Detroit Lions Draft Pick Is Refusing To Say 'Michigan'

“I've learned to hate this state for the last four years. But getting drafted, I'm just happy. I can put all that behind me. Of course, I'm still Team Up North. I'm still not going to say it, but I'm just happy I'm here.”

Williams' refusal to say the state of Michigan is an extension of the most notable rivalry in college football, and it's an especially sore spot for an Ohio State player who lost the Wolverines four times in his own career.

Williams was able to get a measure of revenge by winning the national championship in his final game, but there are few better feelings than a win in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.

The former Buckeye will join one of the best Michigan players in the league on the defensive line in former No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions were the NFC's No. 1 seed last season, but were upset by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.

The Lions believe that Williams is the total package - both on and off the field - and head coach Dan Campbell spoke on why the team decided to draft the former Buckeye.

“He really fits what we’re all about,” Campbell told FOX 2 Detroit.

“Knocked it out the park with his intelligence and how much he knew about the game. Like I said, it’s kind of building a house with the character portion of it," said general manager Brad Holmes.

"He (Williams) doesn't say a lot, he's more about his business. But he fits in right here, not only just from the physical qualities, but he's gonna fit in with the other standards that we have around here.”

We'll see how things turn out for Williams in the NFL, and if he changes his mind on naming the state he plays in.