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Tag: Alex Anzalone

  • NFL Analyst Reveals ‘Perfect’ Landing Spot for Alex Anzalone

    Alex Anzalone has been one of the quiet constants of the Detroit Lions’ defensive rebuild, but with free agency approaching, his future in Honolulu blue is suddenly very much up in the air.

    Now, one NFL analyst believes he’s found what might be the ideal next stop for the veteran linebacker — and it’s a landing spot that actually makes a lot of football sense.

    Why Alex Anzalone’s Lions Future Is Uncertain

    Anzalone, 31, has been a fixture in the middle of Detroit’s defense for five seasons, carving out a role as the signal-caller, tone-setter, and do-the-dirty-work linebacker in Aaron Glenn’s system.

    He’s also been one of the Lions’ best bargains.

    • Averaged 14 starts per season in Detroit
    • Averaged nearly 100 tackles per year
    • Played on team-friendly contracts around $6 million annually

    But as the Lions juggle a tight salary cap and look toward getting younger on defense, bringing Anzalone back is no longer a lock — especially with multiple linebacker-needy teams looming in free agency.

    NFL Analyst Names Tampa Bay as the ‘Perfect’ Fit

    According to Matt Bowen of ESPN, Anzalone’s best team fit isn’t Detroit — it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

    The logic is straightforward:

    • Lavonte David is a free agent, leaving a potential leadership and production void at linebacker
    • Todd Bowles’ defense relies heavily on instinctive, downhill linebackers
    • Anzalone thrives in pressure looks, run fits, and quick diagnosis — areas Bowles emphasizes

    The analyst noted that Anzalone is “quick to key the run” and fits seamlessly into Bowles’ pressure-heavy approach, where linebackers are often asked to blitz, stunt, and communicate pre-snap.

    Production Still Matches the Film

    Even as he enters his early 30s, Anzalone hasn’t fallen off statistically.

    In Detroit last season, he finished with:

    • 2.5 sacks
    • Eight pass breakups
    • Consistent every-down usage in base and sub-packages

    From an advanced metrics standpoint, Anzalone remains a steady, assignment-sound linebacker — not flashy, but reliable — which is exactly what a veteran defense like Tampa Bay would value.

    Why This Hurts for Detroit Fans

    Anzalone isn’t just a stat-line defender. He’s been one of the emotional leaders of the Lions’ defense, a player who embodied Dan Campbell’s culture shift from day one.

    If Detroit lets him walk:

    • They lose experience in the middle of the defense
    • They lose a trusted on-field communicator
    • They likely turn to a younger, cheaper option with growing pains

    That doesn’t mean the Lions should overpay to keep him — but it does explain why this particular projection stings.

    Final Thought

    If Alex Anzalone leaves Detroit, Tampa Bay makes a lot of sense — schematically, culturally, and financially.

    For the Lions, the question isn’t whether Anzalone still has value.
    It’s whether they can afford to prioritize it in an offseason filled with tougher decisions.

    Don Drysdale

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  • Alex Anzalone ‘Beefing’ with Detroit Lions Social Media Team

    Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone found himself at the center of a funny, and very on-brand, social media moment on Friday, and it didn’t take long for fans to jump in.

    The Lions’ official account posted a Valentine’s Day message that leaned into the idea that “not all breakups are bad,” featuring pass breakup highlights from the 2024 season, including from players who are upcoming free agents. Noticeably absent? Anzalone, despite the fact that he just wrapped up one of the most productive seasons of his Detroit tenure.

    Anzalone didn’t ignore it.

    Replying on X, the veteran linebacker made it clear he wasn’t thrilled with the omission, posting:

    “Apparently not our social media team! They don’t know how to behave.”

    “Had a career high (9 PDs) and not 1 made it. And other free agents were on the vid too..”

    That comment alone was enough to get Lions fans buzzing, especially considering Anzalone finished the season with a career-high nine pass deflections while continuing to serve as the heartbeat of Detroit’s defense.

    When a fan quickly jumped in to reassure him with, “We love you in Detroit, Alex,” Anzalone doubled down, but with humor.

    “I’ve always had beef with our SM team, people!!! 😂😂😂”

    The exchange came off less like real frustration and more like playful banter, something Lions fans have grown used to from Anzalone, who’s never been shy about showing personality both on and off the field.

    Context matters here, too. Anzalone is heading into free agency after five steady, productive seasons in Detroit. While his future remains uncertain, his connection with the fanbase clearly isn’t. Reactions to his posts were overwhelmingly supportive, with many fans pointing out that his leadership and consistency shouldn’t be overlooked, social media post or not.

    Alex Anzalone Detroit Lions contract future Alex Anzalone free agency New York Jets Alex Anzalone Detroit Lions social media

    At the end of the day, this wasn’t a controversy. It was a moment. A funny one. And a reminder that Anzalone remains one of the most relatable voices on the roster, even when he’s poking fun at his own team.

    Whether he’s back in Honolulu blue or not in 2026, one thing’s clear: Alex Anzalone knows how to keep Detroit talking.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • 3 Players the Detroit Lions COULD Use the Franchise Tag on in 2026

    Every offseason, the same question pops up around the NFL: Who’s getting franchise-tagged? And for the Detroit Lions, it’s a fair thing to wonder, especially with several familiar veterans headed toward free agency.

    But when you dig into the numbers and the context, it becomes pretty clear why the franchise tag is more theory than reality for Detroit this year.

    The Lions Do Have Tag-Eligible Veterans

    If general manager Brad Holmes wanted to use the franchise tag, he wouldn’t be short on candidates. Three veterans from the 2025 roster stand out as logical possibilities based on role and experience:

    • Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad
    • Linebacker Alex Anzalone
    • Defensive tackle D.J. Reader

    All three played meaningful roles for Detroit and all three are set to hit the open market. In a vacuum, keeping any — or all — of them would make the roster better.

    That’s where the vacuum ends.

    The Franchise Tag Comes With a Catch

    The problem isn’t player value, it’s price.

    The franchise (and transition) tag doesn’t care what a player’s true market value is. It automatically bumps them into the upper tier of salaries at their position, which means a massive raise compared to what each of these players is projected to earn in free agency.

    For a team swimming in cap space, that’s manageable.
    For the Lions? Not so much.

    Detroit is currently projected to be over the cap heading into the 2026 offseason. That reality alone makes the franchise tag a tough sell.

    Using it would require additional moves just to get compliant — and then you’re still committing top-of-market money to a player whose expected free-agent deal likely comes in much lower.

    Why Holmes Is Unlikely to Overpay

    Brad Holmes has been consistent since arriving in Detroit: he doesn’t overextend financially just to keep a name around.

    Tagging Muhammad, Anzalone, or Reader would almost certainly qualify as a MAJOR overpay relative to their expected contracts. Even though each player brings value, the cost of the tag would limit flexibility elsewhere — and Detroit has bigger-picture decisions to make across the roster.

    This is especially true with younger players approaching extension windows and premium positions still needing attention.

    Smart Cap Management Over Splashy Moves

    Could the Lions technically use the franchise tag? Sure.

    Will they? Almost certainly not.

    Detroit’s approach is more likely to involve:

    • Letting the market set prices
    • Negotiating team-friendly deals where possible
    • Being willing to move on when the numbers stop making sense

    It’s not flashy, but it’s exactly how this front office has helped turn the Lions into a perennial contender.

    In short: don’t expect a franchise-tag headline out of Allen Park this spring. The math — and the philosophy — just doesn’t support it.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Detroit Lions Take Dead Cap Hit as Two Veteran Contracts Void

    The Detroit Lions officially saw the contracts of defensive tackle D.J. Reader and linebacker Alex Anzalone void on Thursday, according to Spotrac, leaving behind $4,929,000 in dead cap for the 2026 season.

    Both veterans are 31 years old and are now set to hit the open market ahead of free agency next month. Despite the voided contracts, Spotrac notes that both players are expected to draw solid interest once teams are able to negotiate.

    For Detroit, the dead cap charge is manageable but notable as the front office continues to balance roster flexibility with long-term cap planning. Reader and Anzalone were key contributors during their time in Detroit, particularly as tone-setters for Dan Campbell’s defense.

    With free agency approaching, the Lions will now have to decide whether to pursue either veteran on a new deal or allow both players to move on as they reshape the roster for the 2026 season.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Detroit Lions Predicted to Lose Defensive Captain to Former Coach

    The Detroit Lions are still dealing with the fallout from their 2025 coaching shake-up, and the aftereffects might not be done rippling through the roster. Losing both coordinators in the same offseason was already a major blow, Ben Johnson heading to Chicago and Aaron Glenn taking over the New York Jets, but now Detroit may be facing another tough departure.

    This time, it’s a player who has been right at the center of their defensive identity.

    Alex Anzalone Could Be on the Move

    Linebacker Alex Anzalone has been one of the Lions’ most dependable defenders over the last five seasons. He’s been durable, productive, and consistently steady, the kind of player who keeps a defense glued together.

    But according to Fox Sports reporter Greg Auman, Anzalone may be headed for a reunion with Aaron Glenn in New York.

    Auman ranked him No. 80 on his list of the top 100 free agents and suggested that Glenn could be eager to bring him aboard. The two worked together for four seasons in Detroit, and some of Anzalone’s best football came under Glenn’s watch.

    Anzalone’s production speaks for itself:

    • Averaging 14 starts per season
    • Nearly 100 tackles per year
    • Previously playing on a team-friendly $6 million per year deal

    That combination of reliability and affordability is exactly why Glenn might want him in New York.

    Why the Jets Make Sense

    The Jets could be staring at a major vacancy in their linebacker corps. All-Pro Quincy Williams is expected to hit free agency and draw significant interest around the league. If he signs elsewhere, New York will need a veteran who can step in immediately and run Glenn’s system without a learning curve.

    That’s where Anzalone fits perfectly.

    And for a first-year head coach trying to establish his culture, bringing in a trusted veteran who already understands his expectations is a huge advantage.

    What This Means for Detroit

    The Lions are trying to avoid major roster turnover as they push to get back to the playoffs in 2026 after losing their grip on the NFC North. Losing Anzalone would create a leadership gap on a defense that has leaned heavily on his communication, consistency, and experience.

    Detroit has young linebackers with upside, but none who bring Anzalone’s command of the scheme or his on-field presence. Replacing him wouldn’t be impossible, but it would be a meaningful loss.

    The Lions have already watched two key coaches walk out the door. Losing a defensive captain to one of those coaches would make the offseason sting even more.

    The Bottom Line

    This isn’t just a rumor floating in the wind. It’s a realistic scenario built on relationships, scheme familiarity, and roster needs on both sides.

    If Aaron Glenn wants a veteran anchor for his new defense, Alex Anzalone might be the most logical — and most painful — Lions departure of the offseason.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Alex Anzalone Takes to Social Media, Reveals How Fast Free Agents Must Choose Their Next Team

    Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone gave fans a rare, honest look behind the curtain of NFL free agency this week, and it perfectly captures how chaotic March can be for players.

    Responding to a fan on social media, Anzalone admitted that even the players themselves often have no real idea what’s going to happen once the negotiating window opens.

    “Do y’all realize I have very little knowledge of what’s going to happen in March? Your guess could be as good as mine,” Anzalone wrote.

    When a fan followed up by asking whether players actually know who will offer what, Anzalone explained just how fast and uncertain the process really is.

    “You don’t know financially who’s going to actually offer what. Then you have to make a decision in a short amount of time (less than an hour potentially) on what you want to do.”

    For Lions fans hoping Anzalone returns to Detroit in 2026, it was both eye-opening and a little nerve-wracking. The veteran linebacker has been one of the emotional leaders of Dan Campbell’s defense, a steady presence in the middle, and a key piece of Detroit’s culture turnaround. But as he made clear, free agency is often a whirlwind of rapid offers, agent conversations, and split-second decisions.

    Anzalone isn’t being cryptic, he’s being real. Even respected veterans don’t walk into March with a clear roadmap. It’s a business process driven by timing, money, and opportunity, and sometimes the final call comes down to minutes, not days.

    For Detroit, it reinforces just how delicate the offseason chess match can be. The Lions would love to keep Anzalone in Honolulu blue. Anzalone would clearly love stability. But until the market opens and the phones start ringing, even he admits the future is a mystery.

    And that, more than anything, explains why free agency always feels so unpredictable, for fans and players alike.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Alex Anzalone Gets Honest About His Future With the Lions

    Alex Anzalone has been one of the emotional anchors of the Detroit Lions’ defense over the last few seasons, a leader in the locker room, a communicator on the field, and one of Dan Campbell’s most trusted veterans. But as Detroit heads into another pivotal offseason, the veteran linebacker made it clear that while his heart is in Detroit, his future will ultimately come down to business.

    Anzalone opened training camp last summer frustrated about his contract situation, even missing a few practices before receiving a small pay bump. It was tense at times, but he said the situation didn’t damage his relationship with the team or change how he feels about playing in Detroit.

    “Just business,” Anzalone told the Detroit Free Press. “I want to come back, but … I got to do what’s best for me and my family when it comes time. We’ll see what that is. Hopefully it’s here.”

    That’s the balance, loyalty to the team versus the reality of the NFL. Anzalone has been around long enough to understand how quickly situations change, and he isn’t assuming anything.

    No Extension Talks Yet — and No Hard Feelings

    Anzalone confirmed he has not had any contract extension discussions with the Lions. That may sound alarming to some fans, but the veteran says it’s pretty normal this time of year — and he still feels valued inside the building.

    “I’ve been a free agent before and you don’t ever really get a true tell until after the season what they’re going to do,” he said. “That’s when decisions are made, so there’s really nothing anytime soon.”

    Despite the uncertainty, Anzalone said the coaching staff has shown him nothing but respect and appreciation.

    That matters, especially in a locker room built on trust and buy-in. And if there’s one thing everyone knows about Anzalone, it’s that he’s not someone who goes halfway. If he’s in, he’s all in.

    A Veteran Leader in a Transitional Defense

    The Lions defense has gone through injuries, lineup shuffles, and youth movement moments, and through it all, Anzalone has remained the steady voice in the middle.

    He’s not just a stat-sheet guy. He’s the communicator. The guy who gets everyone lined up. The guy young players lean on.

    That’s not something you casually replace.

    But the Lions are also navigating a tight cap situation and decisions across multiple positions. Brad Holmes will need to balance leadership value against age, role, and long-term roster planning.

    And Anzalone understands that as much as anyone.

    Bottom Line

    Alex Anzalone wants to remain a Detroit Lion, and the feeling inside the locker room appears mutual. But like so many offseason storylines, the decision will likely come down to timing, numbers, and long-term vision.

    He summed it up perfectly himself:

    “Hopefully it’s here.”

    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Lions Release Initial Week 15 Injury Report

    The Detroit Lions are officially back into their normal weekly rhythm, and with a massive NFC matchup looming against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, the team has released its initial Week 15 injury report. Wednesday’s update gives us the first real look at how healthy (or not) Detroit is heading into one of the most important games of the season.

    The Lions (8-5) will practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, before announcing official game statuses to close the week.

    Here’s a breakdown of where things stand after the first practice of the week.

    Detroit Lions – Week 15 Injury Report (Wednesday)

    Player Position Injury Wednesday
    Alex Anzalone LB Illness NP
    Brian Branch DB Achilles NP
    Taylor Decker T Shoulder NP
    Kayode Awosika G Foot LP
    Thomas Harper S Concussion LP
    Kerby Joseph S Knee LP
    Christian Mahogany G Fibula LP
    Kalif Raymond WR Ankle LP
    Sione Vaki RB Thumb LP
    Shane Zylstra TE Knee LP

    Early Takeaways

    Three Key Starters Did Not Practice

    • Alex Anzalone (illness) – Detroit’s defensive captain is battling something non-injury related, which usually means a quicker return, but it’s still something to watch.
    • Taylor Decker (shoulder) – Decker continues to manage pain and rest days late in the season.
    • Brian Branch (Achilles) – As expected, Branch did not practice after the devastating season-ending injury suffered last week.

    Light Work for Several Contributors

    Detroit had a crowd in the limited-participation category, including Kerby Joseph, Thomas Harper, Christian Mahogany, and Kalif Raymond. All are trending toward potentially playing, but the next two practice days will tell the real story.

    Why This Matters

    The Lions are already thin in several position groups, especially in the secondary and offensive line—so every limited or missed practice matters as Detroit prepares for Stafford, Puka Nacua, and the Rams’ explosive offense.

    If the Lions want to keep their playoff hopes strong, health will be a major storyline heading into Sunday.

    Don Drysdale

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  • Alex Anzalone Just Exposed the NFL’s Wildest Fine Logic Yet

    The Detroit Lions are no strangers to tough calls from the league, but linebacker Alex Anzalone might have a case for one of the strangest rulings yet.

    Anzalone was fined $12,172 by the NFL for a tripping penalty during the Lions’ Oct. 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, which the league classified as “unnecessary roughness.” After appealing, the fine was reduced to $9,737, but the logic behind it has left the veteran linebacker scratching his head.

    Alex Anzalone Sounds Off!

    Anzalone shared the outcome of his appeal on X (formerly Twitter), posting a screenshot of the league’s response along with his own confused reaction:

    “Admitting it was incidental but still a $9k fine??? I just don’t understand.”

    The ruling itself acknowledges that Anzalone didn’t intentionally trip the runner. It even states that his contact “was incidental” and that the play didn’t involve any intent to cause harm.

    Yet, the NFL still decided to enforce a fine, just slightly smaller.

    A Head-Scratching Decision

    According to the league’s statement:

    “I have reviewed the video and determined that it clearly shows that Mr. Anzalone committed the violation in question. However, I have determined that his contact on the play in question was incidental and the fine should be reduced.”

    In other words, the NFL agrees it wasn’t dirty, just… a fine-worthy accident? That’s what has fans, teammates, and even former players shaking their heads.

    For Anzalone, the issue isn’t just the money; it’s the message. The league says intent matters when issuing discipline, yet in this case, it seems to have acknowledged there was no intent and fined him anyway.

    The Bottom Line

    Anzalone’s reaction sums it up best: this one doesn’t make much sense. The Lions linebacker accepted the league’s ruling but made it clear he’s frustrated by the inconsistency.

    If nothing else, the incident highlights a broader problem with how the NFL handles discipline and intent, one that’s likely to spark more debate the next time a borderline call draws a fine.

    Don Drysdale

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  • 4 Detroit Lions Veterans Who Might Not Return in 2026

    With Aidan Hutchinson’s new four-year, $180 million extension, the Detroit Lions have locked down yet another franchise cornerstone, and the financial numbers are staggering.

    As noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Detroit’s front office has now committed $968.5 million, yes, nearly $1 billion, in long-term extensions to the players they believe form their championship nucleus.

    That elite group includes Hutchinson, Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, David Montgomery, and Jameson Williams.

    In total, that’s nine players extended since spring 2024, which tells you one thing: the Lions are betting big on their homegrown core. But when you spend that kind of money to keep your stars, something has to give.

    The Reality Check

    The Lions’ front office deserves credit for its aggressive approach, but the side effect of nearly a billion dollars in commitments is that not everyone can stay.

    The team’s stellar 2023 draft class, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch, will be eligible for extensions next offseason, and several veterans are set to hit free agency after 2025.

    Here are four veterans who could be wearing new colors by the 2026 season.

    1. D.J. Reader, DT

    D.J. Reader has been an excellent veteran presence up front, helping set the tone in the run game while mentoring younger linemen. But at 31 and on a short-term deal, his days in Detroit could be numbered.

    With Tyleik Williams waiting in the wings and Alim McNeill back healthy, the Lions may decide to save money and go younger at defensive tackle. Reader’s leadership has been invaluable, but Detroit’s track record suggests they prefer investing in players who haven’t yet reached their peak years.

    Verdict: Reader’s run in Detroit will end after 2025 as the team transitions to its next wave of interior defenders.

    2. Marcus Davenport, EDGE

    When healthy (when is he healthy?), Marcus Davenport has flashed the ability to be a dominant pass rusher. The issue? Staying healthy.

    The Lions took a calculated risk signing Davenport, but with Aidan Hutchinson now secured long-term, Al-Quadin Muhammad emerging as a solid pass rusher, and Ahmed Hassanein developing as a potential rotational edge piece, Detroit may not want to allocate additional resources here.

    If Davenport doesn’t come back and deliver consistent production this season, it’s hard to imagine him earning a new contract.

    Verdict: The Lions will move on from Davenport following the 2025 season.

    3. Alex Anzalone, LB

    Alex Anzalone has been one of Dan Campbell’s most trusted veterans since day one. He’s smart, dependable, and embodies the culture Detroit has built.

    However, with Jack Campbell ascending into the leadership role and Derrick Barnes emerging as a very solid linebacker, Anzalone may become expendable purely due to cap and age.

    Verdict: His leadership won’t be forgotten, but Detroit’s linebacker room is getting younger and cheaper.

    4. Amik Robertson, CB

    Few players have embraced the Lions’ “grit” mentality like Amik Robertson. His energy and physicality have made him a fan favorite, but with Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, and D.J. Reed locked in, there may not be room to re-sign him in 2026.

    Robertson has proven he belongs, but Detroit’s secondary is loaded with young, cost-controlled talent.

    Verdict: A strong contributor, but likely a cap casualty when the next round of extensions hits.

    Why It Matters

    What’s happening in Detroit is both a blessing and a challenge. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built one of the NFL’s deepest rosters, full of drafted and developed stars.

    But now, the Lions are entering the financial balancing act that every contender faces. When you commit nearly $1 billion in contracts, veterans on shorter deals become vulnerable.

    The success of the 2025 and 2026 offseasons will depend on Holmes’ ability to draft and develop replacements just as effectively as he built the current core.

    The Bottom Line

    The Detroit Lions have officially arrived as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, one that keeps its stars and rewards production. But with long-term commitments totaling $968.5 million, tough goodbyes are coming.

    Players like D.J. Reader, Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone, and Amik Robertson could all be victims of Detroit’s success story.

    In a way, that’s the best problem a franchise can have: too much talent worth keeping.

    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • The Lions Found Their ‘Batman and Robin’ — And They’re Wrecking NFL Offenses

    The Detroit Lions‘ linebacker room has quietly become one of the best in football, and it’s thanks to the dynamic partnership between Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.

    Detroit’s defense is flying around, forcing turnovers, and dominating in both run and pass defense. And according to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, it all starts with his two leaders in the middle, a veteran mastermind and a rising star who are forming their own version of Batman and Robin.

    The Evolution of Jack Campbell

    At just 25 years old, Jack Campbell is already calling the shots on defense, literally. In his third season with the Lions, the former first-round pick now wears the green dot, meaning he’s responsible for relaying defensive play calls from the sideline to his teammates.

    That’s no small job. But Sheppard says Campbell’s football IQ and commitment to mastering the mental side of the game are setting him apart.

    “It’s rare when you’re talking about a guy that can call the game as a player,” Sheppard said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “When you hit a certain talent peak, a lot of guys stop grinding. But Jack? He wants to know why. Why the call works. Why we’re adjusting. That’s what makes him special.”

    Sheppard even went a step further, comparing Campbell’s emerging command of the field to Hall of Fame-level linebackers like Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, and Luke Kuechly.

    “You’re starting to get into that upper echelon,” Sheppard added. “Guys who can adjust in-game, who can coach on the field, that’s what the elite ones do. And we have the luxury of having two of them.”

    Alex Anzalone: The Veteran Presence

    While Campbell is still writing his story, Alex Anzalone, 31, is already the steady veteran presence who holds the group together. Now in his fifth season with Detroit and ninth in the NFL, Anzalone’s leadership and calm under pressure have been invaluable to the Lions’ defensive identity.

    Sheppard praised Anzalone for being the perfect complement to Campbell, a mentor, communicator, and on-field problem-solver.

    “It’s not just Jack,” Sheppard explained. “Alex has been doing this for two or three years now. Sometimes you’ll see Jack look over, and Anzo’s like, ‘Yeah.’ It’s like Batman and Robin. When things get hectic, they’re the ones who say, ‘We’re good. Trust the call.’”

    That trust and chemistry have transformed Detroit’s defense into one of the most cohesive units in the NFL. When chaos hits, Campbell and Anzalone are the calm in the storm, leading by example, echoing their coach’s message, and keeping everyone aligned.

    Detroit Lions roster moves Shane Zylstra Detroit Lions injury report Week 3 Detroit Lions Uniform Combo Week 3 Detroit Lions Anthony Richardson trade rumors rebuttal Detroit Lions Uniform Combo Detroit Lions cornerback options Taylor Decker injury update Justin Rogers Detroit Lions Bengals

    The Bottom Line

    Detroit’s linebacker corps has become the heartbeat of the defense, and with Campbell and Anzalone steering the ship, the Lions look built to sustain their dominance all season long.

    They’re not flashy. They’re not loud. But like Batman and Robin, they’re always there when the team needs them most — saving the day, one stop at a time.

    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Lions Reveals Captains for 2025 Season

    Leadership matters as much as talent, and the Detroit Lions just made it official: six players have been chosen as team captains for the 2025 NFL season. After a 15-2 campaign in 2024 and sky-high expectations entering 2025, these captains represent the heartbeat of a roster built on grit, accountability, and a win-now mentality.

    The Lead

    The Lions announced their 2025 captains on Monday:

    • Jared Goff (QB)
    • Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR)
    • Penei Sewell (RT)
    • Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE)
    • Alex Anzalone (LB)
    • Grant Stuard (ST/LB)

    It’s a mix of stars, veterans, and glue guys, exactly the type of leadership core Dan Campbell has emphasized since he took over.

    Jared Goff: The Steady Hand

    Jared Goff has been the calming presence in Detroit’s locker room since his arrival. Coming off a 2024 campaign where he threw for over 4,600 yards and 37 touchdowns, he remains the engine of the league’s top-scoring offense. His captaincy is as much about poise and decision-making as it is about production.

    Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Heartbeat

    No surprise here. Amon-Ra St. Brown has become the emotional spark for the Lions’ offense. His fiery competitiveness, relentless preparation, and big-game production (115 catches, 1,263 yards, 12 TDs in 2024) make him a natural leader. St. Brown embodies Campbell’s “grit” mantra.

    Penei Sewell: The Enforcer

    Penei Sewell is one of the best tackles in football and the undisputed anchor of Detroit’s offensive line. His leadership extends beyond the trenches; he sets the tone with toughness, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Goff’s blindside.

    Aidan Hutchinson: The Face of the Defense

    Aidan Hutchinson’s presence as a captain cements him as the Lions’ defensive cornerstone. Even after an injury-shortened 2024, Hutchinson’s work ethic and intensity make him the natural voice of the defense. With Kelvin Sheppard now leading the defense as coordinator, Hutchinson’s role as a bridge between coach and players is massive.

    Alex Anzalone: The Veteran Voice

    The long-haired linebacker has been Campbell’s extension on the field for years. Alex Anzalone is one of the most trusted communicators on defense, making sure the unit stays aligned and disciplined. His leadership isn’t flashy, but it’s steady, and the younger linebackers look to him for guidance.

    Grant Stuard: The Special Teams Warrior

    Every successful team has a player like Grant Stuard, a relentless worker who makes his presence felt on every kick and coverage unit. Stuard’s captaincy shows the Lions value all three phases, and his recognition is a nod to the toughness and energy he brings daily.

    Detroit Lions training camp player returns Dan Jackson injured reserve Morice Norris injury Detroit Lions offensive line changes Detroit Lions Sign Allan George Detroit Lions joint practice vs. Dolphins D.J. Chark released by Falcons Lions release Keaton Sutherland Bobby Ross battling cancer Daniel Thomas Detroit Lions Captains

    The Bigger Picture

    Detroit’s captains aren’t just stars, they’re culture carriers. From Goff’s calm leadership to St. Brown’s fiery passion, Sewell’s physical dominance, Hutchinson’s defensive anchor role, Anzalone’s steady presence, and Stuard’s all-out effort, this group perfectly reflects the Lions’ identity.

    The Lions are no longer the NFL’s underdogs. They’re contenders. And in a season where expectations are higher than ever, these six captains will be charged with keeping Detroit focused, grounded, and hungry.

    The Bottom Line

    The Lions’ 2025 captains aren’t just names on a list, they’re the pillars of a locker room chasing a Super Bowl. Campbell has his leaders. Now, it’s time to see if they can guide Detroit to the NFL’s biggest stage.

    Don Drysdale

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