From felines to big cats: Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams talks love for cats

DETROIT – Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams talked to Local 4 Friday afternoon after his introductory press conference with the team.

While speaking about the franchise and how frigid-cold the city can get, his mother, Gloria Williams, gave us an inside look into Tyleik’s motivation, dreams, and his love for cats.

“I want to say probably middle school. I could be wrong. He put this dream out there, and to see it come true last night, he said I was punching him when I was so excited.

It was me, but we’re still just trying to take it all in. We’re all still trying to take it all in. Right now, I’m just excited. I’m loving it.

I’m happy for this kid. He worked very hard, very humble. Call him the silent assassin, you know; I’m saying he’s, you know, what you hear and what you see in a uniform on the field is two different things, but always respectful, and we’re proud of him.”

Gloria Williams

Williams is a run defender with violent first contact and nimble feet, contributing to his impressive tackling with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He plays through and around blocks, showcasing physical dominance, especially in one-on-one matchups.

Williams was selected to the third-team All-Big Ten during the 2024 season. He started 13 games for the national champions, accumulating 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks, and one pass breakup.

“It was tough at times. He always put in the work. He always did what he had to do. As he said before, he’s very competitive at any level, but as on the sports level, when I was having a conversation, he picked Ohio State.

I remember I was like, ‘Hey, you want to go there? They got some dogs up there? You’re a dog, and you’re a cat where your home is,’ like, now you’re going up there with some real dogs.

I was just, you know, as a mom, you’re nervous, but I was excited. We built great relationships there. Just overall, the whole thing has been awesome, the whole journey with this, and now we’re here to the big dream. Now, it’s time for him to get to work. This is your job.”

Gloria Williams

Tyleik is a dog on the field, but according to his mother, he’s a cat lover.

“Mango and S’more are my two cats. I’ve had S’more for about two years now, and I got Mango last year on my birthday,” Tyleik said.

Speaking of cats, the Lions are coming off their best record in franchise history at 15-2.

They ended the regular season with the best record in the NFC North and clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference.

However, their playoff run ended abruptly with an upset loss to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round, prompting a focus on the 2025 draft.

--> Lions’ historic season ends in heartbreaking disappointment: Who’s really to blame?

Lions General Manager Brad Holmes joined the Lions organization on Jan. 14, 2021, as the executive vice president and general manager.

Over the last four years, he said he has learned a lot, including being patient and letting the draft come to him instead of reaching for players

Holmes emphasized that his draft strategy is influenced by the overall talent level and the specific draft pick they hold.

He does not enter the draft with a predetermined plan to trade up or down, but he always gets his guy.

Lions 2025 NFL draft picks

Here’s the complete list of the Lions’ remaining picks in the 2025 NFL draft:

• Round 1, Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

• Round 2, Pick 60

• Round 3, Pick 102

• Round 4, Pick 130

• Round 6, Pick 196 (via Buccaneers)

• Round 7, Pick 228 (via Cowboys)

• Round 7, Pick 244