The Detroit Lions have created one of the best team cultures in the NFL, and it's no accident given Dan Campbell is one of the top leaders in the league in terms of positivity.
Under Campbell, the Lions have become focused on team more than anything, which has helped foster a positive environment for young players coming into the mix. Giovanni Manu has reaped the benefits of that after being drafted as a project player in 2024.
Manu has been working hard to get up to the standard, and has had the perfect teacher in veteran tackle Taylor Decker. This offseason, Decker worked closely with Manu in Arizona after an invitation to do so, an experience the youngster was very grateful for.
"I got to learn so much from him just in terms of his life outside of here. We even talked about non-football stuff and football stuff too. I trained at the same facility as him and that was all thanks to him. He wanted me there to work out with him and he's a great guy. He's a role model to me. There's so much I've learned from him, just the way I carry myself as a player off the field. Great dude. Hopefully one day I get to fill his shoes."
Filling shoes along the offensive line has been a hot topic this offseason, and Decker is still a key piece up front for the Lions. It's a major win for Detroit to maintain Decker on the roster as a starter, allowing Manu to develop at his own pace.
It certainly sounds as if Manu is developing well, which is a fact that Decker would agree with after working hands-on with him the last few months.
Taylor Decker encouraged by watching Giovanni Manu's development
After working closely with Manu this offseason, Decker had a front-row seat to witness how he has changed in just two offseasons. Things are looking good for the tackle according to Decker, who has been impressed with his ability to adapt and gain confidence.
"I think he's starting to gain confidence in himself. He's obviously physically gifted, incredibly physically gifted. But it's been a step up obviously coming from college, not only if you come from college in the United States to the NFL, but from Canada. So, I think a step up in the competition (and) having to learn the playbook against really good competition just took a little bit and now he's starting to gain some confidence."
With that confidence comes the chance to make more of an impact on the field. Given Decker's injury status early in camp, Manu is likely to see major preseason action, something Decker sees as vital for his development.
"I think more than anything, he just needs reps. He's going to get a lot of reps, especially (since) I'm out for a little bit right now. That's going to give him more reps to improve and get better. I think he's just going to continue to improve and I'm excited to see him get more opportunities in the preseason to be able to be in a game scenario and do it, because that's another step after practice."
By taking Manu under his wing, Decker has shown incredible leadership. Hopefully, it pays off in the form of a player that is well-prepared to take a major step when the time comes.
