Lions HC Dan Campbell runs team through OTA 'pajama party'
At Organized Team Activities in Allen Park, Michigan, this week, the Detroit Lions lined up against each other for the first time in 2023. Coaches ran players through individual drills and seven-on-seven, nine-on-seven and 11-on-11 team competitions.
Per OTA rules, the team did not hold contact drills, prompting head coach Dan Campbell to call the practices a "pajama party." Here are other notes from the first week of the party:
Excellent participation: Campbell said in his news conference on Thursday morning that with a few exceptions, most of the team's players were present. Even players not cleared for football activities due to injury attended. Safety Tracy Walker (Achilles) and defensive tacke Levi Onwuzurike (back) worked out on the sidelines this week.
Secondary play highlighted: There is limited footage of OTAs, but a few plays stood out in the clips released by the team. On the first day, new Lions defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson intercepted Jared Goff on a pass deflected by defensive lineman John Cominsky.
Backup safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brady Breeze also had interceptions during team drills. Each time a player in the defensive backfield made a big play, his teammates celebrated their efforts.
WR Jameson Williams' growth on, off the field: In his first media session since the announcement of his six-game suspension for gambling, wide receiver Jameson Williams took responsibility for his off-the-field problems.
Williams said he had no idea he broke the NFL gambling policy and was hurt when he learned about the suspension. Williams won't appeal and is focused on preparing for the season and an eventual reunion with his teammates in Week 7.
On Thursday, Campbell praised Williams' on-the-field improvement, reminding reporters that the wideout did not participate in OTAs last spring because he was recovering from a serious knee injury. Campbell also noted that Williams' route running and overall play have improved.
In limited action over six games last season, the former Alabama star had one catch – a 41-yard TD reception.
Campbell, Holmes 'Bromance' going strong: At a spring news conference, Lions general manager Brad Holmes wore a shirt with a picture of Campbell on the front. In a light-hearted moment that caused a chuckle from reporters, Campbell showed up at OTAs with a t-shirt of Holmes wearing the shirt with his picture on it.
OTAs will continue for the Lions next Wednesday through Friday. Detroit's mandatory minicamp is scheduled for the following week (June 6-8).
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