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The vibe surrounding the Detroit Lions lately is a different feel from last year. Either Coach Campbell’s energy or Jamaal Williams throwing balls with the fans; this is way different from the previous regime. Everyone involved looks to be having fun, which is what you need to do while playing this game at the end of the day. The coaches are getting the best out of the players, teaching them instead of directing them and making it easy to process versus overthinking.
The front office and the coaching staff have made tremendous strides in establishing a culture where individuals want to join the family culture building in Detroit. It might take a little bit for the word to get out, but it looks like one individual is already seeing is what is being built from the outside and wants to be part of the expansion of the culture that values people.
Nickell Robey-Coleman has been one of the better nickel backs in the league, who has been coveted this offseason from the like of the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and the Arizona Cardinals, amongst others. However, he ultimately chose Detroit, which is a change of pace because most of the time, the Lions are passed over because of the infamous history, but Robey-Coleman has a different viewpoint.
“This was the right opportunity for me because of the people that are here running things. I felt like I could come here, put a footprint in this organization, actually be a part of this leadership, and do something special, do something big. Not just win, but win big.”
Even though he is coming late into a new team, he has plenty of familiar faces within the organization. General Manager Brad Holmes and assistant general manager Ray Agnew were with the Rams where Robey-Coleman was during the 2017-2019 seasons. Coach Campbell doesn’t share a direct connection, but he was on the Saints staff during Robey-Colemans infamous passer interference no-call in the 2018 NFC championship game, which he has not discussed with him at this point.
“It’s a mutual feeling between us two. We know how it is, how it went. It’s just something that happened, and we just moved on. But now I’m here ready to start something new, something different.”
Also, he will be reunited with his old Rams position coach, Aubrey Pleasant, who was brought to Detroit to serve as the defensive backs coach and has impressed with his work so far through camp.
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“Because he’s more than just a coach. He can teach. He knows how to teach. When I first met AP four years ago, five years ago, he was totally different than any other coach. He cared. He cared about his guys. He wants the best for his guys. He’s going to be a prick sometimes because he wants you to be great. He doesn’t want you to be mediocre and be OK with that. So if he sees you slipping, he’s going to let you know. But at the same time, he’s a coach. He lets you be a player, but when he sees it fit to come in and teach something, he’s going to do that. That’s what makes him so special and valuable to the DB room.”
Robey-Coleman walks into Detroit with a legit shot at making the team with Corn Elder’s hamstring injury and Mike Ford transitioning to the outside. Coach Campbell believes Robey-Coleman will provide a strong veteran presence and flexibility in a position he has succeeded in his career.
“I love slot. I’ve been playing slot since college. I played a little outside in college, too, but slot fits me. I take advantage of slot receivers in the slot with my size, speed, and quickness. It’s just a great fit for me.”
With his familiarization with the staff, Robey-Coleman should not have issues getting up to speed with the coaches’ scheme. In fact, the scheme the Lions will be running this season is strikingly similar to what he has run with in the past.
“This scheme got us to the Super Bowl, won an NFC championship, then before then we were making playoff appearances. We created a lot of turnovers on the front end, getting sacks, and on the back end, getting interceptions and forced fumbles. The D-line and the back end can work together, marry up together; it’ll look real good.”
Considering Robey-Coleman chose Detroit over legitimate contenders speaks volumes to the type of culture and atmosphere the Lions are bringing into Detroit. He can see what the front office and the coaching staff have done so far and what’s to be a part of the implementation to help bring it together. It has to feel good the Lions were able to grab a player who will make the defense better and the team as a whole and make this a memorable ride in the Motor City.