Tag: Alim McNeill

Detroit Lions Alim McNeill expected to contribute more, maybe even as a fullback

ALLEN PARK — Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions defensive lineman, did not hesitate to answer what he sees for this team starting in September.

“Perfect season. We won the Super Bowl, celebrating here in Detroit in the city, that’s what I see when I close my eyes, when I go to work out, when I go run, when I’m at practice working on different moves,’’ McNeill said on Thursday. “That’s what we are all thinking about, that’s what I’m thinking about. Everybody has the same attitude here, we just want to win. Whatever we can do to win.’’

The Lions are coming off a loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. It’s over, no time for wondering what if. It’s full-speed ahead.

McNeill’s visionary words have to be music to the ears of coach Dan Campbell whose message to the team on the last day of the three-day mandatory minicamp was to remember what they are playing for.

“Each individual, what do you want out of this year? What do you want to look like when we’re sitting here and it’s February? Where is your mind? Think about that and let’s work backward from there, that’s the message,’’ Campbell said.

The coach was asked what he wants: “You know what I want, I want the whole enchilada.’’ 

McNeill, entering his fourth season, is expected to play a major role on the defensive line, lining up next to veteran D.J. Reader who will be in his first season in Detroit.

“In my head it looks like destruction. There’s no other way I can see it, everytime I close my eyes and visualize I just see destruction,’’ McNeill said. “I’ve been watching D.J. since I was younger.’’

Reader isn’t able to practice due to a injury but is expected to possibly be ready for training camp. Still, he is making a difference. In fact, McNeill said it’s a thousand percent better with him on the sidelines, giving suggestions.

Campbell has big expectations for McNeill.

“Mac has so much ability and the way that he is built and the nimbleness and athleticism and power that he has for the way he is, for the way he’s built. You don’t see that every day,’’ Campbell said. “We still feel like there’s more in there. He really took a big step last year. We feel like there’s more in there.’’

Campbell said Terrell Williams, the new defensive line coach, said he’s always liked McNeill but things they can get even more out of them.

Curiously, they might find a bit of a role on offense for the 6-foot-2, 315-pound lineman.

Campbell has mentioned to the media that McNeill could be an option as a fullback, but he and McNeill have not talked about it.

“It’s nothing firm. I have no clue. I hope it is,’’ said McNeill who didn’t play D-line until college. In high school he was a linebacker and running back. In his senior year he had 20 carries for 63 yards and eight touchdowns. Eight.

 Does he miss carrying the ball?

“I still got that, I’ll never lose that,’’ McNeill said.

Stay tuned.

(Up next: Thursday was the last day of spring work for the veterans. They’ll return for the start of training camp. The rookies will practice next week.)

Detroit Lions reveal new uniforms with a black alternate at Dan Campbell’s request

DETROIT — The black Detroit Lions jerseys have returned in part thanks to coach Dan Campbell.

In 2021, before he had coached his first Lions game, he made a request to Rod Wood, team president.

“We were in the draft room and he said, ‘Hey, Rod when can we get the black jerseys back?’ I said, ‘I’ll make you a deal, when you win the division, I’ll bring the black jerseys back. I went out on a limb and thankfully he delivered.’’

Campbell  had worn the black jerseys when he was a Lions tight end, so to him they were a throwback. 

So the coach held up his part of the deal when the Lions clinched the NFC North on Dec. 24.

And on Thursday night, the black jerseys (which were actually two years in the making) were introduced as the new alternate uniform at a reveal party at Ford Field for season ticket holders. Also revealed were new home and road uniforms with bold numbers and details that stand out. Campbell was welcomed with a standing ovation 

“The black ones seem to be the hit for a lot of people. Kerby (Joseph) was the perfect person to wear it too, we kind of lucked out with him volunteering,’’ Wood said. “The black with the black or we can wear blue pants with it, it’s going to be awesome.’’

Joseph ran onto the stage during his turn to “model” the uniform and hammed it up. It’s what the defensive back does. In fact, Joseph has been known to do a flip out onto the field. Wood advised him against it for the big reveal.

The blue numbers are a standout on the black jerseys.

“Honestly blue is my favorite color, but I think this blue is unique. It really pops. When we go out on the field it will pop,’’ Joseph said. “I feel this blue really stands out, I think it’s the boldness. See how big the numbers are?’’

What’s so special about black jerseys? “They’re like black Air Force 1s. We’re atomic when we wear these,’’ Joseph said.

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill modeled the road white uniform which has the word “Detroit” written above the number on front, while tight end Sam LaPorta was the first on stage with the new home blue jersey. Along for the ride were three Lions legends — Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson and Chris Spielman.

On the inside collar are embroidered words: One Pride, Motor City and 313. Also, even the white and black jerseys are blue inside the collar. Because after all, Detroit is a blue collar town. It’s a motto that served the Lions well last season.

(The NFL draft, which will take place in Detroit, starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, with the first round. Rounds 2-3 begin at 7 p.m. on April 26 and the draft winds up starting at noon on April 27.)

Detroit Lions bolster defensive line signing free agent D.J. Reader

ALLEN PARK — Veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader has agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions which is worth up to $27.5 million.

“The energy as soon as I got here today was amazing. I was super happy, saw some familiar faces, that was a really good feel. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,’’ Reader said during a Thursday night press conference.

Reader, who turns 30 in July, was on the radar visited the Lions on Thursday. He fills a huge need on the defensive line, a point of emphasis for the offseason needs. 

“The physicality of it, that’s the best part, the best part (of the defensive line),’’ Reader said.

It’s expected he’ll play alongside Alim McNeil forming a powerhouse duo. 

“I’m super excited, he’s a young player who has a lot of talent. He’s also a Carolina guy, I’m super happy about that. I love the guys from Carolina. I feel we have the best athletes in the country, you can quote that one. I’m excited to pair with him, seeing things he does well, I watch him all the time on film. I’m excited to pick his brain about what he likes about the position,’’ Readed said.

Reader, whose nickname is BBQ, spent the last four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and helped them reach two straight AFC Championships and Super Bowl LVI. 

“Things happen, sometimes things don’t work out in a relationship and you have to move on. The Lions are a better opportunity and I’m really, really excited about it,’’ Reader said.

Last season he played and started in 14 games last season with one sack, 34 tackles, a pass defense and a fumble recovery. He missed the end of the season after tearing a quad tendon.

He said while rehab is not a walk in the park, it’s coming along and expects to be ready to start the season.

The 6-foot-3, 335-pound defensive tackle was a fifth-round draft pick out of Clemson in 2016 by the Houston Texans and spent his first four seasons there before moving to Cincinnati.

He’s the fourth key defensive addition this offseason including two cornerbacks, Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson; and edge rusher Marcus Davenport.