Tag: jared goff

Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown just getting started on NFL journey

After signing 4-year extension, he’s most thankful

ALLEN PARK —  Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Cinderella NFL journey started three years ago when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the fourth round.

“When I got drafted this is the one team I didn’t want to go to. If you told me I was going to Detroit I was like, ‘Damn,’’’ St. Brown said on Friday.

Now looking back on it, he realizes it was the best possible NFL landing spot for him.

“The people, the organization, the coaches, the players, the fans. I didn’t know what kind of fans there were here. I knew it was, for the most part, a losing franchise. … I remember my rookie year the fans were out almost every game and we weren’t winning games and they were supportive,’’ St. Brown said during a Friday press conference after signing a four-year extension worth $120 million.

When he first heard the deal was done, he said he was emotional after briefly talking to his Dad and getting a text from a close friend.

“I was close to crying, but I didn’t. I was super excited. I felt like a lot of weight was lifted off my shoulders. When I didn’t cry I was OK, it’s time to go now, it’s real,’’ St. Brown said.

It’s not the end of the story for St. Brown, it’s just a new chapter that is starting. And what better way to kick if off than at the start of the NFL Draft in Detroit on Thursday night to welcome fans from around the world.

St. Brown took the stage with teammates Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson. They were joined by Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. Also Eminem, a Detroit favorite, was with them whipping up the crowd. St. Brown mentioned he got a selfie with Eminem.

Detroit broke the NFL record with 275,000 fans for the first night. It looked like a sea of mostly Honolulu blue. It was amazing.

“I knew there were a lot of people there, but I didn’t know how many (without) looking at it in person. I’m walking out, I’m like, ‘Damn ‘ve never seen this many people in my life.’ I’ve played football games, I’ve been in front of 100,000 people, 90,000 people, whatever … it was like I was Travis Scott in concert,’’ St. Brown said. “… There were so many people it was awesome to see the fans, the city all come together. i just feel like everything’s happening all at once, at the right time for the city and the fans.’’

And for the Cinderella man.

“If you would’ve told me three years ago I’d be here today, I don’t know if I’d believe you. This is — everything that’s gone on these past three years, the whole journey, it’s been amazing,’’ St. Brown said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.’’

(The Lions have one second-round pick on Friday at 61st overall. Rounds 2-3 start at 7 p.m. on Friday. The draft wraps on Saturday with rounds 4-7 starting at noon.)

Lions report for offseason workouts as defending division champs with higher expectations

ALLEN PARK — When the Lions reported for offseason workouts this week, it was as defending NFC North champs. While that’s something quite new, the goal remains the same.

They ended last season one win short of making it to the Super Bowl. Certainly that provides a different approach to the offseason.

“I think we all know what the goal is, it’s always been the goal. I don’t think it was not the goal last year,’’ quarterback Jared Goff said on Tuesday. “I think we got a chance to taste it last year so you get to see what it feels like but that’s the goal, and this year it’s absolutely the goal.’’

After winning two playoff games, ending a decades-long drought, many of the same players are back from a year ago. Expectations and standards will rise.

“Internally we’re going to do the same thing we’ve been doing: try to raise our internal expectations and standards. Even better, Dan (Campbell) put it great last year how much harder it’s going to be,’’ Goff said. “We know that it’s going to be harder, people are going to be gunning for us and it’s going to be at first to defend our division title that’s No. 1 and then see where we can go from there. Holding that trophy at the end of the year only one team gets to do it and that’s our goal.’’

Left tackle Taylor Decker, who has recovered from offseason foot/ankle surgery, said he couldn’t even watch the Super Bowl like he usually does.

“I think I watched a quarter, then I was disinterested. I felt like we matched up well with anybody we were going to play with. It definitely hurts and was a disappointment especially because as special of a year as it was to end and go home early,’’ Decker said on Tuesday.

“It was a bummer for sure, but stuff like that’s going to happen, you’re not going to win every single game in a blowout, I think we’ll be better for it and learn some things for it but I don’t think that’s going to define our approach,’’ Decker added.

The team is back for individual workouts this week with no coaching allowed. So they have not had a welcome-back speech from Campbell yet. So there’s been no outward talk about their goals, it’s mostly just understood.

“Obviously how the game ended was a disappointment for us especially because I think we showed throughout the season last year that we belonged in that position, it wasn’t a fluke,’’ Decker said. “They were a better team that day which was a disappointment for us. I don’t think that’s going to change our mindset or how we feel about ourselves that we came up short.. Moving forward we have bigger goals ahead of us, I don’t think that one moment is going to define how we move forward with our mindset and approach.’’

Tight end Brock Wright said they’ve been talking that the motto is “it takes more” and explains it as a holistic approach starting at the top with GM Brad Holmes and Campbell.

“So I think everybody will have to step up their game. (Last year) brings confidence, but I think everybody on our team should be confident knowing that we have the experience of being there and looking forward to carrying that over to next year,’’ Wright said.

One more thing: New Lions uniforms will be unveiled on Thursday night to season-ticket holders at Ford Field. Wright said he thinks they’re cool, but couldn’t share more info. Players are sworn to secrecy.

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Report: Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator, to remain in Detroit

Ben Johnson, the innovative Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, will return to the team for the 2024 season, per an NFL Network report.

Johnson was thought to be a candidate for the head coaching openings for the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. He informed the teams that he’s staying with the Lions and wants another shot at bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit, per the report on Tuesday.

The Lions lost 34-31 to the 49ers in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson’s asking price “spooked some teams.” Johnson is 37 and will likely have more opportunities in the future.

Coach Dan Campbell was asked on Monday about his plans to replace Johnson if he should move on. 

“If it comes to that, that’s, obviously, very important. I mean, he was a critical piece for us. He’s a critical piece. And I’m not worrying about that just yet. I need to at least get two hours of sleep and then I’ll begin,’’ Campbell said.

Johnson has been with the Lions since he was hired as the offensive quality control coach in 2019. He was promoted to tight ends coach in 2020 and Campbell kept him on staff when he was hired in 2021. Johnson was promoted to pass game coordinator midway through the 2021 season and promoted to offensive coordinator prior to the 2022 season.

This season the LIons finished 12-5, won the NFC North and won two playoff games.

At the end of the regular season the Lions’ offense was ranked third in the NFL, averaging 394.8 yards per game with 58 touchdowns.

Many of the key offensive players including Jared Goff will return next season to a system, run by Johnson, that they are familiar with after playing in it for two seasons.