An Unlikely Hero Emerges For The Detroit Lions Defense

Signed by the Lions last year, Muhammad has experienced his share of NFL career ups and downs. At 30 years old, the 6’3”, 250 lb. veteran EDGE has been with six different NFL teams, including two stints with the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017 in the sixth round with the 196th overall pick, Muhammad was waived the following year during the preseason.

Immediately claimed by the Colts off waivers, Muhammad was signed to their practice squad. Promoted to the active roster in October 2018, he recorded his first fumble return and pass defense that year, along with 16 tackles.  The following season, Muhammad combined for 28 tackles (17 solo) along with 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble.  Instrumental in a 2019 postseason victory over the Houston Texans, he contributed a sack, a TFL, and a quarterback hit.

In 2020, Muhammad recorded 23 tackles with 14 solo, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. However, his most memorable moment came in Week 10.  A national TV audience saw Muhammad ejected from the game after punching out Tennessee Titans OT Ty Sambrailo. He had his best year with the Colts the following season. Starting all 17 games in 2021, Muhammad recorded 48 tackles (25 solo) with 6.0 sacks and a forced fumble.

Muhammad’s Bumpy NFL Years

Becoming a free agent in March of 2022, Muhammad signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. That season, he started nine games for the Bears and recorded 29 tackles with 11 solo, 1.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Despite the two-year contract, he was released in February of 2023.  

Following his release from the Bears, Muhammad returned for a second stint with the Colts. But after a disappointing preseason, he was released and subsequently re-signed to the Colts’ practice squad.  However, things went downhill from there. In December of 2023, Muhammad served a six-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Once again a free agent, Muhammad signed with the Dallas Cowboys on August 1, 2024.  However, he was released only four weeks later.  Not drawing any interest from other NFL teams, Muhammad felt like his NFL career was over.  

However, on October 7, 2024, he was signed by the Lions. Elevated from the practice squad, Muhammad appeared in nine games last season, starting two. Recording 11 tackles (eight solo), five quarterback hits, four TFLs, and 3.0 sacks last year, it was a forgone conclusion that Muhammad would make the 2025 roster. Playing against Chicago two weeks ago, Muhammad sacked Caleb Williams and posted four tackles (three solo).

Muhammad, A Breakout Game Against the Ravens 

Tapped as Davenport’s replacement ahead of the Ravens game, Muhammad led the team with 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, three solo tackles, and two TFLs. With under five minutes left to play, one of those tackles was a critical third-down stop on Lamar Jackson that forced a punt. Earlier, he combined with LB Alex Anzalone to sack Jackson to force a 3rd and 26. After that performance, Campbell awarded Muhammad with a locker room game ball.

The Unlikeliest of Heroes Was On The Couch A Year Ago

Accepting the game ball, a humble and grateful Muhammad began by thanking all the coaches, players, and the Lions organization for their help, noting that a year ago, he was at home on the couch. “When you get an opportunity, you make sure you take advantage of it.”

Sometimes, all it takes for a player to realize his full potential is pairing that player with the right team. Muhammad found that in Detroit.  The team culture Campbell created here is a brotherhood that breeds success. Egos and personal agendas are set aside to achieve a common objective; whatever is best for the team’s victory.  One of the defining elements of this group is how they show up for each other. The players support each other, and they learn and continue to improve together as a team.

Providing blocks is prioritized. Wide receiver Jameson Williams was blocking all night long for David Montgomery in Baltimore. Kicker Jake Bates delivered a key block that saved a touchdown against the Ravens. 

Campbell stresses the importance of improving throughout the season, “You do the best you can to put your guys in a position to make plays, and those guys made plays. And I know this, we have guys, in particular our young guys, that are improving. They’re getting better and better and better. That’s all you can ask for. I’ll bring it up again. You want to be playing your best football when you hit Week 18. So, we just have to continue to get a little bit better every year.”

The Holmes / Campbell culture promotes getting the team to win above all else.  When the Lions are winning, records will be shattered and individual stats will follow.  In his one game for the Philadelphia Eagles, Za’Darius Smith recorded two tackles and 0.5 sacks. Muhammad has eight tackles (six solo), 4.0 sacks, and nine quarterback pressures in two games.  Maybe it’s time for the fans to stop doubting Holmes and believe Campbell when he says,” We’re good.”     Main Image: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images