I had this thought after the team let go of Craig Reynolds, but curious if losing our supposed "glue" guys - players like Reynolds, Leif, Anzalone - has any impact on the team morale. Little was made of Reynolds departing, but I know he was a favorite of D-Mo, Jah, and Amon-Ra, etc. And I know how beloved Leif is in the locker room. How big is that impact? Can it affect a team in a real, game-day way? I think to the 90s when the Lions had a fire sale of players that led to horrible morale and prompted Barry Sanders to retire. Not saying they aren't pros, etc., but it's an existential concern.
Thats going a bit far. The team is MUCH better than 2021. But you are right about adding another hole. Maybe it's just opportunity, but I've seen nothing from Lovett that tells me he's an adequate replacement. And kickoff returns have been a weakness this year imo
Worst case, TK has proven he can step right in. (TK doesn’t have the same straight-line speed but he’s shifty.) Leaf has been a great culture fit, just what we needed as this team went through its rebuild, and provided some much-needed production at times. I thank him for his service but I’m hopeful we get younger at the position without much drop-off.
One of my favorite Lions of all time. I hope things all work out for him to stay in Detroit if not I hope him all the success and happiness for him and his family.
One of my favorite players since he's been here. Great attitude and work ethic. Nose to the grindstone kind of guy. No controversy, ever. Oh it doesn't hurt that he's fast as the wind and tough as nails.
A great article!
Articles like this are just the best. Well-written and insightful. So glad I’m a subscriber.
Such a beautiful write up on an absolute class act Detroit Lion. I hope this isn't lifs last game in Honolulu Blue.
I had this thought after the team let go of Craig Reynolds, but curious if losing our supposed "glue" guys - players like Reynolds, Leif, Anzalone - has any impact on the team morale. Little was made of Reynolds departing, but I know he was a favorite of D-Mo, Jah, and Amon-Ra, etc. And I know how beloved Leif is in the locker room. How big is that impact? Can it affect a team in a real, game-day way? I think to the 90s when the Lions had a fire sale of players that led to horrible morale and prompted Barry Sanders to retire. Not saying they aren't pros, etc., but it's an existential concern.
The guy is such a class act
I’d venture to guess Ben Johnson would snatch him up in an instant if he were available.
There are now more holes in this team (or potential holes) then there were in 2021. If Kalif is gone, another hole opens up.
Thats going a bit far. The team is MUCH better than 2021. But you are right about adding another hole. Maybe it's just opportunity, but I've seen nothing from Lovett that tells me he's an adequate replacement. And kickoff returns have been a weakness this year imo
Worst case, TK has proven he can step right in. (TK doesn’t have the same straight-line speed but he’s shifty.) Leaf has been a great culture fit, just what we needed as this team went through its rebuild, and provided some much-needed production at times. I thank him for his service but I’m hopeful we get younger at the position without much drop-off.
There is no need or benefit to getting younger at the position especially if Tesla steps up. Saint and Jamo aren't exactly nearing retirement
One of my favorite Lions of all time. I hope things all work out for him to stay in Detroit if not I hope him all the success and happiness for him and his family.
One of my favorite players since he's been here. Great attitude and work ethic. Nose to the grindstone kind of guy. No controversy, ever. Oh it doesn't hurt that he's fast as the wind and tough as nails.
Any chance he’d take less money and stay on a team friendly contract?