Taylor Decker describes the Detroit Lions 2024 in one word
Taylor Decker, left tackle for the Detroit Lions, has been part of the organization for eight NFL seasons.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes lineman has experienced numerous coaching changes, heartbreaking losses, a failed rebuilding attempt and the rise of a dormant NFL franchise.
Speaking to ESPN, Decker summarized his experiences and key moments with the Lions since 2016, including his thoughts on the Matt Patricia era, Dan Campbell’s induction speech and the challenges of the upcoming season.
Decker enters a season with championship ambitions and described the 2024 Lions and how different it will be to be a hunted NFL team.
“If I had to put it in one word, I would just say contender. I know it’s going to be very tough, if not tougher, than last year because people might do a little more homework when they play us,” Decker said. “But knowing the character of our locker room, that’s exactly what we want to be as a team.”
Decker added, “If you’re not trying to compete for championships, like I’m proud of what I do, then it’s like, ‘What are we doing here?’ It’s all about winning. That’s what we’re here for and I think Brad and Dan have done it right, however long they’re here. That’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
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The largest introductory press conference in NFL history
“On the way up we’ll bite off a kneecap…”
Dan Campbell’s legendary press conference with the Detroit Lions on the subject of “kneecap biting” #OnePride pic.twitter.com/HrJP6g01da
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) June 18, 2024
Introductory speech by Dan Campbell
Decker, like many other members of the roster, felt that the former NFL tight end shared his core beliefs with the players who would be part of the turnaround as he held one of the most memorable introductory press conferences in league history.
“I liked his introductory press conference because he was a little bit raw and you don’t have to be buttoned up all the time,” Decker said. “We fight for a living, that’s what we do, and he represents and embodies that and the fact that he walked the talk — he played for 11 years — gives him credibility.”
Retirement in Detroit
The veteran lineman does not believe that other high-profile players on the team will affect his chances of a contract extension in Detroit.
As he began his offseason training program, the 30-year-old said he was feeling incredible after undergoing offseason surgery to repair his deltoid muscle and remove several bone spurs from his foot and ankle.
After spending his entire career in Motown and experiencing all the ups and downs, Decker wants to end his playing career with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2016.
“That would be my goal. Obviously, there are a lot more moving parts on this team than just me. I look at it from my perspective and wonder what’s best for me and my family going forward,” Decker said. “But they have the draft coming up, they have a lot of other guys that are going to sign and for me, touch wood, that would be a third contract if I get one. So there are guys that are going to sign a second contract, so there are just a lot of variables in play. But I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.”
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