One of the more prominent things we’ve heard about new Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader is how big he is on mentoring, and now we’re getting an inside look at why that may be.
In the latest edition of “Beyond,” a series of columns written by players themselves to help fans learn more about what’s going on underneath the helmet, Reader explains in great detail how he became the man he is today.
“If I wasn’t playing ball, I’d be a teacher. Maybe a guidance counselor. It’s what I’ve always done, it’s what I’ve always seen,” he said in the first-person article.
Heck, in his introductory press conference, Reader said he was already looking forward to working with young defensive tackle Brodric Martin. He’d even already watched film on Martin to know how to best mentor him.
As Father’s Day approaches, DJ Reader reflects on his own fatherhood journey in this edition of “Beyond.”@Djread98
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 14, 2024
One of the biggest reasons for that is his father, Reader says. Losing his dad at just 19 years old, he tells the story of why—on this Father’s Day—instead of focusing on the time he lost, he celebrates everything his father was.
Grab an entire box of tissues, it’s truly a beautiful read.
Happy Father's Day from some of our #Lions dads! pic.twitter.com/U7pVfeRLoc
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 16, 2024
And onto the rest of your notes.
“The once budding superstar cornerback, who dealt with injuries during his downturn, is primed to rebound in 2024 in the Motor City as the club’s No. 1 boundary defender.” Carlton Davis was named in this list of veterans who could have a resurgence this season.
Terrion Arnold threw out the first pitch at a Tigers game late last week and got his own customized jersey, while Amon-Ra St. Brown watched some of the other football.
.@ArnoldTerrion checking in from the @tigers game! #RepDetroit x #OnePride pic.twitter.com/affffUo43A
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 13, 2024
We’ll see y’all soon @Lions 👀 https://t.co/Aw8hLP08Uo pic.twitter.com/si402ibm3b
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 13, 2024
.@amonra_stbrown checking out some @EURO2024 action! pic.twitter.com/JFJ1U5nFJo
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 15, 2024
The Draft Network’s Justin Melo explains why it’s a make-it-or-break-it year for Jameson Williams.
AI is probably right.
A.I. thinks these guys will get to QBs the most this season 💥 pic.twitter.com/9IbsapexUb
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 15, 2024
While Terrion Arnold may have gotten most of the attention when it came to the Lions’ draft haul, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin believes Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s “tenacious physicality” may make him a surprise breakout star in 2024.
Obv!
Frank clears obv https://t.co/PVwkmlumOY
— Graham Glasgow (@gglasgow61) June 16, 2024