Lions Player Issues Heartfelt Apology to Detroit

   

It’s always a sad thing when a football player gets injured and misses precious time with the team, and that’s been the case a lot with the Detroit Lions. Last season, the team was one of the most injured in the NFL, and it showed during the postseason, when they fell in their first game to the Washington Commanders. Now, the Lions are coming up on the beginning of the season in just over a month, and they’re already getting injured players.

Lions Player Issues Heartfelt Apology to Detroit

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. had successful shoulder surgery but will miss the full upcoming season. We already knew that Rakestraw would have surgery, but it wasn’t expected that he would be out for the full season. That hurts in a big way.

Now, Rakestraw is speaking out about the news, and he’s sending a sincere apology to Lions followers. It’s sweet to see not only his message but the responses coming from the Detroit Lions family, because they know that this isn’t his fault.

Detroit Lions Cornerback Says He’s Sorry to Detroit

Detroit Lions on the field.

Rakestraw took to X to send an apology to the Lions’ loyal followers. “God has all the answers and I’ll never question him.. But truly sorry #Detroit,” he stated in a post on Friday, August 8, with a praying hand emoji.

 

Responses to Rakestraw were equally heartfelt. “You owe us no apology,” one stated. “The real fans are your ride or dies. Focus on getting better and make sure you have the right support system mentally, too.”

“You got nothing to apologize for, gang. Just get healthy and attack next season,” one more stated. “No need to be sorry injuries happen to the best of them. Just keep staying positive! Can’t wait to see you back on the field doing what you love,” another added.

It’s great to see the Detroit community supporting him. Moving forward, for this year, the Lions will have to regroup and cover for him, of course. Those who follow the Lions remember that last year, the Lions had multiple cornerbacks injured.

Schultz had previously stated on X, “#Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. underwent successful shoulder surgery today and will miss all of the 2025 season. A tough blow for the talented 2nd-round pick, who was poised to take on a much bigger role in Detroit’s secondary this year before suffering the injury in practice.”

Detroit Lions Add a New Player

On Friday, August 8, the Lions reportedly added another tight end, Steven Stilianos. The news came from Pat Rifino, was the first reporter to announce the signing.

Stilianos is a former right end from the XFL and played with the San Antonio Brahamas. He also played with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 but was cut by the team. He appeared in nine games with the Brahamas. So, it’s great to see the Lions adding to their tight end group, but they should also look at cornerback after the Rakestraw injury. Of course, the Lions could use another edge rusher, too, so Brad Holmes has his work still cut out for him.