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Former NFL player Chris Payton-Jones dead at 30 after Florida car crash

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:25:32 -0400

Former NFL defensive back Chris Payton-Jones was killed in a car crash in Florida on Saturday night, officials said. He was 30.

Payton-Jones was traveling in a vehicle when he struck a pickup truck and overturned, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Payton-Jones’ vehicle caught fire, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to FOX 2 Now.

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He played for four NFL teams between 2018 and 2021 before he played for the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL. He then joined the St. Louis BattleHawks of the United Football League (UFL).

The UFL released a statement on his death.

"The United Football League is in mourning after the tragic passing of former St. Louis Battlehawks Defensive Back Chris Payton-Jones. Chris was a beloved teammate and leader in the locker room, who demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience throughout his career.

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"As importantly, Chris was always a bright soul who everyone throughout the league enjoyed spending time with off-the-field during his three-year tenure. From fan appearances and media engagements to his own content creation and openness to share the highs and lows of his personal journey, Chris carried himself with humility and integrity. Our condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and all others who are impacted by this loss."

Payton-Jones was a standout collegiate player at Nebraska. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 as an undrafted free agent. He then played for the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans.

He played in 29 NFL games and had 48 tackles and seven pass breakups.

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He played 18 regular-season games for the BattleHawks, recording 56 tackles and two interceptions.

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Jason Kelce calls out Lions for ‘bulls---' contract demand to retired Pro Bowl center

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:50:30 -0400

The Detroit Lions forced retired Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to pay back some of his signing bonus, and Philadelphia Eagles great Jason Kelce is not happy about it.

The Lions have done this before with some of the best players in their franchise history, Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, and it has created a rift in their relationship with the two Pro Football Hall of Famers. Kelce said he thinks it’s "bulls---" that the Lions are asking Ragnow to return money.

"While I get that the team has a right to ask for money back, in the spirit of the agreement, I think it’s bulls--- Frank is being asked to return money," Kelce posted to X.

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"This was clearly a player that the game had physically taken its toll on, and his body was clearly no longer holding up to the rigors of the NFL. It wasn’t just some player deciding he didn’t want to play anymore, it wasn’t that simple, and these signing bonuses are there to protect players from the inevitable injuries they incur on the field."

Ragnow signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension in May 2021 that made him the highest-paid center in the NFL, with a $6 million signing bonus. The signing bonus from that contract counted $1.5 million each season against the salary cap from 2023–26.

Lions president Rod Wood confirmed that the team asked for a "portion" of Ragnow’s signing bonus.

"Our precedent goes all the way back to Barry Sanders," Wood told the Detroit Free Press. "And if Barry Sanders paid back money.… And I think the reality is, they’re not paying back their money, they’re returning our money. Cause they were paid in advance for services that they hadn’t completed."

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Kelce said he understands the team wanting its money back if the player retired without reason and if that player did not fulfill the requirement of the contract. In Ragnow’s case, Kelce thought the four-time Pro Bowl center retired due to health issues after leaving it all on the field.

"However, Frank was known for being hurt and playing through injuries most players wouldn’t play through constantly. Broken foot, a torn pec, multiple knee injuries, back issues. There was always something, and I’m sure he was continuously dealing with multiple ailments to try and continue playing the game. His body clearly had deteriorated to a degree that made football no longer a viable option, physically, and probably mentally," Kelce wrote.

"In my opinion, the signing bonus is supposed to protect players from future physical ailments limiting their availability on the field, that’s one of the reasons you want more guaranteed money upfront."

Ragnow retired before last season. He attempted a comeback during November, but he failed a physical because of a torn hamstring. However, despite Ragnow retiring because of injury, Wood views the signing bonus as the team’s money.

"It’s the Lions’ money, it’s not the player’s money," Wood said.

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Kelce said the purpose of the signing bonus is to be a guarantee up front.

"The whole purpose of a signing bonus is to be a guarantee up front that insures a salary irregardless of performance metrics, or most importantly, injuries that could compromise your career in the future," Kelce wrote.

Including playoffs, Ragnow played in 100 games for the Lions, and made the Pro Bowl four of the last five years of his career.

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Darius Slay, 6-time Pro Bowl cornerback, announces retirement after 13 NFL seasons

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:47:48 -0400

Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons on Monday.

Slay made the announcement on his Instagram page, where he shared some career highlights as well as a message to the game of football.

"Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me," his Instagram caption read. ‘I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5yrs old for an amazing 13yrs at the highest level. Football was my peace, my joy, my everything. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones and I’m forever grateful."

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Slay, a second-round pick out of Mississippi State by the Detroit Lions, racked up a career 28 interceptions, including a league-leading eight in 2017, and 163 passes defended, which also led the league that year.

He became one of the best players at his position in the league over his seven years with the Lions before transitioning to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 when he was traded to the East Coast.

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It was there Slay continued to make Pro Bowls, but he captured his one and only Super Bowl ring during the 2024 season after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans in Super Bowl LIX.

Slay spent a year with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in his final season, playing 10 games with three passes defended.

"It’s hard to say goodbye, but God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start appreciate the love and support y’all have given to me. I couldn’t have done it without you. Just a kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams…" he wrote.

Slay earned the nickname "Big Play Slay" for his ability to come up clutch at a position that is one of the hardest to play in the NFL.

But after the Steelers released him following 10 games, he was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. However, he never played for them, saying he didn’t "feel like packing up and moving again."

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It was a decision that ultimately led Slay to call it quits for his career, one that he should be happy with considering the accolades he racked up, both personally and as a team, considering he will always be known as a Super Bowl champion.

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Lions trade David Montgomery to Texans hours after veteran's sarcastic response to rumors

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:15:40 -0500

David Montgomery may not have wanted out of Detroit, but the Lions made it so on Monday in a deal with the Houston Texans.

The Lions are trading the veteran running back to the Texans in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, according to multiple reports.

This comes just hours after Montgomery responded to an ESPN report which stated he "wants out" of Detroit after three seasons with the franchise.

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"Damn, [D-Mo] told you that?" Montgomery posted on Sunday after the report came out saying the Lions would want a "decent Day 3 pick" in return for him.

In the end, though, a decent Day 3 pick is what the Lions got in return and then some from the Texans, a team that was looked to bolster its run game this offseason after a down year following the injury to Joe Mixon before the 2025 season even began.

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Mixon is most likely to be released after a foot injury kept him out all of last season. Now, Montgomery and promising rookie Woody Marks are expected to share the backfield, though the former may see an elevated role compared to what was occurring in Detroit.

Montgomery loved being a part of one of the most dynamic duos at running back in the league, but his other half, Jahmyr Gibbs, was slowly getting more of the workload. The explosive Alabama product is one of the best at his position in the NFL, and Montgomery was mainly being used in short-yardage situations or to spell Gibbs in 2025.

Known affectionately as "Sonic and Knuckles," the duo will no longer share the same backfield, and "Sonic" was upset after posting a picture of the video game characters.

Gibbs has taken off since entering the NFL as the Lions’ first-round pick in 2023. He broke out with 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, which led the NFL, in 2024. Then, he followed it up with 1,223 yards and 13 rushing scores, with a career-high 616 receiving yards and five more scores through the air in 2025.

Montgomery had 716 rushing yards with eight rushing scores, while hauling in 24 of Jared Goff’s pass attempts his way for 192 yards. He totaled 2,506 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns across his three seasons with the franchise.

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Montgomery, who was a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears before landing with the Lions in 2023, is under contract through the 2027 season.

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Lions star David Montgomery sarcastically fires back at trade rumor report

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:39:41 -0500

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery responded to a report that he seemingly "wants out" of the organization he’s been with for the last three seasons.

Well, that’s news to the veteran known as "Knuckles" in the Motor City.

Montgomery took to social media to respond to the ESPN report, employing a fair bit of sarcasm in doing so.

"Damn, [D-Mo] told you that?" Montgomery posted on Sunday after the report came out saying the Lions would want a "decent Day 3 pick" in return for him.

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The 28-year-old, who started his career with the Chicago Bears, has enjoyed success with the Lions since he got there. And when the Lions brought the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs into the mix, the popular "Sonic and Knuckles" duo was born.

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Gibbs, though, has taken off since entering the NFL as the Lions’ first-round pick in 2023. He broke out with 1,412 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, which led the NFL, in 2024. Then, he followed it up with 1,223 yards and 13 rushing scores, with a career-high 616 receiving yards and five more scores through the air in 2025.

Montgomery had 716 rushing yards with eight rushing scores, while hauling in 24 of Jared Goff’s pass attempts his way for 192 yards.

Montgomery has been more of the short yardage back for the Lions’ dynamic offense, but it’s certain that Gibbs is the top guy if the team had to choose.

He owns a contract through the 2027 season, so the Lions would have to trade him if he wishes to move on. But his tweet says otherwise.

The report even gave a potential destination for Montgomery, saying that the Seattle Seahawks could make sense if they don’t re-sign Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP who is an unrestricted free agent. The Seahawks could also franchise tag Walker if they so choose.

Of course, there’s no guarantee the Lions don’t move on from Montgomery, but it appears the veteran enjoys his role with one of the best offenses in the NFL.

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The Lions currently sit more than $12 million over their salary cap, though this is the time teams will begin to cut down to prepare for free agency and the NFL Draft. Montgomery is set to be a $8.3 million cap hit for the 2026 season.

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Former Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins dies at 56; family cites possible CTE

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:32:35 -0500

Tracy Scroggins, a former standout Detroit Lions linebacker, has died, his family announced Monday. He was 56.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins," his family said in a statement sent to TMZ.

Scroggins' loved ones said he will be remembered for his strength and perseverance.

"Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance," the statement continued. "While many knew him for his career as a professional football player in the NFL, those closest to him knew him as a kind-hearted and generous man who cared deeply for his family and friends."

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The family cited possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in confirming his death. Researchers have linked the brain condition to repeated trauma to the head or repeated concussions.

"Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty," the statement added. "However, unfortunately, the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely demise. Tracy spent every moment of retirement courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace."

It was unclear whether Scroggins’ family planned to have his brain tested for CTE. Scroggins was among the group of players who filed concussion-related lawsuits against the league ahead of a 2015 concussion settlement.

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Scroggins’ NFL career spanned a decade, all of which he spent in a Lions uniform. The Oklahoma native arrived in Detroit after the franchise selected him in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft. Before turning pro, Scroggins played college football at Tulsa.

In addition to football, Scroggins played on his high school basketball and track teams.

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He finished his career with 60½ sacks, seventh most in Lions history.

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NFL stars highlight their on-field wingmen teammates, how they make each other successful

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:40:33 -0500

No football team can find success if players don't have their wingmen on, and even off, the field.

Just like how football fans can't have football without wings during the Super Bowl, and you can't have wings without Bounty, football teams can't have wins without chemistry, and you can't have chemistry without your wingman.

Numerous duos of teammates joined Bounty's wingman campaign during Super Bowl week once again to hype up their on-field wingmen and discuss what makes each so conducive to the other's success.

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"We were in the same class, so we got drafted to Detroit in the same year. We've been an important part of what Detroit is building and the culture. From there on, we've gotten closer on the field. He does his thing, I do mine, and it makes it fun," Detroit Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell said of Amon-Ra St. Brown.

"Without him, Jared [Goff] can't throw the ball. Without Jared throwing the ball, I can't catch it. So he's my wingman," the receiver added of Sewell.

Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey found a new wingman this season in Keenan Allen, as the longtime veteran returned to L.A. after a brief stint in Chicago.

"It meant so much, him coming back. Somebody's gonna win, and being able to gain knowledge off him, the leadership he brought into the receiver room was special," he said.

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Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean, members of the Philadelphia Eagles secondary, have a similar relationship.

"It's just natural," said DeJean. "He kinda took me under his wing when I got into the NFL, taught me all the good and bad things.

"I was gonna let him make his mistakes, but he didn't make a lot of them. He's grown a lot, and it's been fun playing with him," Blankenship added.

New York Giants rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo instantly became fan favorites, and it's easy to see why.

"It starts with our competitive nature, the way we go about our business every single day and compete, our habits and discipline on the field. At the same time, we just go out there with a ton of passion," Dart said.

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Skattebo added, "We leave no meat on the bone when we play."

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Lions stars explain what went wrong in disappointing season after big Super Bowl expectations

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:10:40 -0500

The new-look Detroit Lions have been a force to be reckoned with, but this season, they are in what has recently become unfamiliar territory.

After making the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons, the Lions missed out on the playoffs after being one of the favorites to win it all in the preseason.

In 2023, they were this close to making the Super Bowl for the first time. Last season, they lost in their first playoff game as the No. 1 seed.

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"I really think we have all the pieces, and that's why this year hurt the way that it did, because you know we have this high elite level of talent," star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson told Fox News Digital on Radio Row. "I really just think it was a football thing, and it was a lack of complimentary football in critical moments. I think different phases were letting the team down. That's defense included, too. It sucks that you have to sit there and say it, but I think that's kind of what happened. Because we have the pieces."

"I think we just slipped up here and there. Details kind of slipped up, we had a lot of people injured, but I wouldn't make that as an excuse because we did the same thing last year. Just need to clean up some stuff," running back Jahmyr Gibbs added. "Everybody's in the league for a reason. Every team's good. Every team's got players getting paid. So, I mean, anybody can beat anybody any given Sunday, Thursday, Monday, whatever it is. We just happened to get beat more than we're used to. So it is what it is."

Part of the reason the Lions did not go to that Super Bowl two years ago, many would argue, is Dan Campbell's aggressiveness on fourth down. But don't expect anyone on the Lions to ever disagree with their coach's mentality.

"We love it," Amon-Ra St. Brown said. "We're rocking with it, we feel like we have a good offense, players everywhere that can go make plays on fourth down. We feel like we can get it on every fourth down. Dan's instilled that in us since we've been there... and we feel like we can get it every time."

Gibbs' answer was much simpler.

"We want more points," he said.

One thing that the Lions undoubtedly do, though, is lean on one another. Hutchinson and Gibbs partnered with Rocket Mortgage on Radio Row to spread the word on being a good neighbor, and likened home living to the locker room.

"Be dependable. Always depend on that one person that's gonna be, then no matter what, to help you. Like, you need your packages picked up. They gonna help you," Gibbs said.

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"It's really what Rocket is all about," added Hutchinson. "And their culture, they preach being a good neighbor and being kind and spreading kindness. The biggest thing is dependability when I think of teammates and neighbors. "I think the severity of the situation changes in-game, a little bit higher pressure, but it's a similar flair of dependability."

When asked if anything is missing to get over the hump, Penei Sewell echoed Hutchinson's teammates about having the right pieces.

"Nothing comes to mind," Sewell admitted.

"But I'll tell you what," Hutchinson added, "once we all come back for OTAs, we all know what's at stake. We all know how much has been put into this team and the talent that we have. So it's going to be continuing to sharpen iron, compete in practice, compete in games, and really become the best version of ourselves."

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Lions fan files $100M lawsuit after DK Metcalf clash, denies racial slur claims

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:28:33 -0500

Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident and self-described Detroit Lions fan, is taking legal action following a December altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field.

Kennedy and his legal team held a news conference in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on Dec. 26. On Tuesday, attorneys representing Kennedy announced that a lawsuit had been filed in Wayne County Court. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages stemming from the Dec. 21 incident and names DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ford Field, the Lions’ longtime home stadium.

Former NFL player Chad Johnson, Ford Field management and multiple media platforms were also listed in the lawsuit, alleging that they played a role in making "defamatory and life-altering statements" against Kennedy in the aftermath of the incident.

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The filing outlines nine counts, including negligence against Ford Field and multiple defamation claims against Metcalf, Johnson and former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe's Shay Shay Media.

During the first half of the Lions–Steelers game on Dec. 21, Metcalf appeared to take a swing at Kennedy, who was seated in the Ford Field stands. The NFL later disciplined Metcalf with a two-game suspension to close the regular season.

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On an episode of Shay Shay Media's "Nightcap" podcast released the day after the incident, co-host Chad Johnson said Metcalf told him Kennedy directed a racial slur at the Steelers receiver and used a derogatory term toward Metcalf’s mother.

Kennedy denied using any slurs at a December press conference, a claim reiterated in the lawsuit.

"The statements were false and reckless," the lawsuit states. "Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the 'N-word'; did not call Defendant Metcalf’s mother a 'c---'; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever ... Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements, which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy."

Kennedy is also taking legal action against the Steelers for the team's alleged liability in the incident, while Metcalf is accused of committing assault and battery in the lawsuit. The claims against Ford Field management are also based on liability.

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"Defendant Ford Field Management, LLC breached its duty by failing to establish or enforce adequate barriers, protocols, or security measures to prevent players from reaching into the stands and making physical contact with patrons," the lawsuit reads.

Fox News Digital contacted the Lions requesting comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Metcalf recorded 850 receiving yards in his first season with the Steelers.

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Lions coach Dan Campbell grades himself harshly after missing playoffs: 'Freaking F'

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:29:43 -0500

Dan Campbell is going to keep it blunt with his Detroit Lions — good or bad.

This year didn’t turn out how many believed it would for the Lions, and Campbell was asked during his end-of-season press conference how he would grade the 2025 campaign.

For a team that was a Super Bowl favorite out of the NFC in the preseason, Campbell called it like it is for his team.

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"Not good enough. We didn’t get in, we underachieved," he said, per Yahoo Sports. "So, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F."

The Lions were able to make it over .500, winning their Week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears, 19-16. But Campbell has always been a tough self critic as much as he is with his squad, so it’s not shocking to hear him grade himself so harshly.

But Campbell knows that this is the first time since 2022 that the Lions have missed the playoffs, and a 9-8 season isn’t the standard now for the franchise.

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The Lions have had a slow build to one of the more formidable teams in the league, having gone 15-2 last year to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They certainly fell short of expectations, though, being upset by rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in the Divisional Round.

Two years prior, the Lions made the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers after going 12-5. They would’ve made it to the team’s first-ever Super Bowl, too, if it wasn’t for a second-half collapse in the Bay Area that saw a miraculous 49ers comeback to earn a spot in the Big Game.

Campbell saw flux this past offseason on his coaching staff, with both of his top coordinators finding head coach jobs elsewhere.

The big one was Ben Johnson, the offensive whiz who unlocked Jared Goff and company, taking the Bears job in the NFC North. Johnson went from a strong ally to a bitter rival, and Chicago went on to win the division title in his first year.

Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator under Campbell, didn’t have the same luck as Johnson, as his New York Jets went 3-14. Glenn, though, wasn’t among those axed during "Black Monday," as the Jets remain committed to him at least to start the 2026 season.

Campbell still can’t believe what happened after such a hot start to this season. The Lions went 4-1 to begin the year, but failed to find consistency after that.

A shocking Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 ended their playoffs hopes.

"It’s hard to believe that this is it," Campbell said. "It’s going to be a hard pill to swallow watching these teams in the playoffs. But I think you’ve got to watch them. You’ve got to force yourself to do it because that’s a drive to want to be there, be a part of it."

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There’s no doubt Campbell will continue to trust his process and his team to get the job done, but he’ll have to wait until September to get a shot at checking off the playoff goal once again.

Campbell just completed his fifth season as head coach of the Lions. He owns a 53-43-1 record over 97 games.

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Lions fan involved in altercation with Steelers star denies using racial slurs

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:42:06 -0500

The Detroit Lions fan involved in an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, Ryan Kennedy, held a news conference Friday and said he did not use any racial slurs toward Metcalf.

Kennedy said he did not use any racial slurs or hate speech on Sunday, adding he has never done so in his 15 years as a season ticket holder.

"It is really hard to get me upset, but there’s two things — animal abuse, racism — like I get hot, right away. Like, I can feel my face gets all warm. So, I guess I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game," Kennedy said.

"Actually, never. A 15-year season-ticket holder for the Lions, I’ve never done that at all."

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Kennedy said his family had received threats and asked for Metcalf to confirm Kennedy did not use any racial slurs toward the Steelers star. Kennedy referred to Metcalf as DeKaylin, his real name, instead of his widely used nickname, DK, at the news conference.

"DeKaylin, if you’re watching this man, just, if you could just say that, please. My family is getting threats and stuff. It’s not cool. So, whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family, even if you did. Like, I forgive you man. That’s all I got. Go Lions," Kennedy said.

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Metcalf has not publicly spoken about the altercation. He was suspended for two games by the NFL for throwing a punch at Kennedy. Multiple reports indicated that racial slurs were hurled at him, which sparked the altercation.

Metcalf was shown by the CBS broadcast grabbing a fan by the shirt and taking a swing at him.

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Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press he was heckling Metcalf by calling him by his full name.

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Vikings squash Lions' playoff chances on Christmas Day, force 6 turnovers

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:02:02 -0500

The Detroit Lions were hoping for a gift from the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas. Instead, they got a lump of coal and then some.

The Vikings played spoiler with an upset victory over their NFC North rival, 23-10.

Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison didn’t touch the ball until the fourth quarter and made the biggest play of the night. He took a handoff from quarterback Max Brosmer, found space on the right side of the line of scrimmage and powered through the Swiss cheese Lions defense.

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The 66-yard touchdown run extended the Vikings’ lead to 10 points. On the Lions’ next drive, Jared Goff committed the team’s sixth turnover on the night. The Lions had four fumbles and two interceptions. Goff was responsible for five of them. Jahmyr Gibbs also had a fumble.

A win for Detroit would have kept its playoff hopes alive at least for another two days, but the loss sinks the team’s dreams altogether after being in the postseason the last two years and finishing the 2024 season with a 15-2 record.

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Since their Week 8 bye, the Lions have looked a bit lost. Detroit has lost six of its last nine games. The team only picked up wins against NFC East teams — the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. They needed overtime to get past the Giants.

Detroit drops to 8-8 on the season with the loss.

Goff was 18-for-29 for 197 yards passing and a touchdown pass. He was sacked five times. Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with eight catches for 68 yards. Isaac TeSlaa had three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown catch.

Brosmer started the game for an injured J.J. McCarthy. He was 9 of 16 for 51 yards. Justin Jefferson had four catches for 30 yards. Aaron Jones added a rushing touchdown.

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The win was the fourth straight for the Vikings. They are 8-8 with the Green Bay Packers left on their schedule.

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Lions star Amon-Ra St Brown explains why he isn't fan of playing on Christmas: 'Don't even like it'

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:12:59 -0500

While football fans may enjoy some NFL football on Christmas Day, not all players share the same thoughts.

Detroit Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown revealed on his "St. Brown Podcast" with his older brother, Equanimeous, that he isn’t a fan of having to work on the holidays.

The Lions, who play yearly on Thanksgiving Day, will play at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas.

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"The two biggest holidays I feel like in the United States, we played on both of them." Amon-Ra told his brother.

"And I don’t even have kids yet. If I had kids, I’d be even more pissed. Like, you can’t be spending it with your family, get to see your kids open gifts. I feel like that’s something that a lot of parents love to see and can’t wait for.

"I don’t even like it, and I’m not even a f---ing father yet."

EX-NFL COACH RIPS REFS FOR LIONS PENALTY THAT TOOK LATE AMON-RA ST BROWN TD OFF BOARD

Playing for the Lions means Thanksgiving Day will always involve football, and Amon-Ra signed a four-year, $120 million extension last year. So, he understands Thanksgiving means work first before the feast.

But, as he said, both major holidays can be tough, especially for those fathers who want to be around their children and families.

It’s an added nuisance for Amon-Ra that the Lions also have to travel for the game.

"Us traveling, it’s like, damn," he told his brother.

Amon-Ra is also dealing with a knee injury following the team’s tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. He was officially listed as questionable for the game, though he's expected to play barring any pregame setback.

The Lions find themselves in a must-win situation in Week 17 if they want to make the playoffs. While Detroit needs to win their final two games, they also need the Green Bay Packers, their NFC North rivals, to lose their final two games to reach the playoffs.

The situation would’ve been different if the Lions hadn’t had Amon-Ra’s touchdown with 22 seconds left at Ford Field Sunday called back for offensive pass interference.

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A few plays later, Amon-Ra was called for offensive pass interference on the final play of the game, when he was able to pitch it back to quarterback Jared Goff, who flew into the end zone for what Lions fans hoped was the game-winning score. Instead, the flag negated the touchdown and the game ended.

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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers hilariously trash talks star defender in mic'd up moment

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:35:41 -0500

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not only proven that he can still play this season, but that he can still talk trash, too.

Rodgers, 42, chirped Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell during the Steelers' 29-24 win over the Lions on Sunday at Ford Field. Rodgers began talking trash when he hustled to the sideline, beating the star linebacker to the boundary.

Campbell tumbled once on the sideline, and Rodgers offered to help him up. However, Campbell waited until his teammate, Tyrus Wheat, came over to grab him before eventually latching on to Rodgers’ hand.

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Rodgers took Campbell’s moment to wait for his teammate and let the 25-year-old hear it for spurning his offer.

"Oh, you don’t want me to help pick you up," Rodgers said while Campbell was being hoisted off the turf.

STEELERS COACH MIKE TOMLIN SHOWS SUPPORT FOR STAR WHO TOOK SWING AT LIONS FAN

"Why, 'cause you’re slower than a 42-year-old? Is that why? You’re slower than a 42-year-old."

The four-time MVP has been productive for the 9-6 Steelers this season. In 14 games – Rodgers missed one due to injury – the team has a 9-5 record in his starts while the 10-time Pro Bowler has completed 66.7% of his passes for 2,860 yards with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

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In the Steelers’ win over the Lions, Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards with one touchdown.

If the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, they will win the AFC North for the first time since 2020. However, the team will be without star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games for taking a swing at a fan.

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Lions fan involved in altercation with Steelers star denies using derogatory language toward player

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:44:54 -0500

The Detroit Lions fan who got into an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a game on Sunday evening denied using derogatory language toward the player.

Ryan Kennedy released a statement through Head Murphy Law in Michigan on Monday, denying accusations that he used the "N-word," "C-word" or "any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur toward Metcalf." Kennedy’s reps called the allegations "completely false."

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"At no point before, during or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind," the statement read. "The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during an interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past.

"Since these false statements began circulating publicity, Mr. Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being. No private individual should be falsely branded with such accusations or exposed to threats based on misinformation."

The statement said Kennedy will have no further comment as legal proceedings are anticipated.

DK METCALF, LAMAR JACKSON AND OTHER NFL PLAYERS WHO HAVE HAD FAN ALTERCATIONS

Metcalf was spotted confronting the fan, who was near the barrier on the Steelers’ sideline. He pulled the fan’s shirt and took a swing at the man who was wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig.

The man told the Detroit Free Press that Metcalf was upset that he called the wide receiver by his full name.

However, the NFL Network offered a conflicting report. The outlet said Metcalf reacted the way he did because the fan used derogatory language toward him and made a remark about his mother. Metcalf reportedly had a negative experience with the fan last year when he played for the Seattle Seahawks.

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Metcalf is expected to face discipline in either the form of a fine or suspension.

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Ex-NFL coach rips refs for Lions penalty that took late Amon-Ra St Brown TD off board

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:13:48 -0500

The Detroit Lions lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the most chaotic endings of the season.

Penalty flags plagued the Lions’ final drive as Amon-Ra St. Brown was called for offensive pass interference on the final play, which negated the lateral touchdown to Jared Goff. Five plays earlier, a St. Brown touchdown was taken off the board thanks to an Isaac TeSlaa penalty.

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Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan suggested the TeSlaa penalty was a farce and the St. Brown touchdown should have counted.

"They got the last one right, but they certainly got the previous one dead a-- wrong," Ryan said on ESPN’s "Get Up." "The defensive guy on the St. Brown touchdown, he’s the guy who initiated the contact on TeSlaa. He initiated the contact. It’s an awful call, and unfortunately it cost the Lions a win here and probably a playoff spot. So, yeah, this is atrocious right here."

Ryan said the St. Brown offensive pass interference penalty looked right in his eyes.

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"Now, on the last one, it was clearly a PI by Amon-Ra St. Brown. Yes, he goes in and as soon as he extends with both hands, it’s a penalty.… What St. Brown has to do in that situation is understand that this is going to be a three-man rush by Pittsburgh. And, quite honestly, it was only a two-man rush. You’re gonna have time. You’re not going to need to get separation. You have plenty of time. And, unfortunately, that was the outcome.

"There’s no two ways about it. The first one to St. Brown was a touchdown. An absolute touchdown."

Jared Goff agreed with Ryan on the TeSlaa penalty.

"That’s a bad call," he said, adding that he didn’t want to make any excuses for the team’s loss.

Detroit’s playoff chances took a major hit because of the loss. There’s still hope but it is minimal.

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"We know the percentages. We know we’re not eliminated. We know some things need to go our way," Goff said. "I know who we are. I know who we can be. Certain games we haven’t fired on all cylinders."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Lions fan speaks out after altercation with Steelers star

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:55:44 -0500

A Detroit Lions fan was on the receiving end of some wrath from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf on Sunday.

Metcalf was seen grabbing at the fan’s shirt and taking a swing. The CBS broadcast caught the interaction between the Steelers player and the man, who was wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig. It was unclear in the moment what led to the incident.

The man told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his full name – DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf – and it sparked fury.

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"A little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby," the fan, who was identified as Ryan Kennedy, told the newspaper.

"What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf," he added. "He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt."

Metcalf wasn’t penalized in the game as the CBS cameras only caught the moment by happenstance. The NFL told the Detroit Free Press it couldn’t intervene in regard to an ejection because the incident didn’t happen on the field.

STEELERS ESCAPE WITH WIN AS PENALTY WIPES OUT LIONS' WILD GAME-ENDING TOUCHDOWN

The fan was reportedly allowed to stay in the stadium as well.

Metcalf will be facing a fine or suspension over the incident.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had no real comment about the moment.

"I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it," he said. "I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK."

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Metcalf didn’t meet with the media after the 29-24 win. He had four catches for 42 yards.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Steelers escape with win as penalty wipes out Lions' wild game-ending touchdown

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 20:29:40 -0500

The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped Detroit with a 29-24 win over the Lions on Sunday as the game came down to the final seconds.

Jared Goff and the Lions had one last chance. The team earned multiple shots at the end zone after fighting through penalty flags. Goff thought he had wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for the go-ahead score, but offensive pass interference was called on Isaac TeSlaa, which negated the score. A false start penalty then moved the Lions back even further from the goal line.

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But they had one more chance. Goff dropped back to pass and targeted St. Brown. The wide receiver caught the pass and was initially thought to have been stopped before the goal line. However, he lateralled the ball to Goff, who ran it in for what the team and fans thought was the game-winning touchdown.

A flag was thrown on the play.

The officiating crew took time to get the mess sorted out. Fans waited with bated breath to see what the call was going to be. Officials said there was a touchdown on the play, but St. Brown was called for offensive pass interference as he pushed into Jalen Ramsey while trying to get open.

Detroit fans’ cheers immediately turned to boos. Lions players were left in disbelief.

STEELERS STAR RECEIVER DK METCALF TAKES SWING AT LIONS FAN DURING GAME IN DETROIT

"Chaos," Aaron Rodgers said when asked how he would describe the final play. "I was a part of a game 13 years ago that had this kind of chaos. That was with some replacement referees, though.

"I mean, just watching it now, looks like there’s an OPI. Looks like he’s stopped. Looks like forward progress just stopped. Crazy game."

It was a huge win for the Steelers, who were trying to stay on top of the AFC North.

Rodgers was 27-of-41 with 266 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell. Running back Jaylen Warren had 143 rushing yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.

The win also solidifies another winning season for head coach Mike Tomlin. It’s 19 straight seasons of at least a .500 record or better.

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Goff had another incredible game for the Lions in spite of the loss. He was 34-of-54 for 364 yards and three touchdown passes. TeSlaa, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond each had touchdown receptions.

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Steelers star receiver DK Metcalf takes swing at Lions fan during game in Detroit

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:06:45 -0500

Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf swung at a fan in the stands at Ford Field during the team’s game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The CBS broadcast happened to catch the intense moment.

During the interaction, the two had words with each other before Metcalf appeared to try to grab the fan’s blue wig. Then, he threw a closed fist at the fan toward his face, though it appeared to have missed him.

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Metcalf wasn’t ejected because officials didn’t see the altercation, but ESPN reported that the NFL will be reviewing the incident.

While it’s almost certain Metcalf will be facing league discipline, whether he’s suspended or not will be the big question for a Steelers team that’s in the middle of a playoff hunt.

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Metcalf is quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ favorite player in the wide receivers room. Coming into the game, Metcalf tallied 808 yards on 55 catches this season with six touchdown grabs.

Coming into the game, the Steelers owned a one-game lead in the AFC North division at 8-6, with the Baltimore Ravens right behind them at 7-7. The Ravens take on the New England Patriots later on Sunday night, but they are likely tuned in to see what’s going on with Pittsburgh in Detroit.

Considering the current AFC playoff picture, the Steelers’ best chances at making it to the postseason is winning the division, and having every impact player on the field for the remaining games is crucial to achieving that goal.

Metcalf knows better than to interact with fans in this way, but his actions could have some serious consequences depending on how the league views them.

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The Steelers have the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 before taking on the Ravens to finish the regular season in Week 18 on Jan. 4.

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Rams' clutch touchdown in win over Lions sparks frenzied debate on social media

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:06:42 -0500

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a 41-34 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday as a controversial touchdown call helped buoy the NFC West’s best team.

In the third quarter, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford found tight end Colby Parkinson streaming down the sideline and put the ball in a perfect spot for his teammate to make a catch. Parkinson got into the end zone, and the play was initially ruled a touchdown.

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The officials looked at the play. It could have been argued that Parkinson had possession of the football and might have been ruled down at 1-yard line. But the hope that the touchdown would be taken off the board was immediately nixed. The officials upheld the call.

It was a 26-yard touchdown from Stafford to Parkinson, but a debate over whether it was the right call kicked off on social media.

Detroit tried to get back into the game with a David Montgomery touchdown late in the game. But the Lions didn’t get the ball back with enough time left to do anything substantial.

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Stafford was 24-of-38 with 368 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one interception. Parkinson had both touchdowns. He finished with five catches for 78 yards. Puka Nacua led the team with nine catches for 181 yards.

The Lions had two receivers go over 100 yards – Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. St. Brown had 13 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Williams had seven catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Detroit’s Jared Goff threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He was only sacked once.

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The Rams clinched a playoff spot with the win. The team is still neck and neck with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West title.

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Lions' Jared Goff interrupts reporter after repeated questions about Rams: 'We’re still talking about it'

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:43:34 -0500

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is ready to move on from the narrative that surfaces every time he faces his former team.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Goff faced a series of questions about facing the team that traded him for Matthew Stafford years after drafting him first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

"It feels like a long time ago and, I think we kind of talked about it earlier in the year of how it's kind of my career now [I’ve] spent more time here. It certainly feels like a long time ago," he said Wednesday, before being asked separately if he still feels an "emotional charge."

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"No, not so much anymore," he responded. "And really, we played them in that playoff game, and it was such a big deal and the next year we played them again, and that felt like even less, and so now it's even further removed."

But Goff was asked a third time about the history of the matchup. This time, he interjected.

"We’re still talking about it — all right, go ahead," he said before letting the reporter finish his question.

EX-RAMS STAR JARED GOFF SAYS HE WAS BLINDSIDED BY TRADE TO LIONS: 'REAL TASTE OF TRUE ADVERSITY'

Goff has played against his former team three times since that blockbuster trade, which resulted in Stafford leading the Rams to Super Bowl victory. In regular season matchups, the score is even at one win each, but Goff led the Lions to another victory over the Rams in a wild-card game during the 2024 playoffs.

During his tenure with the Rams, Goff earned Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018, with the latter season culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. He would be traded after just two more seasons.

Rams head coach Sean McVay had high praise for Goff when speaking about his former quarterback this week, adding that he’s "truly happy" with how his career is panning out in Detroit.

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"There were a lot of great memories and a lot of really good ball that he did here that I’ll always cherish. I’m truly happy for him. He’s married and has a beautiful little girl now. It’s awesome to see. I think I’m reminded of those things, and then you’re also reminded of when you need to be able to grow up and handle things a little bit better. I’ll never run away from that. What I’m grateful for and appreciative of is that he’s got such grace towards me and understanding. I’m happy for Jared."

The Rams host the Lions on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cowboys coach to meet with George Pickens after fiery exchange with Richard Sherman over criticism

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:11:13 -0500

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has vowed to step in amid a feud between one of the team's star wide receivers and a former NFL cornerback.

The Cowboys fell to 6-6-1 on the season after dropping Thursday night’s game to the Detroit Lions.

The 44-30 loss put Dallas’ playoff hopes in jeopardy. Former Seattle Seahawks star and current NFL analyst Richard Sherman was on hand for the Prime Video broadcast and suggested George Pickens looked "uninterested" and took a "disengaged" position.

Pickens caught wind of Sherman’s critique and fired back on social media, directing a series of names and insults at the retired defensive back. Pickens later appeared to delete the post, but his initial actions still prompted Schottenheimer to commit to addressing the situation with the wideout.

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"I'm aware of what was supposedly put out there," Schottenheimer told reporters on Friday. "I've not talked to him yet. I understand it's been taken down, but I will be talking to him, just checking on him. Again, this is unfortunately things that we deal with in this profession. But I have not spoken to him, but I will."

4 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LIONS' WIN OVER THE COWBOYS

Pickens finished Thursday’s game with 37 receiving yards. While the former Georgia standout is typically a deep threat, he failed to haul in a pass of more than 10 yards for the first time in a game this year.

In the social media post, Pickens seemed to assert that Sherman should have taken the Lions’ defensive strategy into consideration, writing in part, "it's funny cause I thought former players would know that," before claiming Sherman, "AINT SHH WITHOUT THE LEGION OF BOOM."

After the game, Pickens acknowledged he could’ve delivered a better performance.

"For myself, personally, you can't just disappear," Pickens told reporters after the game. All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb exited in the second half with a head injury, which appeared to result in Pickens drawing greater attention from Lions defenders.

Schottenheimer later watched the game on film and pushed back against the idea that Pickens’ effort was below standard.

"I don't think any of us coached or played well enough," Schottenheimer said. "All in all, I'm going to judge George on his body of work, man. His body of work, he's shown what an elite player he is and what a game changer that he is. I have no question."

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Pickens spent his first three NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was traded to the Cowboys in the offseason. In 13 games played this season, Pickens has career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame retracts death statement on Lions legend Lem Barney, apologizes

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:40:52 -0500

Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney’s family on Saturday pushed back on a claim that the former Detroit Lions player had died.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame erroneously announced that Barney had died at the age of 80. The organization released another statement, apologizing for the conflicting information.

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"Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today," officials said, via the New York Post. "The Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology."

Barney’s son told The Detroit Free Press that his father was alive, and his great niece slammed the reports in a post on Facebook.

"This is a lie my Great Uncle is alive we dnt know who the sick person is behind this but we will find out !!!!!! Please report this," she wrote on Facebook.

JASON KELCE SENDS EAGLES FANS INTO FRENZY, SHIRTLESS IN BELLY-BUCKING COMPETITION BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY GAME

Barney was a second-round pick of the Lions in 1967 out of Jackson State. He played 14 games in 1967 and led the NFL with 10 interceptions and three interceptions returned for a touchdown. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

He was an All-Pro selection in his first three seasons of the NFL and made seven Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Lions.

Barney finished his career after the 1977 season. He had 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries in 140 career games.

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Following his career, he was named to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team and the Lions’ All Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

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Lions great fails physical after coming out of retirement for playoff push

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:10:55 -0500

The Detroit Lions thought they were going to get a massive boost to their offense when four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow came out of retirement to rejoin the team.

However, the Lions announced Saturday that Ragnow had failed his physical and will not be rejoining the team.

"Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical," the Lions said in a statement.

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"The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions."

"Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion."

Ragnow, 29, abruptly retired from the team in June. He posted to social media that he had tried to convince himself he was ready to play, but said it was instead time to prioritize his health. He had spent his entire seven-year career with the Lions after being drafted by the team in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

NFL OFFICIALS UNDER FIRE FOR GRANTING PACKERS TIMEOUT AFTER APPARENT FALSE START

"I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t," Ragnow said in a June Instagram post. "I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life."

"These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL," Ragnow continued. "The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all."

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Following the 2021 season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes made Ragnow the league's highest-paid center at the time with a four-year, $54 million contract. The center made the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons after signing the contract, as he remained one of the best centers in the sport despite battling injuries throughout his career.

Ragnow’s return would have been a big boost to the 7-5 Lions, who are in the midst of battling for a Wild Card spot after losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.

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NFL officials under fire for granting Packers timeout after apparent false start

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:58:54 -0500

NFL officials stoked drama during the Green Bay Packers’ win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday over a controversial decision to grant head coach Matt LaFleuer a timeout when it appeared his team committed a false start penalty.

The issue occurred late in the second quarter while the Packers were on the 2-yard line on fourth down with about 2:16 left in the first half. Jordan Love called for the ball, but it appeared one of his offensive linemen jumped. However, officials said LaFleur was able to call a timeout before the penalty was committed.

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A replay showed otherwise.

The Packers would score a touchdown to end the drive — a 2-yard touchdown pass from Love to Romeo Doubs. Green Bay won the game, 31-24.

NFL referee Ron Torbert defended the decision to grant the Packers a timeout in an interview with a pool reporter after the game.

LaFleur was asked about the incident after the game.

PACKERS' 4TH DOWN AGGRESSIVENESS TRUMPS LIONS' DECISIONS TO COMPLETE SEASON SWEEP

"Of course they got it right," LaFleur said with a wink. "I was calling timeout."

NFL fans weren’t so sure and expressed it as much on social media.

Love finished 18-of-30 with 234 passing yards and four touchdown passes. Two of the touchdown passes were to Dontayvion Wicks – his first two of the season. Doubs and Christian Watson had the other two.

Wicks had six catches for 94 yards.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff was 20-of-26 with 256 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Jameson Williams turned into his primary target as Amon-Ra St. Brown left the game with an injury. He had seven catches on 10 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown.

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The Packers improved to 8-3 with the win and the Lions fell to 7-5.

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