What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear DiCaprio? If your mind immediately goes to Leo and freezing water, I wouldn't blame you. But what if I told you there is another DiCaprio, DiCaprio Bootle, who has one of the coolest names ever... and who the Detroit Lions just signed ahead of training camp.
Detroit brought in the veteran cornerback on Friday as a depth move. With both Khalil Dorsey and Stantley Thomas-Oliver banged up to start camp, they needed a body — but Bootle is hoping to be more than just a camp invite. He has a semi-realistic shot to make the 53-man roster, but only if he can take advantage of the reps headed his way.
#Lions announce roster moves:
Signed Draft Selection OL Tate Ratledge.
Signed the following Free Agents:
CB DiCaprio Bootle
CB Tyson Russell
RB Jabari Small pic.twitter.com/rSdVNHRg9l— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 18, 2025
The Lions know more than anybody how important reliable depth is, so an impressive showing over the next couple of weeks could do wonders for the 27-year-old.
Lions cash in their 91st spot on a name you literally can't forget
Bootle might be the 91st name on the training camp roster, but he’s not walking in like some throwaway filler. Thanks to rookie Ahmed Hassanein’s eligibility through the International Player Pathway Program, the Lions get one extra roster slot — and Bootle is making use of it.
This isn’t some kid straight off the street. Bootle won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2022 and saw real time with the Panthers the following year and the Chargers last year.
He’s bounced around enough to know what camp is about and how to survive it. His game isn’t flashy, but it’s tailored for late July/early August football — versatile enough to slot inside or out, with the movement skills to hold up in man coverage and the experience to not get lost when things break down.
What’s going to matter most now is whether he can prove he’s worth keeping when the regulars get healthy. Special teams will be his ticket in. With Dorsey out and roster spots tight, it's make-or-break season for Bootle. If he shows up on tape, he could hang around longer than anyone expected when the Lions signed him.
There’s definitely no guarantee here, but at least for now, Bootle is on the field — and that’s always step one. At the very least, he’s got the kind of name that sticks — now we’ll see if his game can too.
