only get “game” reps during the team’s three scheduled joint practices—a series or two this preseason.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Should any Lions starter play in the preseason this year?


My answer: Nah.

While I understand it may be nice for offensive coordinator John Morton and Jared Goff to get in a play-calling rhythm, they can get a lot of that work done in training camp. Defensively, the changes are so minor that there’s very little for the veterans to accomplish during the preseason.

The only starters I may consider playing in the preseason are the offensive line. If Tate Ratledge is the team’s starting center, it may make sense for the rookie to get some real playing time before the regular season rolls around. Plus, he’ll need to build some chemistry with whoever is playing alongside him. Then again, with both the offense and defense playing with vanilla call-sheets, it likely wouldn’t prepare Ratledge for the complex pressure packages he’ll see in the regular season.

Ultimately, the preseason will be good for the team’s long list of developmental players to grow. Guys like Hendon Hooker, Isaac TeSlaa, Giovanni Manu, Colby Sorsdal, Brodric Martin, Ahmed Hassanein, and several other young players will put together some valuable reps that could eventually help them grow into Lions contributors.

But for the starters, there is little to gain and a heck of a lot to lose. Keep them sidelined.

What do you think? Are there are Lions starters you’d like to get a little playing time before the regular season? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/6/19/24452071/should-any-detroit-lions-starters-play-preseason
 
Lions News: Peter Schrager names Jared Goff most important player in NFC

Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

From coaches to linemen, can JG still find success with a depleted supporting cast?

As the Detroit Lions offense adjusts to losing a few key pieces, one analyst is calling Jared Goff the most important player in the entire NFC.

“I think Jared Goff is the single-most important player in the NFC this season,” NFL analyst Peter Schrager said on ESPN’s “Get Up” this week. “There has been a raid of his coaching staff from the last several years—six different coaches gone, including Ben Johnson, and now you’re telling me thank Frank Ragnow is gone, his long-time center?”


ESPN’s Peter Schrager on Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff

“I think Jared Goff is the single most IMPORTANT player in the NFC this season”

( : @GetUpESPN ) pic.twitter.com/Qc1yKZW15V

— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) June 16, 2025

The question is—can Goff still get the job done in 2025, not only returning to the playoffs but helping Detroit finally win a Super Bowl? This couples nicely with a Pro Football Focus article analyzing which quarterbacks received the most support from their teammates. Goff came in first.

“At the top, Detroit’s incredible supporting cast has been a big reason for Jared Goff’s career renaissance,” PFF’s Dalton Wasserman writes. “Following a mediocre 61.7 PFF passing grade in his first season with the Lions in 2021, Goff has recorded an 83.4 PFF passing grade over the past three seasons, 10th best in the NFL.”

The argument for Goff’s continued success—the Lions scored the top PFF receiving grade last season at an average of 89.1, and those weapons are sticking around for 2025. Detroit ranked fourth in PFF rushing grades at 91.2, and the monster duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are also running it back come 2025. However, the Lions ranked 14th in PFF pass-blocking grades last season.

“Considering Jared Goff owns a paltry 44.8 PFF passing grade under pressure over the past three seasons, interior pass protection could be the Lions’ Achilles’ heel this season,” Wasserman said.

And onto the rest of your notes.

  • Congrats to Sam LaPorta and now wife Callie, who tied the knot this past weekend.

Best wishes to the happy couple! pic.twitter.com/Dinw6mVa2J

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 18, 2025


  • Craig Reynolds attempting to speak some Portuguese—not too shabby!

  • From over the weekend, Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon offers a sweet reflection on his father’s influence on his love of football.

A Father's Day reflection on life lessons from dad's and footballhttps://t.co/r2Iluvu9Jc

— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) June 15, 2025

  • Wild—check out these 2013 Lions season ticket prices.

Went through some stuff in my storage unit over the weekend and found this gem of the 2013 Detroit Lions season ticket prices.

#OnePride pic.twitter.com/8ekFK57seI

— Danny Bennett (@RealDannyB) May 12, 2025

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...names-jared-goff-most-important-player-in-nfc
 
Lions roster preview: For Jameson Williams, the best is yet to come

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Already one of the most explosive, big-play receivers in the NFL, Williams has another gear that has coaches and teammates excited for him to harness.

As the temperature reaches a fever pitch, so too does the anticipation for the Detroit Lions to return to their facilities at Allen Park for training camp.

Our roster preview series continues with a look at wide receiver Jameson Williams, a former first-round pick whose first few seasons were defined as much by promise as they were by polarizing, off-the-field issues. But as he enters Year 4, Williams has flipped the narrative and the trajectory of his career—earning praise from both coaches and teammates as a key cog in Detroit’s offensive machine.

Previous previews: Sam LaPorta, Aidan Hutchinson, Jake Bates

Jameson Williams

Expectations heading into 2024


Entering his third season in the NFL, it was finally time for Williams to leave the past behind him. There was no ACL injury or nagging hamstring issue to keep him off the field. There was no gambling suspension to delay his contributions to the offense. For the first time in his professional career, Williams was free of any distractions that would prevent him from realizing his potential.

Even the coaching staff could sense that a breakout season was on tap for the young receiver.

“And we’re two practices in (to OTAs) and if you said, ‘Give me one player that is the most improved from that start to finish in that time,’ Jamo would be that guy right now,” Dan Campbell said in the midst of 2024’s organized team activities. “He is a man on a mission, and I’m just going to leave it at that.”

Josh Reynolds had left to sign with the Denver Broncos, opening up both targets and opportunities in Detroit. Amon-Ra St. Brown was expecting big things out of Jamo at the start of training camp, going so far as to say he “knew” a big year was in store for him. The runway was clear for Williams to takeoff in 2024, and he had a lot of vocal support from coaches and players alike.

Actual role in 2024


Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated

15 games (11 starts)
Stats:
58 catches on 91 targets for 1,001 yards and 7 touchdowns; 11 carries for 61 yards and one touchdown.
PFF offensive grade: 75.7 (31st out of 110 qualifying WRs—minimum 34 targets)
PFF receiving grade: 76.5 (31st out of 110)
PFF drop grade: 76.6 (38th out of 110)
PFF run blocking grade: 62.2 (t-25th out of 142 qualifying WRs—minimum 87 blocking snaps)

It didn’t take long for Jamo to deliver on the offseason hype. In Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, Williams went off for (at the time) a career-high five receptions and 121 receiving yards, including a 52-yard touchdown to start the second half. Through the first five games of the season, he eclipsed his season-high for receiving yards (365) and receiving touchdowns (3), establishing himself as the big-play threat (22.8 yards per reception) he had flashed in years prior.

But then, another setback. On October 21, just a day after the Lions’ statement win over the Minnesota Vikings, Williams was suspended two games for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances policy. He expressed both surprise and disappointment in a personal statement published via his management team, and was adamant that he had never “taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage.” Instead of appealing the suspension, Jamo chose to “take it on the chin,” but after just a week of serving his suspension, things looked like they were about to snowball.

On October 29, WXYZ in Detroit reported that police were investigating why Williams avoided arrest on October 8 for possession of a firearm without a concealed pistol license. Williams avoided any further charges for the incident after a judge dismissed a request for a warrant a little over a month later, but once again, Dan Campbell was there to voice his support for his young receiver.

“For me, I judge people over what’s in their heart, and I know what this kid’s made of, and he’s worth hanging with,” Campbell said after the incident made its way to the public. “So, he’s going to learn from this, he’s going to grow, he’ll be better for all of this.”

To Williams’ credit, he put the distractions to the side for the rest of the year, returning for Week 10’s game against the Houston Texans—catching three passes for 53 yards—and then resetting his game-high for receiving yards twice down the stretch (124 vs. Jacksonville, 143 at Chicago). For an offense that went from 27.1 points per game to 33.2, Williams was the explosive difference-maker that put the team over the top, posting 17.3 yards per reception—placing sixth among wide receivers with at least 34 targets—and the third-best mark in yards after catch per reception (8.4).

Outlook for 2025


Even with a breakout season under his belt, there’s an ardent belief from the coaching staff that Jamo is still just scratching the surface, and there’s another level the receiver can take his game to in Year 4.

“What’s next? Oh, my God, he’s got a ton of growth left,” Campbell had to say during OTAs. “And you know, he’s listening, he’s had a good spring [...] I mean, there’s so much versatility with him. There are so many things that we can do just with his routes on the outside. I mean, we can do things inside, but just with his speed, and he’s gotten so much stronger.

“His ability to stop, put his foot in the ground. Man, when you [Williams] can run like you can run [...] you can stop on a dime, I mean, you talk about a hard cover. So, the sky’s the limit for him. He’s exactly where we want him to be right now at this point, man. He’s been here, he’s grinding, he’s getting better. [...] We expect him to have a huge season. We really do, man. He’s going to be one of those guys that we’re going to lean on this year, and it is really going to be big for us. And all he’s got to do is just keep working like he’s working and we’ll be good.”

In an effort to improve his ability at getting off the line of scrimmage—a reason some were skeptical of him playing the X-receiver role—Williams focused on getting stronger physically this offseason.

“Yeah, I talked to a couple people, you know, and they told me, like, why they lift weights and what it helped them with,” Williams shared. “And the thing I took from it was to get stronger. You know, I’m a little guy, DBs like to reroute and stuff like that. So, you know, I gotta run through (and/or) across linebackers. So, you know, I just had to get my strength up a little bit.”

Beyond the improvements Williams has made physically in his game, Scottie Montgomery, the Lions' newly reassigned wide receivers coach, is impressed with the receiver’s attention to detail in meetings.

“Once I got the job, he [Williams] knew exactly what it was,” Montgomery said. “He just came up just to say hello to me because he knew what we need to get done. And then now [...] probably one of the better meetings I’ve ever seen him in a setting. It was a total offensive meeting where you talk about the communication level and the questions and the football IQ and the acumen that he was asking questions about, is what you really wanted to see, and that’s what we got to do.”

But the work isn’t done, according to Montgomery. Williams is on track, but the two will continue to take it one day at a time while he works towards putting it all together.

“Are we where we want to be? No, we’re not there,” Montgomery acknowledged. “And I’m not saying that he’s showing us something that he’s not there, but we want to take baby steps. He keeps developing the way he’s at, the way he’s doing right now, he’s going to get to a location that he really, really likes. Really, really satisfied with where he is right now, but we got a long way to go.”

It’s one thing to have earned the trust and support of your coaches, but it’s another thing to see the development in Williams’ maturity as a leader. That’s something Jared Goff, someone who has had front row seats to the growth of Williams since he arrived in Detroit, has witnessed with his own two eyes.

“He’s done a hell of a job,” Goff celebrated about Williams’ commitment to growing. “Just continue to do what he’s done, and just get more consistent—and he’s done that. He really has. He’s working hard, he’s being a leader now, which is fun to see him grow into that and show guys how he wants to do things. He’s talking to me a ton. It’s fun, man.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-preview-jameson-williams-best-is-yet-to-come
 
Open thread: Do the Lions have a top-10 player at every position?

Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions’ roster is stacked... but it’s also good in just about every phase of the game.

I’m certain just the title of this article will bring some emotional reactions from some, but it says something that this is a legitimate question for the Detroit Lions roster. The truth of the matter is that the Lions roster remains stacked, and it’s not just at specific positions. It’s front to back.

Case in point: PFF dropped their 2025 NFL positional rankings this past month, and the Lions had representation at just about every single position when it comes to the top-10. Take a look:

QB: 9th (Jared Goff)
RB: 4th (Jahmyr Gibbs)
WR: 4th (Amon-Ra St. Brown)
TE: 5th (Sam LaPorta)
OT: 6th (Penei Sewell)
G: [None]
C: [None]
DT: 13th, 22nd (Alim McNeill, DJ Reader)
EDGE: 5th (Aidan Hutchinson)
LB: 8th (Jack Campbell)
CB: 6th (D.J. Reed)
S: 5th, 6th (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph)

So the Lions barely missed out on the top-10 at defensive tackle, they’re short a top-10 center after theirs suddenly retired earlier this offseason, and they don’t have a top-10 guard after letting one (Kevin Zeitler, ranked 9th) walk in free agency. In essence, you could argue that this team literally had a top-10 player at every position before the offseason hit.

Can you still make that argument, though?

That brings us to today’s Question of the Day:

Do the Detroit Lions have a top-10 player at every position?


Answer: No, but I think an argument could still be made.

Obviously, center is the toughest position to rationalize having a top-10 player. They don’t, and probably won’t for at least a couple years. Tate Ratledge could have that potential, but with his only experience being an emergency option at Georgia, his development is going to take some time, and we have no idea where his career will end up.

At guard, you could make an argument for Graham Glasgow. Let us not forget that in 2023, Glasgow finished eighth in PFF grade (he would end up ranking 27th on PFF’s offseason list in 2024), and while last year was a disappointment, he was dealing with significant injuries. If you really wanted to stretch the truth, an argument could be made for Christian Mahogany. Ignoring snap minimums, Mahogany finished with the third-best PFF grade among guards, earning a 91.5 grade—but on only 144 total snaps

As for defensive tackle, the hope is that Alim McNeill can remain in that conversation after tearing his ACL last year. However, it’s fair to expect that even when he comes back midseason, he likely won’t be at his best. Of course, the Lions just invested a first-round pick at the position. Can Tyleik Williams impress enough in his rookie season to take a jump into next year’s top-10 list? It’s probably too early for that.

However, the overall point still stands. Even at the positions the Lions don’t appear to have a top-10 player, they have young talent that has the potential to work their way into that conversation eventually.

It’s just another reminder that this roster is very impressive.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...troit-lions-top-10-players-every-nfl-position
 
Lions roster preview: Brodric Martin faces uphill climb

Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions

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Detroit’s investment along the interior defensive line this offseason speaks volumes. Brodric Martin now faces a critical summer to prove he still belongs.

We’re less than a month out from the start of training camp for the Detroit Lions, and our roster series preview rolls along with a look at Brodric Martin—a project that has yet to develop. Will Martin be the latest Day 2 draft pick of Brad Holmes to break through in Year 3, or has Detroit’s offseason of moves along the interior of the defensive line told us everything we need to know about the defensive tackle?

Previous previews: Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Aidan Hutchinson, Jake Bates

Brodric Martin

Expectations heading into 2024


Martin’s unique blend of size and length made him an appealing prospect to two-gap, eat blocks, and use his strength against the run at the line of scrimmage. But ultimately, he was a raw prospect who came in from a smaller school in Western Kentucky, needing time to develop his footwork, pad level, and technique to make an impact at the NFL level.

However, when the Lions made the move to acquire DJ Reader during the 2024 offseason, it was clear Detroit was looking for a more immediate and reliable upgrade to play next to Alim McNeill on early downs. That, too, signaled that Martin’s redshirt rookie season may carry over into his second season, but with a veteran mentor like Reader in his ear, Martin would have the perfect type of pro’s pro to learn from in Year 2.

“He’s a young pup, he’s running around, trying to figure things out, so I can’t wait to get my hands on him and just talk to him,” Reader said about Martin during his introductory press conference. “Talk to him about ball, how to play this position, especially that nose guard position.

“It’s a unique position and there’s a right way to do it and there’s a wrong way to do it and there’s just things you can learn that’ll help you out. Especially, I think you can be asked to take double teams on all the time, so hopefully I can help him a lot.”

Actual role in 2024


Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated

2 games (1 start)
Stats:
1 tackle
PFF defensive grade: 37.9 (189th out of 206 qualifying IDs—minimum 25 snaps)
PFF run defense grade: 42.5 (159th out of 206)
PFF tackling grade: 68.6 (35th out of 206)
PFF pass rush grade: 53.0 (173rd out of 206)

Unfortunately for Martin and his development, a hyperextended knee injury in the Lions’ preseason finale put him on injured reserve for the first 11 weeks of the regular season. He wouldn’t be made active until Week 13’s Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Chicago Bears—where he played just two snaps on defense. The following week against the Green Bay Packers, Martin would make his only start of the season, logging 23 defensive snaps (46%) in place of the injured Reader and Levi Onwuzurike.

Another season came and went for Martin, and that in and of itself sums it up. He was a healthy inactive for the final four weeks of the season despite the numerous injuries along Detroit’s defensive front. He logged just 25 total snaps on defense, recorded a single tackle, and remained buried on the depth chart.

Outlook for 2025


It’s going to be an uphill climb for Martin coming into his third season. The Lions drafted Tyleik Williams in the first round of the NFL Draft, signed Roy Lopez in free agency to a non-insignificant sum of money, and Reader returns for the second season of his two-year contract. All three of those players, and the veteran Pat O’Connor, who played quite a bit down the stretch for Detroit last year, start the season ahead of Martin on the depth chart.

The work he’s done to take better care of his body from a dietary standpoint—that resulted in him losing over 14 pounds last season—will hopefully carry over into this training camp as he finds himself with a lot of ground to make up. After a couple of redshirt seasons, this feels like a make-or-break summer for the future of Martin’s time in Detroit.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ter-preview-brodric-martin-faces-uphill-climb
 
Lions roster preview: Sione Vaki’s journey to 1,000 reps, special teams dominance

Detriot Lions v Kansas City Chiefs

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Sione Vaki became one of the league’s best special teamers as a rookie, but how close is he to seeing the field on offense?

Whenever Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell or general manager Brad Holmes are asked for their evaluation of a player or what traits they look for in a specific position, they will both inevitably bring up that they’re looking for “football players.” For the Lions, that means a player who loves and respects the game, is willing to put the team first, will grind out each and every assignment, and possesses the intangible traits that will make the team better.

As we head toward training camp, running back Sione Vaki enters his second year as one of the best “football players” on the Lions roster.

Previous previews: Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Aidan Hutchinson, Brodric Martin, Jake Bates

Sione Vaki

Expectations heading into 2024


At Utah, Vaki earned a starting safety role as a redshirt freshman, then expanded his contributions to offense as a redshirt sophomore, continuing to start in the secondary and taking on a running back role for the final six games of the season. When he attended the NFL Combine, he participated with the safety group but also took part in running back drills, demonstrating his positional versatility. While Vaki plays with a safety's attacking mentality, his natural skill set on offense is so appealing that, despite his limited experience, the Lions drafted him to play running back in the NFL.

Offense

On offense, Vaki entered his rookie season very raw. With just 56 offensive touches in college—along with slot receiver experience in high school—Vaki knew he had a lot of work to do before he would see the field as a running back.

“Coach (Scottie) Montgomery tells me all the time that I just need a thousand reps of it,” Vaki told Pride of Detroit during 2024 training camp. “Looking at it on paper versus actually going through it are two different things—or even seeing it on film. So, I’m just taking it rep-by-rep and just getting better every rep, (especially) on the finer details.”

During the pre-season, Vaki gained confidence through experience, and his on-field production improved with each game played. While his first NFL touches (against the Giants in the preseason) showed off his rushing instincts, Vaki showcased his hands the following week against the Chiefs, securing four receptions for 60 yards (hello, Texas route) during a two-minute drill. His offensive talent is clearly appealing, but Vaki acknowledged that at this stage of his development, he still had a lot of fundamental coaching to absorb.

“It’s still really early. I’m still young in the process,” Vaki told Pride of Detroit during the preseason. “Definitely, not close to 1,000 (reps) at all. But these preseason games, and especially joint practices, helped a lot. It’s just great to go against another team with other talent, and then in the game itself, being able to apply what you’ve been coached to do—you’ve really got to be able to put it all together. And I’m glad we have the right coaches to do that.”

Vaki did not participate in Detroit’s third preseason game against the Steelers—the Lions prefer not to risk key players to injury in the final game—but it wasn’t because of his contributions on offense; it was because he was already a four-phase special teams starter.

Special teams

Vaki certainly has several appealing offensive traits, but the Lions traded up in the fourth round to draft him because they felt he was the best special teams player in his draft class. His experience as a safety and running back gives him a unique perspective on the game, and those positional skills were expected to translate immediately to the NFL’s new special teams rules.

“With the kickoff rule being so new, I’m really trying to sit back and learn from Kalif (Raymond),” Vaki told Pride of Detroit during training camp. “He’s so poised when it comes to returning the ball, just the way he sees the holes, and he sees the (run) fits, he only has to make one cut and he’s gone, man. I wish I had speed like him, that would certainly help—but I’m definitely trying to learn a lot from him.”

While Raymond helped Vaki with tips on being a returner, the rookie also mentioned how much he appreciated the advice he was getting from core special teamers like Craig Reynolds, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Brock Wright for blocking and pursuit assignments.

Vaki didn’t play every phase of special teams at Utah, which created a bit of a learning curve for him in the NFL, but once again, his “football player” instincts helped accelerate his acclimation—something we saw early in the 2024 regular season.

Actual role in 2024


Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated

16 games (0 starts on offense, 16 starts on special teams)
Stats:
Six rushes, 14 yards; three catches on three targets for 37 yards; eight tackles, a forced fumble, and two kick returns for 55 yards
PFF offensive grade: 66.9 (28 offensive snaps)
PFF rushing grade: 60.1 (Six rushing attempts)
PFF receiving grade: 81.7 (Three receptions)
PFF pass blocking grade: Did not qualify
PFF run blocking grade: 53.7 (Six run blocking snaps)
PFF special teams grade: 90.5 (Seventh out of 580 players who played 100+ snaps - Vaki: 332 snaps)

Despite both Campbell and then-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson saying they would like to install situation-specific packages for Vaki, that didn’t come to fruition until late in the season. All six of Vaki’s carries came in clean-up duties (blow-out leads over Dallas and Jacksonville), while two of his three receptions came in Week 16 against Chicago, when Vaki was the Lions’ two-minute back at the end of the half.

Vaki’s other reception came in Week 2 against Tampa Bay, but that came on special teams, when he and punter Jack Fox connected on a beautiful fourth-down fake punt conversion deep in their own territory.


Jack Fox...moving the chains#TBvsDET | FOX pic.twitter.com/WblVd1oqil

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024

“Man, it was scary. I’m not going to lie,” Vaki told Pride of Detroit following the win over the Bucs. “I was expecting to go out there and get a regular punt in, you know, go down the field. But, coach Fipp has always had such confidence in the play—so shout out to the (coaches)—but he called it. We were walking out of the huddle, and I didn’t want to be too obvious, because you know my nerves were up, but I just didn’t want to mess up. (It was great) being able to go out there and create another opportunity for our offense to go put some points on the board.”

The conversion wasn’t Vaki’s only highlight reel special teams play of the season, as he also left us with this gem in Week 10 during the Lions’ comeback win over the Houston Texans.


two birds, one stone... the football version @sione_vaki | @Lions pic.twitter.com/iYPJEDLyPR

— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024

Being able to control and shed your block with one arm while simultaneously making a tackle with the other is truly fun stuff on special teams. But it wasn’t just highlights for Vaki, as both Campbell and Fipp routinely and unpromptedly brought up Vaki’s positive play on special teams, crediting him for his coverage skills, or sealing his block during an onside kick, and things of that nature.

“I think Vaki’s done a great job for us,” Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. “He’s got a good skillset. Obviously, his college experience probably helps. He was a defensive player and an offensive player in college, so he can play coverage aspects on special teams and return. He obviously has the catch for us on the fake; that’s a big play there. He’s done a good job in protection on punt, and really on all four phases, I feel like he’s done a good job.”

Outlook for 2025


Vaki finished the 2024 season as one of the best special teams players in the NFL, and there’s little reason to think that he won’t be one of the best in the league again in 2025. His versatile skill set, team-first mentality, and aggressive nature on the football field make him ideally suited for today’s special teams units. Expect him to be a fixture in the third phase of the game for the Lions over the next several seasons.

On offense, Vaki enters training camp as RB4 behind co-starters Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, as well as Craig Reynolds, who has been the Lions' RB3 the last three seasons. Vaki’s elite hands and high developmental ceiling will give him a chance to challenge for the RB3 role, but Reynolds is currently a far more consistent runner, which is why he remains higher on the depth chart for the time being.

With a year under his belt, Vaki has earned his coach's trust, and his reliable receiving skills should, at the very least, enable him to be utilized in specific situations, such as the two-minute drill. But for Vaki to fully pass Reynolds on the depth chart, he’ll need to prove that he can be a consistent contributor with the ball in his hands, and that will take time.

We’ll find out how far along he is on his path to 1,000 reps in training camp.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...sione-vakis-1000-reps-special-teams-dominance
 
Open thread: Which 2025 Lions Day 3 draft pick will have the best career?

Syndication: Detroit Free Press

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Which Day 3 Detroit Lions draft pick is most likely to have a prestigious NFL career?

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has managed to find some diamonds in the NFL Draft. While he’s done an amazing job with his first-round picks, what has made him a special drafter is what he’s done in Day 3 of the draft. He’s managed to find the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez in his first two drafts alone. And early returns on Sione Vaki and Christian Mahogany are encouraging, as well.

This year, the Lions had four Day 3 picks—tied for the most Holmes has selected during his time as Lions general manager.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Lions 2025 Day 3 draft pick has the best chance to succeed?


My answer: I’m tackling this question for the long term, not just their chance at contributing in 2025.

As a reminder, here are the four Lions picks made on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • Round 5: OL Miles Frazier
  • Round 6: EDGE Ahmed Hassanein
  • Round 7: S Dan Jackson
  • Round 7: WR Dominic Lovett

The easiest answer is probably Miles Frazier, seeing as he was selected highest among the group, and some believed he should have gone earlier in the draft. Add on that the future of Detroit’s interior offensive line is very much up for grabs, and Frazier has a realistic path to eventually become a starter along the offensive line. Granted, it would take ideal development from all three players, but it’s possible Detroit’s future offensive line has already arrived: Frazer and Mahogany at guard with Tate Ratledge at center.

Hassanein is likely to be a popular answer simply because of the unknown ceiling for a player who is still just learning the game. His athletic traits aren’t quite elite, but it’s clear his football character is—and it’s hard to bet against guys like that. His 2025 contributions figure to be somewhat limited, but his long-term potential could eventually lead him to topping this list.

My pick, however, is Dan Jackson. I just got done wrapping a podcast with Georgia beat writer Anthony Dasher (coming to Pride of Detroit Direct subscribers on Monday), and he raved about Jackson above and beyond any other picks we’ve discussed with college beat writers so far. Immediately, Jackson should be a four-phase special teamer for Detroit. And while there’s no clear path to him becoming a starter at safety considering the Lions have two top-10 players at that position, I do believe Jackson could win the backup job sooner rather than later and eventually get some playing time on defense. He has the football IQ and instincts to play the position well, and his character is also outstanding—as evidenced by his commitment to playing (and staying) at Georgia as a walk-on, despite not being a full-time starter until his final season.

In short, I think Jackson has the highest floor, and should be—at a minimum—a long-term special teams contributor.

Which Day 3 pick do you think will go on to have the best Lions career? Vote in the poll below and share your reasoning in the comment section.

Which 2025 Lions Day 3 pick will have the best NFL career?

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-detroit-lions-day-3-pick-most-likely-succeed
 
Jared Goff teases Tom Brady in new ‘Quarterback’ Netflix trailer

NFL: Super Bowl LIII-Opening Night

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff pokes some fun at Tom Brady in the new Netflix “Quarterback” season 2 trailer.

Back in March, it was announced that Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff would be featured in the new season of Netflix’s docuseries “Quarterback.” This week, we’re getting our first glimpse at it.

On Monday morning, Netflix and NFL Films dropped the trailer for season 2, and it’s filled with a bunch of goodies courtesy of the Lions starting quarterback. Other quarterbacks to be featured this season include Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, and Falcons quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Here’s a look at the two-minute trailer:


New season of QUARTERBACK on Netflix — from @NFLFilms and @OmahaProd — premieres Tuesday July 8. pic.twitter.com/viXIVW6Nf8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 23, 2025

Based on the trailer, it looks like we can expect plenty from the Lions’ 2025 season. From Goff’s relationship with his wife, Christen Harper, to his dedication to the city of Detroit and even his touchdown catch, there will be no shortage of storylines from the Lions’ 15-2 season last year. However, my favorite part of the trailer comes right at the midway point. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady, as part of the FOX broadcast, proclaims, “I’d love to be the quarterback of this offense. It’s just so much fun.”

The video then smash cuts to Jared Goff talking straight into the camera.

“Yeah, too bad, Tom. You’re retired.”

This is the second straight year the Netflix documentary series will feature a Detroit Lions player. Last year, Netflix decided to follow receivers, and All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of the five players featured.

Goff’s season of “Quarterback” will drop on Tuesday, July 8. At this point, it’s unclear how many episodes will air, but the “Receiver” season had eight episodes all about an hour long—and all eight dropped at the same time.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...rady-new-quarterback-netflix-trailer-season-2
 
2025 Detroit Lions roster preview: Ennis Rakestraw’s mindset fuels comeback season

Los Angeles Rams v Detroit Lions

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Missouri product played just eight games in 2024, but his mindset and versatility make him a player to watch entering training camp.

Training camp is nearly here, and with it comes a fresh start for players looking to carve out roles on a competitive Detroit Lions roster. For cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., that fresh start couldn’t come soon enough. After a hamstring injury cut short his rookie season, the former Missouri standout is eager to show how he grew during his quasi redshirt year—and ready to prove why the Lions made him their pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Previous previews: RB Sione Vaki, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Brodric Martin, LB Grant Stuard, K Jake Bates

Ennis Rakestraw

Expectations heading into 2024


For the second straight offseason, Brad Holmes had overhauled the secondary, but with a different approach this time around.

Brian Branch’s move to safety solidified the backend of Detroit’s defense, but with the release of Cam Sutton, the less-than-smooth departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and the team moving on from reserves like Jerry Jacobs and Will Harris, there were plenty of spots up for grabs at all three cornerback spots.

Free agency brought the trade for Carlton Davis and the signing of Amik Robertson, but that was just the beginning. The Lions moved up in the first round to draft Terrion Arnold. When it was the turn for the Lions to pick again at pick No. 61, Holmes doubled down on the youth movement at cornerback when he drafted Rakestraw, a player some draftniks had plugged to Detroit in the first round of mocks during the pre-draft process.

During training camp and preseason, Rakestraw saw playing time at both outside and nickel corner, and it was the rookie’s physicality and athleticism that earned the attention and praise of head coach Dan Campbell.

“They [Rakestraw and Arnold] don’t mess around, for rookies, and they’re trying to win the rep and they’re trying to get better and they’re both athletic,” Campbell said during training camp. “So, you feel like, okay, there again, first day it’s not too big for them. They were ready for the challenge of it. Now, do they have a lot of work? Yeah, they do, so it was very encouraging.”

Rakestraw showed some impressive coverage skills in his only preseason action against the New York Giants, allowing just one catch for 0 yards and earning the team’s second-best coverage grade (81.7). Despite the strong showing, Rakestraw was behind both Arnold and Davis on the outside, and Robertson won the first crack at the team’s nickel spot. Special teams would be Rakestraw’s prime opportunity to make an impact heading into his rookie season, but the best ability is availability, and injuries could always pave the path to playing snaps on defense.

Actual role in 2024


Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated

8 games (0 starts)
Stats
: 6 tackles
PFF defensive grade: 42.8 (176th out of 188 CBs who played at least 46 snaps)
PFF coverage grade: 41.0 (173rd out of 188)
PFF run defense grade: 53.3 (145th out of 188)
PFF tackling grade: 48.2 (129th out of 188)

Unfortunately for Rakestraw, the rookie’s NFL initiation was marred with injuries of his own. After earning 11 snaps on special teams in the season opener—and three snaps at outside cornerback—Rakestraw was in line to start at nickel cornerback in Week 2’s tilt against the Arizona Cardinals.

“A lot of people didn’t know that,” Rakestraw would reveal during locker room clean out in January. “I got hurt in warm-ups. So, it was kind of setback and step back.”

The hamstring injury that kept Rakestraw out of the starting lineup would continue to nag at him throughout his rookie season, landing him on injured reserve ahead of Detroit’s Week 12 game against the Indianapolis Colts and causing him to miss nine games in total—seven of those after being placed on IR.

When Rakestraw was on the field, he played in all four phases on special teams, earning 95 snaps of experience in that role. He wound up playing just 46 snaps on defense over those first 11 weeks, mostly during the team’s lopsided victories over the Dallas Cowboys (17) and Tennessee Titans (14).

Though his rookie season never got off the ground the way he or the team had hoped, Rakestraw managed to gain valuable experience—and perspective—in limited action.

“Every situation that came to me, ask anybody in the training room, anybody in the building, I took it under the chin and I kept going, showed face, smiled every day and it just didn’t go my way,” Rakestraw shared during his final media availability of the season. “And in some aspects in life, everything don’t go your way, but it’s not about that no more. It’s the next step. We already lost, game over with. Now, let’s develop a new habit, new body and be available. That’s all I can do.”

Outlook for 2025


Detroit’s offseason saw the team lose Carlton Davis to free agency, but in a one-to-one move, the Lions added D.J. Reed to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback. With both Reed and Arnold set as starters on the outside, it was reasonable to believe Rakestraw may be headed back to the spot he was in line to start at last season: the slot.

However, Deshea Townsend, the Lions defensive backs coach, let it be known that the team has a different set of plans for the second-year corner.

“Right now, we’re going to let him [Rakestraw] focus on outside, let him go compete out there,” Townsend said in May. “Amik [Robertson] has done a really good job (at nickel). We have Avonte [Maddox], who is another positional flex type of person. I think that will help him, as well.”

Working in Rakestraw’s favor is that competitive frame of mind he shared at the season’s end, and Townsend thinks Rakestraw recognizes the challenges ahead of his second year in the NFL.

“The thing I do like about how he came back is just his mindset,” Townsend said. “You can tell he understood what went wrong last year. And there are some things you can’t control, like injuries. For him, it’s now just, ‘how can I be stronger? What did I do last year, like being a rookie training for the combine and doing all that? Now, I get to really focus on myself and my craft a little bit more,’ not having to worry about those things. He understands.”

Contributing on special teams sounds like the likeliest route Rakestraw will get to make an impact on the field this season. From a big picture standpoint, Rakestraw could very well be the next in line to play the slot after this season since Robertson is playing the second year of his two-year contract he signed last offseason. But in the here and now—and after a season where the Lions dealt with more injuries than you could shake a stick at—it sounds like the team is valuing and prioritizing Rakestraw’s ability on the outside should his number get called.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...nnis-rakestraws-mindset-fuels-comeback-season
 
Aidan Hutchinson contract projection: Lions looking at the top of an expensive market

Lions Cardinals Football

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Aidan Hutchinson’s contract with the Lions is going to be really expensive, so here are the numbers.

One of the easiest decisions this offseason for the Detroit Lions was picking up the fifth-year option of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, guaranteeing him $19.872 million for the 2026 season.

Hutchinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, accumulated 21 sacks and 149 pressures over his first two seasons, but played just five games in 2024 due to a fractured tibia and fibula.

He returned to the practice field earlier this offseason and is expected to be all good for Year 4, where the Lions will push for a Super Bowl after going 15-2 in 2024 before falling short in the playoffs.

Hutchinson is Detroit’s superstar defender, and will return as the leader of the unit in 2025, hoping to return to his previous form and remain a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

Entering the fourth year of his career, it’s natural that extension talks are happening for Hutchinson, who has two years of team control left with the fifth-year option exercised.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the possibility, noting that the team has already begun to budget for the ever-rising defensive end market.

“[The rising cost for edge rushers] is what it is,” Holmes said earlier this offseason, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I mean, we had it in that range kind of already when we do our future planning and budgeting, but then obviously when it goes up it just goes up and that’s just what you got to prepare for.”

Given the injury and the team control, Detroit could wait another offseason to sign its star pass rusher. But the price tag would undoubtedly go up if Hutchinson produces like he did in 2024 before the injury, where he was arguably a top-five defender in football.

So, it could make sense for Hutchinson and the Lions to reach an extension early and get a long-term deal done before the start of the 2025 season. What could that look like?

Baseline numbers for an Aidan Hutchinson contract extension


There have been quite a few major deals in the edge rusher market this offseason, with some potentially still on the way.

Myles Garrett became the highest-paid defender in the NFL when signing a four-year extension worth $40 million annually with the Cleveland Browns.

Maxx Crosby also inked up with the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $106.5 million deal that includes $91.5 million guaranteed. And Danielle Hunter got a massive one-year, $35.6 million extension to keep him in Houston until 2026.

Not to mention, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, and Trey Hendrickson are all looking for long-term deals this offseason. So, it’s been a busy market for edge rushers, to say the least. Where does Hutchinson fit into the mix?

Well, looking first at the Lions’ numbers, they have handed out four-year deals to most of their young stars, including Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120 million), Penei Sewell (four years, $112 million), Alim McNeill (four years, $97 million), and Kerby Joseph (four years, $86 million).

I’d immediately look at Crosby’s deal as the bottom-tier baseline for Hutchinson. While Crosby has a longer resume and some better numbers, he’s coming off a season where he had 7.5 sacks and is three years older than Hutchinson.

The injury could play a factor, but I still believe Hutchinson will get a strong deal, and the market is only continuing to grow. The question is will he eclipse the $40 million per year barrier set by Myles Garrett?

Projecting a new Aidan Hutchinson’s deal

Looking at our baselines, Crosby’s deal was a three-year, $106.5 million extension with $91.5 million in guarantees. Now, being older, it makes sense for Crosby to seek a three-year deal, but I believe the Lions will stick to their trend and look for a four-year deal with Hutchinson.

In a way, the structure could be very similar to Penei Sewell, who was extended heading into Year 4 with two years of team control left.

While I was initially skeptical that Hutchinson could reach the $40 million range, the ever-evolving pass-rusher market makes me believe that he’ll ultimately get to that figure on a per-year basis for the new money.

To put matters into perspective, the Lions star currently has two years and $30 million remaining on his rookie contract when factoring in the fifth-year option. So, if he were to sign a four-year deal worth around $160 million, that would take his total compensation to six years and $190 million, which factors to around $31.7 million per year.

That’s still a large sum of money, but it would rank as the sixth-highest salary for a defensive player in the NFL, not first.

When considering that, it would be smarter for the Lions to get ahead of the contract before the market skyrockets to get a deal done. It also seems to be in Hutchinson’s best interest to lock in a long-term contract after his major injury this offseason, so I could very well see the two sides attempt to hammer out an extension over the coming months.

Projection: 4 years, $160 million, $124 million in total guarantees

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ons-looking-at-the-top-of-an-expensive-market
 
Lions roster preview: Pat O’Connor has a few key advantages

Syndication: Detroit Free Press

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A trusted veteran with special teams chops and inside-out flexibility, Pat O’Connor enters camp with a familiar coach and a real shot at sticking in Detroit.

Training camp represents something different to every type of player in the NFL. For young players, it’s a chance to establish themselves as promising contributors. For star players, it’s time to remind everyone—including those young up-and-comers—that they’re the best at what they do. And for veterans on the proverbial roster bubbles, it’s one last shot to prove they still belong.

For defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, that opportunity means showing he can still add value to a loaded Detroit Lions front. The 31-year-old journeyman has carved out a role over the years with toughness, effort, and special teams reliability—but with younger talent pushing from below, O’Connor enters camp knowing nothing is guaranteed.

Previous previews: RB Sione Vaki, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta, OT Giovanni Manu, G Graham Glasgow, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Brodric Martin, LB Grant Stuard, CB Ennis Rakestraw, K Jake Bates

Pat O’Connor

Expectations heading into 2024


O’Connor was originally drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but was cut at the end of training camp. He stuck around with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for seven seasons—be it on the practice squad or the active roster—before coming back to the Lions midway through training camp in 2024, signing with Detroit after John Cominsky suffered a torn MCL in practice.

With the Lions down a rotational defensive end, O’Connor could provide depth at the position should Detroit have to deal with any other injuries—they would. He also came to Detroit with a ton of experience on special teams, playing over 1,300 special teams snaps across all four phases with the Bucs.

Actual role in 2024


Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated

12 games (0 starts)
Stats:
18 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1.0 sack, two tackles for loss
PFF defensive grade: 43.5 (130th out of 146 qualifying DTs—minimum 193 snaps)
PFF pass rush grade: 55.3 (t-111th out of 146)
PFF run defense grade: 47.9 (t-94th out of 146)
PFF tackling grade: 28.2 (t-136th out of 146)

Although he didn’t crack the initial 53-man roster, instead ending up on Detroit’s practice squad to begin the year, it wasn’t long before O’Connor earned a call-up. Promoted from the practice squad ahead of Week 7, O’Connor went on to contribute in all 12 remaining regular season games, playing a career-high 245 defensive snaps.

Beyond the number of snaps he played, what stood out most was O’Connor’s versatility. Known mostly as a defensive end in his time with the Buccaneers, he stepped in primarily at nose tackle following Kyle Peko’s season-ending injury in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys—giving the Lions valuable depth across the line and a trusted veteran in the locker room.

“The guys love him. I love him,” former Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams said about O’Connor last season. “He works his butt off. He does a good job on special teams, but more than anything, the position flexibility. Like, he can play nose tackle, end.”

Besides playing the most defensive snaps he ever had in a season, O’Connor also set season-high marks in pressures (10), tackles (18), and defensive run stops (4).

Outlook for 2025


Heading into free agency, the Lions had plenty of questions all along the defensive line. Alim McNeill’s injury would keep him sidelined well into the season, so who would play alongside DJ Reader? Was Levi Onwuzurike going to sign for a bag elsewhere after finally getting healthy and producing? What is the plan opposite of Aidan Hutchinson?

O’Connor was never expected to be the solution at the top of the depth chart, but the Lions have taken several steps this offseason to strengthen their defensive front, top to bottom. Onwuzurike re-signed with the Lions on a very team-friendly deal, and they also made a relatively sizable investment in Roy Lopez, giving Detroit another rotational run defender. Marcus Davenport is back on a one-year deal with something to prove. In the draft, Tyleik Williams is another stout interior presence with pass-rushing upside à la McNeill—the guy he’ll eventually be playing next to—and Ahmed Hassanein is project with the attitude ripe for Dan Campbell’s leadership.

So where does that leave O’Connor?

O’Connor will enter camp with a few tangible advantages that could bolster his chances of sticking on Detroit’s roster. For one, and it can’t be overstated, his versatility is something the Lions covet in their defensive linemen. Combine that with his extensive experience on special teams and that’s something Detroit will certainly take into consideration when making their back-end roster calculations. But perhaps most notably, the addition of Kacy Rodgers to Detroit’s coaching staff—O’Connor’s former position coach in Tampa Bay for five seasons—provides familiarity. Rodgers already understands O’Connor’s strengths, work habits, and role flexibility, and that could give him a clearer path to carving out a spot in an otherwise crowded defensive line room.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...nors-edge-positional-flexibility-kacy-rodgers
 
Lions LB Malcolm Rodriguez faces critical, shortened year

Detroit Lions v Dallas Cowboys

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Malcolm Rodriguez will miss the start of the 2025 season, but when he returns, the Lions linebacker faces the most important football of his NFL career.

As the Detroit Lions proved last year, depth can sometimes be as important as your top-end talent. You never know when or where the injury bug is going to hit, but when it does, you'd better be prepared.

Last year, it was the linebacker position (among others) for the Lions, and that’s where they had one of their best depth players waiting: Malcolm Rodriguez. Unfortunately, his season was cut short, making 2025 an extremely important year for his football future.

Previous previews: RB Sione Vaki, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta, OT Giovanni Manu, G Graham Glasgow, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Brodric Martin, DL Pat O’Connor, LB Grant Stuard, CB Ennis Rakestraw, K Jake Bates

Malcolm Rodriguez

Expectations heading into 2024


With Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, and Alex Anzalone firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, Rodriguez was expected to be the primary backup at both off-ball linebacker positions.

Despite being a former starter for the Lions—and showing he can hang with an expanded defensive role—Rodriguez displayed a very positive attitude that impressed then-linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.

“A guy like Malcolm and you lose sight of a guy like this when you’re sitting up here talking about Jack Campbell, Jack Campbell, well those guys are his biggest fan and he’s their biggest fan,” Sheppard said. “It’s times where I’m pulling guys off the field, and I’m like, ‘I gotta get him three reps.’ [Rodriguez] is like, ‘It’s all good, coach, I want him to play.’ And you rarely find that in this sport, where guys are competing for monetary prizes and things like that. But we’re fortunate to have that.”

Additionally, coming off a season in which he played 307 special teams snaps, Rodriguez figured to be a huge part of Detroit’s special teams unit.

Actual role in 2024


10 games (6 starts) — 318 defensive snaps
Stats: 43 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery
PFF defensive grade: 74.4 (16th out of 90 qualifying LBs —minimum 251 snaps)
PFF pass rush grade: 54.9 (t-70th out of 90)
PFF run defense grade: 87.1 (7th out of 90)
PFF tackling grade: 76.7 (13th out of 90)
Special teams grade (140 snaps): 62.6

As you may remember, the Lions suffered injuries early and often in 2024. Derrick Barnes was headed for a huge role, but an injury ended his season in Week 3.

Immediately, the Lions had to rely on Rodriguez to jump in and fill a critical defensive role (he had already had a rotational role of about 15-20 snaps a game). Unfortunately, Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury of his own in Week 8, causing him to essentially miss three games. But when he came back, he was needed more than ever.

Detroit’s linebacking corps took its biggest hit when Alex Anzalone broke his arm in Week 11. Rodriguez, again, was pushed into a critical role and responded with two of his best games of the season: he earned an impressive 80.9 PFF grade in 43 snaps against the Jaguars and followed up with an eight-tackle performance (and 85.2 PFF run defense grade) game against the Colts. Lions coach Dan Campbell was certainly grateful for his presence at the time.

“It’s good to get Rodrigo back because he does, he gives us a lot of flexibility,” Campbell said. He can play the WILL, he can play the SAM out in space, he’s been playing kind of that big nickel, and so having him back it does, it relieves a lot of pressure there. And I thought, there again, I thought he played really well yesterday. He’s got a nose for the football, he’s aggressive, and he just, he has production back there, so it’s big getting him back.”

A mere 10 days after Campbell said that, Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL that would end his season.

Overall, Rodriguez proved he is still an absolute force in the run game, he can play multiple roles as the primary backup, and can still pitch in on special teams if he has to.

Outlook for 2025


Unfortunately for Rodriguez, his injury is expected to linger two months into the 2025 season.

“Conservatively, November,” Campbell said, estimating Rodriguez’s return date. “Yeah, that’s probably the best way to say it. Probably November. Somewhere in there.”

That’s a terrible turn of events for Rodriguez, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Over the course of his first three seasons—mind you, as a sixth-round pick—he has started 24 games, picked up 151 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and some of the best special teams play the Lions have had in the Dan Campbell era.

In short, Rodriguez is exceptional depth with starting upside on defense and a four-core special teamer. Teams need players like that. But as he heads into 2025 needing a big season to justify his first major payday in the NFL, he’ll unfortunately miss around half of the year. And when he comes back, it’ll be tough to expect him to pick up where he left off.

Still, it’s a fascinating year for the 26-year-old linebacker. Can he put enough tape out there to justify getting a starter-level contract elsewhere?

Or will his future remain in Detroit? Barnes and Campbell are likely here long-term, but Alex Anzalone is currently heading into a contract year, and Detroit hasn’t extended him yet. Do the Lions view Rodriguez as a younger replacement for Anzalone, and is there anything Rodriguez can do in a shortened year to convince them? Or would the Lions only consider an extension as the team’s primary backup?

It’s unfortunate Rodriguez won’t have the full season to prove he’s capable of being an NFL starter somewhere, but that could ultimately work to Detroit’s advantage. It would not be surprising if the Lions were able to retain him on a prove-it deal in 2026, and then let him find a starting gig elsewhere in 2027.

Either way, whatever amount of games Rodriguez plays in 2025, they’ll be critical to his future.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...lcolm-rodriguez-faces-critical-shortened-year
 
Open thread: What are you doing on your football-less Sundays?

San Francisco Giants v Detroit Tigers

Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images

We’re in the dead of Michigan summer. How are you passing the time?

Not only is the NFL offseason now five months deep, but the sports calendar is drying up in the summer heat. The NBA and NHL recently finished their seasons, and while their respective drafts brought some recent intrigue, they don’t do the draft like the NFL does. Until the Detroit Lions return in about four weeks, all we’ve got is baseball and a few niche sports to carry us.

It’s Sunday and I’m missing football more than ever. So today’s Question of the Day is:

What are you doing to pass time during football-less Sundays?

My answer:
This offseason, I’ve already taken a pair of trips—Sedona and Salt Lake City—but I’m spending the rest of my time “off” right here in Michigan. I do love Michigan summers, even with the humidity and pesky insects that can put a damper on the season.

So I am to spend as much time outdoors over the next few weeks. I’ve recently picked up disc golf as a hobby—and got my first ace a few years back. I’ve probably got at least a dozen rounds still left in me before training camp. Outside of that, I’m eager to spend more time downtown to explore the sites and food Detroit has to offer, as they continue to expand.

How are you spending your summer? Got any Michigan trips you’d recommend? Scroll down to the comment section and let’s hear it!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/6/29/24458062/michigan-summer-activities-football-less-sundays
 
VIDEO: Jared Goff gets emotional in ‘Quarterback’ season 2 preview

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions


In a preview for season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Quarterback,’ Jared Goff gets emotional retelling the first few moments of his trade to the Detroit Lions.

We’re just about a week away from the debut of Netflix’s second season of “Quarterback,” which will heavily feature Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, as well as Kirk Cousins and Joe Burrow. On Monday, ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show” debuted a long clip of the show that depicts Goff retelling his emotions during the moment in which he was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions.

For many, it may have been a humiliating moment to be traded away—with a load of draft picks—by the team that you helped take to the Super Bowl just a year prior. But Goff talks about how phone calls with Lions general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell immediately changed his perspective of the moment.

“It kinda brought me from this moment of like picking up the pieces to, like, reinvigorated with this energy of, ‘Oh, this is what it feels like to truly be wanted and to have these guys behind you,’” Goff said. “I hadn’t felt that in quite some time.”

Campbell remembers the call, too, and in a testimonial to the Netflix show, he recalled telling Goff that they’re a duo now.

“I just wanted to make sure that he understood how excited we were, how excited I was,” Campbell said. “You’re going to be part of the foundation. We’re going to build this from the ground up. You’re going to be a huge part of this, and you’re ours. You belong with us. We’re going to be tied to the hip.”

Campbell reiterated that point a little later.

“That’s my guy. That’s my quarterback,” Campbell said. “Every head coach has got a quarterback. If you want to have success, you better have a quarterback, and I’ve got one.”

Ultimately, Goff started to see the outstanding opportunity that Detroit provided. Working with a first-time head coach and a first-time general manager, they had the chance to bring success to a franchise that hadn’t seen any in seven decades. That’s when Goff got a little emotional.

“To be able to be the first decision they made when they got here and prove them right—how great of an opportunity is that?” Goff said. “Sorry, I’m trying not to cry, but—it’s been so incredible to build with them. That moment of hearing them on the phone, knowing (that) the opportunity that I had here was special.”

You can view the entire clip here:


LADIES AND GENTLEMEN..

Quarterback on @netflix is BACK on July 8th..

Here’s an EXCLUSIVE trailer for the upcoming season #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/fbxJsZ0qdw

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 30, 2025

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...f-gets-emotional-quarterback-season-2-preview
 
Ranking the receiving corps of the NFC North

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

David Reginek-Imagn Images

The PODcast breaks down the top WR/TE corps in the Detroit Lions’ division.

With preseason football just under a month away now, the ranking of things is a noble and honorable tradition. Just the other day, I got two radio hosts very mad at each other over a question of “top-10 quarterbacks” and they were yelling in the hallway. I feel proud. Football is nearly here.

One team in the NFC North has the best wide receiver in the NFL (or second best, depends who you ask and want to fight), but does that team have the best full group of receivers and tight ends? Well, it’s time to rank and list.

On this episode of the Pride of Detroit PODcast, we’re examining how much time could be left for some of the Lions veterans, what to expect from their production in 2025, and how they can fend off younger players. We discuss how Tim Patrick and Isaac TeSlaa don’t necessarily overlap, debate when the decision comes due with Taylor Decker, and how Alex Anzalone is still playing at a top level.

Plus, we unveil the next part of LISTCAST. We’ve bundled together wide receivers and tight ends and now we put together the PODcast’s definitive ranking of receiving corps in the NFC North. Justin Jefferson is a beast, but does it put the Vikings above the Lions? And how can the Packers really get the hype when they’ve got receivers like that?

Thank you for your continued support of PODcast.

Subscribe to the PODcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Pride Of Detroit on Twitch to get notified when we record the PODcast live and chat with us. Video replays are available on Twitch and YouTube.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ankings-top-wr-te-corps-detroit-lions-podcast
 
Open thread: Which Lions are likely to make their first Pro Bowl in 2025?

Detroit Lions v Green Bay Packers

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Predicting who, besides Kerby Joseph, will be named to their first Pro Bowl Team this season

I get it. Pro Bowl recognition isn’t what it used to be. The format has changed, alternates abound, and some players would rather skip it entirely. But Pro Bowl nods still carry real weight in a player’s career narrative, and in discussions surrounding title contenders like the Detroit Lions.

Detroit has resoundingly become one of the most talented rosters in football. With strong fan voting support and consistent team success, the Lions have averaged nearly seven Pro Bowl selections per season over the last three years. They’ve sent three players each year in that span (Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Frank Ragnow), while their total recipients jumped from five in 2022, to seven in 2023, and eight last season.

Here are the current Lions who’ve already earned at least one Pro Bowl selection:

  • Aidan Hutchinson
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown
  • Brian Branch
  • Jack Fox
  • Jahmyr Gibbs
  • Jared Goff
  • Penei Sewell
  • Sam LaPorta
  • Taylor Decker

For this exercise, I’m excluding Kerby Joseph, who was one of the most egregious Pro Bowl snubs in the last few seasons after earning First Team All-Pro last season. It would surprise no one if Joseph makes multiple Pro Bowls in his career, including his first in 2025.

So the question remains: who besides Joseph will earn their first Pro Bowl nod this season (and hopefully bow out for a bigger game in February)?

My answer: Jack Campbell


I admit, Jameson Williams feels like the saucy lay-up answer here after his first 1,000-yard season and potential for improved availability, but wide receiver is insanely competitive. And if you know me, you know I was tempted to slam dunk my vote for Christian Mahogany after rewatching his two starts last season (okay, that’s enough basketball metaphors).

I think the Lions defense will continue to elevate itself despite losing Aaron Glenn, building on its top-10 status last season in points allowed, yards per play, success rate, EPA per play, and more. That creates opportunities for names like Alex Anzalone to finally receive national recognition, or for Terrion Arnold to emerge in a Year 2 leap. But my pick is Anzalone’s running mate: Jack Campbell.

Campbell has the first-round pedigree and classic Iowa outdoorsman demeanor to become a recognizable name anchoring a lights-out defense. More importantly, he played faster last season, looking increasingly comfortable with NFL speed as the year progressed.

He’s also shown impressive durability, playing in every game across his two-year career—a must for any reliable MIKE backer. His combined tackles jumped to 131 last season (top-20 in the NFL) despite Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes missing time and the front seven enduring multiple injuries. Now, Campbell will have a more imposing defensive tackle rotation in front of him with D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, and eventually Alim McNeill to free him up to make impact plays.

His passes defensed rose to five last year, reflecting growing comfort in coverage, and he forced his first turnover (a fumble against Seattle). He also recorded 1.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and five QB hits.

To become a Pro Bowler, Campbell will need to generate even more splash plays, and he’ll have ample opportunity with national eyeballs on Detroit in seven primetime or standalone games plus multiple America’s Game of the Week slots. The one caveat: only two Pro Bowl slots go to inside linebackers, and you can etch Fred Warner’s name into a stone tablet. But with Bobby Wagner, Demario Davis, and Lavonte David slowing down with age, there’s a hole to fill—as Zack Baun capitalized upon last season.

I fully expect Jack Campbell, entering Year 3, to make noise for Motor City in the middle and earn his first Pro Bowl bid in 2025.

Now it’s your turn. Vote and comment below:

Which Lions player (besides Kerby Joseph) will make their first Pro Bowl team this season?

Which Lions player will make their first Pro Bowl in 2025?

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/7/2/24459812/detroit-lions-pro-bowlers-2026-new-candidates
 
Lions player defends Detroit after WNBA player takes shot at city

People in the Horace E. Dodge fountain located in the Hart...

Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham questioned her league’s expansion to Detroit. Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper had a response for her.

This week, it was announced that the WNBA is coming back to Detroit. Thanks to a campaign that included efforts and investments from Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and team owner Sheila Hamp, the Detroit Shock will return to the league in 2029.

But not everyone is happy about that news. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed some skepticism over the cities chosen for expansion, which include Cleveland (2028) and Philadelphia (2030). Her argument is that there were better choices, and that WNBA players may not want to go to a city like Detroit.

“You want to listen to your players, too,” Cunningham said. “Where do they want to play? Are they going to get excited and draw fans? I do think that Miami would’ve been a great one. Everyone loves Florida. Nashville is an amazing city. Kansas City, amazing opportunity. There’s a huge arena downtown that no one is using. I think that the women’s soccer league is showing that people draw.”

“So I’m not so sure what the thought process is there. But at the end of the day, you also want to make sure that you’re not expanding our league too fast. I think that’s also another thing that—you don’t want teams to totally dominate and then have teams that aren’t. So I just think that it’s kind of a hard decision to make a team or a situation, but, man, I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cincinnati [sic: she meant Cleveland].”


Fever star Sophie Cunningham on the WNBA expanding to multiple new cities over the next few years:

"I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland]" pic.twitter.com/pncwYpMar3

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 1, 2025

That last line went viral on social media Tuesday, as many Detroiters—including the official City of Detroit Twitter account—jumped to defend the city. That included currently Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper, who rightfully pointed out that she has now made herself an enemy to the city.


You ever been there? Pretty good place to play, well not for you now. https://t.co/YJEKazHkJE

— Dan Skipper (@DanSkipper70) July 1, 2025

The official Lions account even jumped aboard.


Team not even here yet and we already got haters #DetroitVsEverybody

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 1, 2025

The Detroit Shock were active from 1998 through 2009. In the midst of an economic downturn, the franchise was sold and relocated to Tulsa following the 2008-09 season. But at the team’s peak in Detroit, they won three championships, and as pointed out by the city’s Twitter account, the Shock produced top-five numbers in attendance for five straight years, including three years at No. 1.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...nds-detroit-after-wnba-player-takes-shot-city
 
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