1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:03,760 Speaker 1: Out the back wants to throw Dune whiteside deep watch Tesla. 2 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:08,240 Speaker 2: We signed to five and so touchdown. 3 00:00:07,680 --> 00:00:11,639 Speaker 3: Detroit Lions that Who's Beautiful. 4 00:00:13,119 --> 00:00:15,400 Speaker 1: Football is back in Detroit and that means the twenty 5 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:17,640 Speaker 1: in the Huddle podcast is back. I am Tim Twentyman, 6 00:00:17,720 --> 00:00:20,840 Speaker 1: senior writer for the Detroit Lions, and I am glad 7 00:00:20,840 --> 00:00:23,279 Speaker 1: to welcome in Ray Agnew, the assistant general man for 8 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:27,080 Speaker 1: the Lions. And Ray, let's start with this. Obviously, Monday 9 00:00:27,120 --> 00:00:28,880 Speaker 1: and Tuesday are tough days, right, You've got to tell 10 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:31,080 Speaker 1: thirty seven guys that their dream of playing in the 11 00:00:31,200 --> 00:00:34,720 Speaker 1: NFL is over. But when you get to Wednesday, what's 12 00:00:34,760 --> 00:00:37,840 Speaker 1: that excitement? Like when you've got your guys, right, you've 13 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:39,959 Speaker 1: got your practice squad. Those are the guys that you're 14 00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:43,720 Speaker 1: gonna go to battle with for four months, hopefully five months, right, 15 00:00:43,840 --> 00:00:47,559 Speaker 1: and just the excitement of kind of this before you 16 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:48,120 Speaker 1: get rolling. 17 00:00:48,400 --> 00:00:50,680 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean it's a good feeling, you know, once 18 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:53,400 Speaker 4: you get the team together. I mean it hurts that 19 00:00:53,560 --> 00:00:55,640 Speaker 4: some of those guys go, but then you get back 20 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:58,880 Speaker 4: on the practice squad, so you're happy. But the great 21 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:00,920 Speaker 4: thing is like when you see a kid that has 22 00:01:01,440 --> 00:01:03,120 Speaker 4: earned his spot on the team, and you able to 23 00:01:03,160 --> 00:01:05,679 Speaker 4: go up to women and say, hey, man, congratulations, you know, 24 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:09,199 Speaker 4: good job. You know, so that part is great because 25 00:01:09,240 --> 00:01:11,920 Speaker 4: there are some kids, some great stories that come from 26 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:14,960 Speaker 4: small schools or whatever, and then they make a team 27 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,119 Speaker 4: and then so it's exciting to congratulate them. 28 00:01:18,240 --> 00:01:20,039 Speaker 1: You know. I thought it was interesting you guys when 29 00:01:20,080 --> 00:01:23,560 Speaker 1: you whittled that down to an initial roster, you went 30 00:01:23,600 --> 00:01:25,959 Speaker 1: to fifty. You know, you had some trades, you had 31 00:01:25,959 --> 00:01:29,479 Speaker 1: some claims, but when you in Brad Holmes and GM 32 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:34,800 Speaker 1: talked Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, it was about the fifty 33 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:38,000 Speaker 1: guys that we kept made the team. Can you just 34 00:01:38,040 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 1: explain that a little bit, because it's not always about 35 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:44,759 Speaker 1: just getting to fifty three. There were fifty guys in 36 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 1: you and Brad's opinion, that made the team. Just explain that. 37 00:01:48,600 --> 00:01:51,680 Speaker 4: Yeah, you know, when you look at it, man, you 38 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:57,680 Speaker 4: can you feel like these fifty guys legitimately made the team. 39 00:01:57,840 --> 00:02:01,360 Speaker 4: They were the best fifty players, you know, not a 40 00:02:01,440 --> 00:02:03,760 Speaker 4: knock on that the first three out or whatever. But 41 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:06,800 Speaker 4: because I don't want to talk talk about those guys 42 00:02:06,840 --> 00:02:10,240 Speaker 4: like they can't play football, right, you know, but we 43 00:02:10,280 --> 00:02:13,040 Speaker 4: feel like at our standards, we had fifty guys that 44 00:02:13,160 --> 00:02:16,760 Speaker 4: made the team and you don't have to have a 45 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:19,960 Speaker 4: fifty three man roster, you know, Yeah, and then then 46 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:23,560 Speaker 4: you could look outside, you know, with the claiming and 47 00:02:23,560 --> 00:02:24,280 Speaker 4: all that stuff. 48 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:28,119 Speaker 1: But Brad said this before. Dan has said this too, 49 00:02:28,400 --> 00:02:30,400 Speaker 1: and it maybe plays off that a little bit. Is 50 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:33,920 Speaker 1: you guys have sixty nine players on the roster, and 51 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:35,720 Speaker 1: you view it that way, don't you. I think it 52 00:02:35,760 --> 00:02:39,640 Speaker 1: was sixteen guys or sixteen transactions last year where you 53 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:41,360 Speaker 1: guys had to get some help because of all the 54 00:02:41,360 --> 00:02:44,160 Speaker 1: injuries and stuff. That's really how you view this, isn't it? 55 00:02:44,200 --> 00:02:45,760 Speaker 1: Is it sixty nine because you're gonna use. 56 00:02:45,680 --> 00:02:48,760 Speaker 4: Those guys, no question, those guys, All those guys will 57 00:02:48,800 --> 00:02:51,160 Speaker 4: play at some point. They will help us at some point. 58 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:54,400 Speaker 4: So you're still excited about them. You know, they're just 59 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 4: on the practice squad rather than on the acting. 60 00:02:56,880 --> 00:02:58,560 Speaker 1: When you look at that practice squad, were you gets 61 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:01,079 Speaker 1: happy about getting a lot of those guys back? And 62 00:03:01,120 --> 00:03:02,839 Speaker 1: I want to ask you, obviously you can't give away 63 00:03:02,880 --> 00:03:06,480 Speaker 1: saying trade secrets trade secrets here, but you and Brad 64 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:08,400 Speaker 1: have done a really good job over the last few 65 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:12,320 Speaker 1: years of not getting guys claimed, of knowing which guys 66 00:03:12,360 --> 00:03:15,400 Speaker 1: you can maybe pass through to the practice squad. What 67 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:18,600 Speaker 1: kind of projection work it goes into that and what 68 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:20,880 Speaker 1: makes you guys so good at that? And are you 69 00:03:20,919 --> 00:03:23,320 Speaker 1: happy with getting the guys back and the practice squad 70 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:23,840 Speaker 1: that you formed. 71 00:03:23,880 --> 00:03:27,519 Speaker 4: And I'm not going to give you all that, but 72 00:03:27,680 --> 00:03:31,560 Speaker 4: we we there is you know, we there's some things 73 00:03:31,600 --> 00:03:35,800 Speaker 4: we we look at, Yeah, well we feel like this 74 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:38,640 Speaker 4: guy can probably make it through, you know, and and 75 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:42,040 Speaker 4: you know sometimes this past history of you know, what's 76 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:44,680 Speaker 4: happened in the league, but there's some things we look 77 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:47,920 Speaker 4: at that we feel like this guy, he'll make it 78 00:03:47,920 --> 00:03:50,600 Speaker 4: through and been pretty good. 79 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:52,600 Speaker 1: So you've got some guys there, I think that are 80 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 1: going to be able to help you guys this year 81 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:57,040 Speaker 1: at some point be able to step in and play 82 00:03:57,400 --> 00:04:00,000 Speaker 1: from the outside looking in. And I know you're defense, 83 00:04:00,480 --> 00:04:02,280 Speaker 1: so this is right at the heart of what you're about. 84 00:04:02,640 --> 00:04:06,000 Speaker 1: That Detroit Lions defense in camp was terrific. I think 85 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:08,440 Speaker 1: if you break down the days the offense and defense 86 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:11,080 Speaker 1: played each other, I would probably give the edge to 87 00:04:11,120 --> 00:04:13,560 Speaker 1: the defense in terms of just maybe winning the day 88 00:04:13,680 --> 00:04:17,120 Speaker 1: or winning the period. What's your thought on this defense 89 00:04:17,320 --> 00:04:19,919 Speaker 1: heading into this season. You guys were obviously good in 90 00:04:19,960 --> 00:04:23,080 Speaker 1: a lot of areas last year. But is this one 91 00:04:23,080 --> 00:04:25,640 Speaker 1: of the better defenses on paper going into the year 92 00:04:25,680 --> 00:04:26,440 Speaker 1: that you guys have had. 93 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:30,040 Speaker 4: I would say yeah, and because healthy. Now we're still 94 00:04:30,080 --> 00:04:33,840 Speaker 4: missing a big, a big piece and you know lean 95 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:37,440 Speaker 4: you know, but but yeah, I would say being healthy 96 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:42,840 Speaker 4: having hutchback and you know Davenport back. Those guys are 97 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:47,320 Speaker 4: tremendous football players and corners. Brad talked about terry On. 98 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:50,520 Speaker 4: Terry On has grown grown and he's he's looking really good. 99 00:04:50,560 --> 00:04:53,320 Speaker 4: And EJ was a big, big pick up, you know, 100 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:56,760 Speaker 4: great pickup. So and obviously not too safety. They're you know, 101 00:04:57,480 --> 00:05:01,080 Speaker 4: hacking football players. So we we like what we had 102 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:03,560 Speaker 4: on defense, and it's gonna be interested. 103 00:05:04,160 --> 00:05:06,000 Speaker 1: Is Aiden gonna pick up right where he left off 104 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:08,000 Speaker 1: last year? Because I think we could both agree it's 105 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:09,640 Speaker 1: gonna be He was on track to be the defensive 106 00:05:09,640 --> 00:05:12,200 Speaker 1: player of the year. What what has stood out about 107 00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:13,719 Speaker 1: him and his play in camp? 108 00:05:13,760 --> 00:05:13,960 Speaker 3: To you? 109 00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:17,960 Speaker 4: It just seemed like the kid keeps getting better and better, 110 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:24,840 Speaker 4: you know, and I mean he's he's he's amazing man. 111 00:05:24,920 --> 00:05:28,320 Speaker 4: He comes to work every day, he works and works 112 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:31,440 Speaker 4: against the best tackle in football in my opinion, you know, 113 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:32,760 Speaker 4: every day and they go at it. 114 00:05:32,800 --> 00:05:34,040 Speaker 3: Man, they make each other better. 115 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 1: Iron Truman's iron, right. What about Tyler the rookie, because 116 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:40,240 Speaker 1: obviously with the leam who you mentioned, you know, being 117 00:05:40,279 --> 00:05:42,680 Speaker 1: out till October, November, whatever it is, you know, a 118 00:05:42,680 --> 00:05:45,360 Speaker 1: few weeks, he's gonna get an opportunity to play, and 119 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:47,280 Speaker 1: you guys are gonna count on him early. What have 120 00:05:47,400 --> 00:05:49,400 Speaker 1: you seen from from the rookie defensive tackle? 121 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:52,240 Speaker 4: I mean, you know, he's a young guy. There's some 122 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:54,800 Speaker 4: growing pains, but I thought for the most part, kid 123 00:05:54,839 --> 00:05:58,359 Speaker 4: had a good camp, played well, he competed. You know, 124 00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:01,000 Speaker 4: there's some things he hasn't learned because young, you know, 125 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,160 Speaker 4: but I think he will help us. 126 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:03,680 Speaker 3: Out this year. 127 00:06:04,360 --> 00:06:06,120 Speaker 1: For guy as big as he is, three hundred and 128 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:08,240 Speaker 1: thirty pounds, he's got pretty nimble feet. He's gonna play 129 00:06:08,279 --> 00:06:09,760 Speaker 1: on the other side of line scrimmish. 130 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:10,919 Speaker 3: Loads, no doubt, you know. 131 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:13,680 Speaker 4: And once that kid grow and learns and the game 132 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:17,240 Speaker 4: slow down for him, this guy's the limit for him. 133 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:20,400 Speaker 1: Is that the exciting part too, because you guys rank 134 00:06:20,440 --> 00:06:22,320 Speaker 1: thirtieth against the passing and look, a lot of that 135 00:06:22,360 --> 00:06:25,360 Speaker 1: had to deal with injuries and aiden changes everything in 136 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:27,640 Speaker 1: regards to the marriage, between the rush and the and 137 00:06:27,720 --> 00:06:32,160 Speaker 1: the coverage. But are you just excited about that that 138 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:35,440 Speaker 1: that marriage between the rush and coverage. It looks like 139 00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:37,920 Speaker 1: you guys got the guys in the back end to 140 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:40,480 Speaker 1: kind of get the hands on football's play the kind 141 00:06:40,480 --> 00:06:43,160 Speaker 1: of man coverage that you want to and Aiden and 142 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:45,240 Speaker 1: Marcus stay healthy. And what we talked about with Tyler 143 00:06:45,279 --> 00:06:46,960 Speaker 1: getting a lean back, you're gonna be able to rush 144 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:48,800 Speaker 1: the quarterback a lot better than he did too. You 145 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 1: excited about that marriage and what that could mean for 146 00:06:50,880 --> 00:06:51,680 Speaker 1: the defense. 147 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:51,960 Speaker 3: No doubt. 148 00:06:52,480 --> 00:06:56,159 Speaker 4: I mean being a defensive guy myself and being on 149 00:06:56,200 --> 00:06:59,680 Speaker 4: a team that was pretty good defensively and getting after 150 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:03,120 Speaker 4: the court back and covering, you know, you can dictate 151 00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:05,560 Speaker 4: to the offense what they do when you got that much, 152 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:09,239 Speaker 4: you know, yeah, And but you know so I'm looking 153 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:09,760 Speaker 4: forward to that. 154 00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:12,640 Speaker 1: All right, Let's go on the other side of the football. 155 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:15,560 Speaker 1: The offensive line. Obviously three new starters along the interior. 156 00:07:15,640 --> 00:07:19,040 Speaker 1: You guys have been, you know, really known as this 157 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:22,200 Speaker 1: this team that develops and has this best offensive line 158 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:23,840 Speaker 1: in football. And it's been that way now for two 159 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:28,280 Speaker 1: three years. With Graham's got a ton of experience. I 160 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:31,200 Speaker 1: want to ask you about Ratla's first the rookie. What 161 00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:33,640 Speaker 1: did you guys like about him in that process and 162 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 1: what you liked about him? Did you see it on 163 00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:37,559 Speaker 1: the field in training camp? 164 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:41,200 Speaker 4: Yes, so everything he liked about him on the field. 165 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:44,000 Speaker 4: I mean, first of all, the kid loves football. He 166 00:07:44,040 --> 00:07:47,640 Speaker 4: loves playing. He's physical, he plays our brand of football. 167 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:51,520 Speaker 4: It's tough, gritty, verstual. He can play guard and center. 168 00:07:51,880 --> 00:07:54,880 Speaker 4: We really see him as a long term center, you know. 169 00:07:55,080 --> 00:07:58,360 Speaker 4: And but you know, starting out at guard, we had 170 00:07:58,360 --> 00:08:01,320 Speaker 4: no problem with that. That kid. The kid could play, 171 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:03,240 Speaker 4: you know, he just had to come in and do it. 172 00:08:03,320 --> 00:08:05,400 Speaker 4: And uh, he did a great job in camp. 173 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:07,920 Speaker 1: In my opinion, if I remember correctly, I think the 174 00:08:07,960 --> 00:08:11,120 Speaker 1: same path Frank Ragnau took. You know, he played guard 175 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:14,040 Speaker 1: before he moved back to center. And it's just there's 176 00:08:14,080 --> 00:08:16,160 Speaker 1: a lot going on at center for a young guy. 177 00:08:16,200 --> 00:08:18,080 Speaker 1: When you got a veteran like Graham, you guys feel 178 00:08:18,120 --> 00:08:19,240 Speaker 1: pretty good about him stepping in. 179 00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:25,200 Speaker 4: I think that's the better position for Granted, he can 180 00:08:25,200 --> 00:08:28,520 Speaker 4: play guard and center, but I think he's better at center. 181 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:34,240 Speaker 4: And the kid, mahogany man, that kid just keep getting 182 00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 4: better at me. To me, that was my guy that 183 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:38,839 Speaker 4: I watched the camp that had the best camp to 184 00:08:39,080 --> 00:08:42,360 Speaker 4: the most growth. You know, I thought he really grew 185 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:45,400 Speaker 4: as a player this year. And uh, I like that 186 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:48,480 Speaker 4: kid a lot. That kid got some toughness to him. 187 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:51,440 Speaker 4: Me ready, Uh, you know, he loves the game. 188 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 1: You know, So playing next to a guy like like 189 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:57,360 Speaker 1: Taylor too, you know, when you get an experience playing 190 00:08:57,400 --> 00:08:59,640 Speaker 1: between two experienced guys, is that kind of helped him 191 00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:02,040 Speaker 1: propel him a little bit ahead? 192 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:03,679 Speaker 3: Oh yeah, yeah, I mean that helps. 193 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:06,320 Speaker 4: That helps a rookie, you know, a young guy when 194 00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:08,560 Speaker 4: you got somebody next to you that can kind of 195 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:11,760 Speaker 4: lead you, you know. But a kid got some some 196 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:13,920 Speaker 4: uh some some toughness to him. 197 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:16,000 Speaker 1: Though. Speaking of the offensive line, I thought maybe one 198 00:09:16,040 --> 00:09:18,600 Speaker 1: of the more underrated things that you guys did this 199 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:22,800 Speaker 1: offseason was bringing back Hank fairly. And I'm just curious, 200 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:26,560 Speaker 1: what's the what's the the the the image, the picture 201 00:09:26,600 --> 00:09:30,120 Speaker 1: of him from the front office when you look at him, 202 00:09:30,200 --> 00:09:32,520 Speaker 1: the job he's done with developing guys in the offensive line, 203 00:09:32,559 --> 00:09:34,880 Speaker 1: the consistency that you've had in the offensive line. How 204 00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:37,800 Speaker 1: big of a move was that, you know, getting getting 205 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:39,280 Speaker 1: Hank back here? 206 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:44,040 Speaker 4: The real big moves one of the probably the biggest moves. Uh, 207 00:09:44,080 --> 00:09:46,640 Speaker 4: He's done a great job with the offensive line. I 208 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:50,840 Speaker 4: got a history with we signed Hank and Saint Louis. 209 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:53,000 Speaker 4: I could play for hus. I was doing the pro 210 00:09:53,040 --> 00:09:56,640 Speaker 4: stuff there with the Rams. But so we go a 211 00:09:56,679 --> 00:10:00,200 Speaker 4: long way back. But he's he's good man, and to 212 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:02,000 Speaker 4: have him back was just outstanding. 213 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:04,320 Speaker 1: You know, y you made the move to trade Tim 214 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:06,679 Speaker 1: Patrick to Jacksonville, got back a little bit of capital, 215 00:10:06,880 --> 00:10:10,199 Speaker 1: opens up probably some opportunities for the rookie Isaac Tesla. 216 00:10:10,440 --> 00:10:12,880 Speaker 1: Just what you thought of him in this process and 217 00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:16,600 Speaker 1: just from the outside looking in. Obviously when Saint came in, 218 00:10:16,640 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: he was pretty advanced for a rookie guy. We didn't 219 00:10:19,520 --> 00:10:22,200 Speaker 1: see it really generate on the field in terms of 220 00:10:22,200 --> 00:10:24,960 Speaker 1: consistent production till maybe the second half of his rookie year. 221 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:27,760 Speaker 1: But what have you seen from from Isaac and his 222 00:10:27,800 --> 00:10:30,880 Speaker 1: ability to maybe step in and help you guys right away? Oh? 223 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:33,839 Speaker 4: Man, I mean the kid is uh, first of all, 224 00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:37,920 Speaker 4: he works hard. First, he loves football, good route run 225 00:10:37,920 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 4: and catches the ball well. But uh, you know, he 226 00:10:41,120 --> 00:10:43,480 Speaker 4: really just started coming on and camp man and I 227 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:46,079 Speaker 4: Ki kid had a great camp, had a good camp, 228 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:47,400 Speaker 4: and it just got. 229 00:10:47,240 --> 00:10:48,000 Speaker 3: Better and better. 230 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:49,920 Speaker 4: And better and better and better, and he still he 231 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:52,320 Speaker 4: still got some growth to do, but he's he's he's 232 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:55,280 Speaker 4: continuing to grow, and uh we're looking for, you know, 233 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,160 Speaker 4: f some good things out of him this year. 234 00:10:57,200 --> 00:11:00,200 Speaker 1: A couple more for you. Obviously, a lot's been talked about, uh, 235 00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:03,680 Speaker 1: the coordinator change. Just what do you like about John Morton? 236 00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:06,679 Speaker 1: What do you like about Calvin Sheppard in those roles 237 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:10,079 Speaker 1: now having seen them for you know a few months now, in. 238 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:14,720 Speaker 4: Those roles, Oh, they both uh you know, preach toughness 239 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:17,800 Speaker 4: as a coach, and then they both uh you know, 240 00:11:17,960 --> 00:11:19,600 Speaker 4: demanding on the players. 241 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:20,160 Speaker 1: Uh. 242 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:23,520 Speaker 3: I think Kevin, you know, been around Shep a long time. 243 00:11:23,720 --> 00:11:27,840 Speaker 4: Uh, you know, scouted Shep as a player, and uh 244 00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:33,360 Speaker 4: you know Shep is very confident and tough, yeah, you know, 245 00:11:33,640 --> 00:11:37,800 Speaker 4: uh gritty, Uh you know. So, Uh been been excited 246 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:40,280 Speaker 4: for both of them guys. Obviously we lost two guys 247 00:11:40,280 --> 00:11:43,920 Speaker 4: that are you know, highly productive, but I think we 248 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:46,800 Speaker 4: got two guys that are you know, pretty toughness and 249 00:11:46,960 --> 00:11:50,040 Speaker 4: uh and they aggressive guys, you know, so I think 250 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:51,800 Speaker 4: we'll be right just fine. 251 00:11:51,679 --> 00:11:54,240 Speaker 1: With John in particular. How much of an advantage is 252 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:56,280 Speaker 1: that having a quarterback that's been in the league for 253 00:11:56,320 --> 00:11:59,360 Speaker 1: ten years, that that that this offense was built and 254 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 1: John was on staff when it was built around him 255 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:05,400 Speaker 1: and the things that he does. Well, John knows the personnel. 256 00:12:05,559 --> 00:12:09,240 Speaker 1: John obviously knows Jared. But how is that how those 257 00:12:09,280 --> 00:12:11,679 Speaker 1: two work together? It seems like it's been pretty in 258 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:13,920 Speaker 1: sync here over the last month. And the advantages of 259 00:12:13,960 --> 00:12:15,920 Speaker 1: having a guy like Jared who's seen everything in this 260 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:19,240 Speaker 1: league been around when you're have a new offensive Cordner 261 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:22,640 Speaker 1: and you're implementing maybe subtle changes, but a few different changes. 262 00:12:23,160 --> 00:12:25,640 Speaker 1: Having a guy as veteran as Jared, how important has 263 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:25,960 Speaker 1: that been? 264 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:27,080 Speaker 3: It's been great. 265 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:32,080 Speaker 4: It's really extremely important because he can handle it, you know. Yeah, 266 00:12:32,360 --> 00:12:35,920 Speaker 4: young man, young guy may not be able to handle it, overwhelmed. 267 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:37,520 Speaker 1: Yeah, everything, he. 268 00:12:37,520 --> 00:12:40,040 Speaker 4: Can handle it because at this point he's seen pretty 269 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:44,160 Speaker 4: much everything, you know, So that's exciting, you know, just 270 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:44,960 Speaker 4: to think about it. 271 00:12:44,880 --> 00:12:45,600 Speaker 3: Is really exciting. 272 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:48,679 Speaker 1: Well, I want to end this podcast with how you 273 00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:54,559 Speaker 1: ended you and Brad's press conference down with the media 274 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:58,200 Speaker 1: and it just you guys were asked of just about 275 00:12:58,440 --> 00:13:02,760 Speaker 1: the confidence in this team, confidence in this roster. You've 276 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:06,640 Speaker 1: been on really good teams, right, You've been to super Bowls? 277 00:13:06,960 --> 00:13:08,920 Speaker 1: Is this a team in your opinion? Is this a 278 00:13:09,040 --> 00:13:12,200 Speaker 1: roster that's built And obviously health plays a factor. There's 279 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:15,400 Speaker 1: a lot of things down the road, but right now, 280 00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:19,880 Speaker 1: starting September, this is super Bowl type roster that you 281 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,920 Speaker 1: guys have built here. Obviously that's the expectation. But I 282 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:25,680 Speaker 1: see a little smile on your face. Is it a 283 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:26,800 Speaker 1: super Bowl caliber? 284 00:13:27,120 --> 00:13:27,320 Speaker 3: Yeah? 285 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:31,280 Speaker 4: I think I'm safe here. I won't give brass more questions, 286 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:34,360 Speaker 4: but I do I do. I do think this this 287 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:37,000 Speaker 4: team will build to get that and that that you know, 288 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:39,360 Speaker 4: that doesn't guarantee we get there. We got to go 289 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:42,080 Speaker 4: get there and win it. Uh and uh, I think 290 00:13:42,080 --> 00:13:44,400 Speaker 4: we're built that way. I think we have the players. 291 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:47,439 Speaker 4: You know, like I say, when you got difference makers, 292 00:13:47,880 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 4: that's when they in the playoffs, that's who win the game. 293 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:51,840 Speaker 3: Guys with different. 294 00:13:51,520 --> 00:13:53,400 Speaker 1: Makers, the guys like Aiden Saint Brown. 295 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:54,839 Speaker 3: I'm not saying that again. 296 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 4: Because there are plenty of guys that just named those 297 00:13:59,280 --> 00:14:02,719 Speaker 4: two guys, you know that's I mean, Gibbs, I mean 298 00:14:02,720 --> 00:14:03,679 Speaker 4: we got plenty, you know. 299 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:06,400 Speaker 1: Yeah, Branch Kirby, I mean that's what you need, right, 300 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:09,440 Speaker 1: I mean, you need guys that are different makers in 301 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:11,200 Speaker 1: the end, and this roster's got plenty of them. 302 00:14:11,280 --> 00:14:12,080 Speaker 3: No quick yep. 303 00:14:12,120 --> 00:14:14,440 Speaker 1: Well, Ray, I appreciate you taking the time. Everybody's obviously 304 00:14:14,440 --> 00:14:16,360 Speaker 1: excited for the season to get going. Good luck to you. 305 00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:22,560 Speaker 1: Thanks Man, Welcome back to the twenty in the Huddle podcast. 306 00:14:22,640 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 1: That was great stuff from Assistant General Manner Ray Agnew, 307 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:28,400 Speaker 1: and I thought this was a perfect opportunity to welcome in. 308 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:31,920 Speaker 1: Brian Faccini. Brian Viaccini is the chief Communications and brand 309 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:35,680 Speaker 1: officer for the Detroit Lions and obviously a lot of 310 00:14:35,680 --> 00:14:39,880 Speaker 1: excitement heading into the season. Brian, you oversee all aspects 311 00:14:39,920 --> 00:14:46,320 Speaker 1: of communication, marketing, brand management, game presentation, the community relations. 312 00:14:46,320 --> 00:14:49,920 Speaker 1: So if you have any complaints, that's Brian dot No. 313 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:54,360 Speaker 2: Music changes suggestions. Yeah, we take it all. 314 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:56,040 Speaker 1: You know, you spent ten years at Nike. You were 315 00:14:56,080 --> 00:14:59,400 Speaker 1: also in the NBA for a number of years too, 316 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:03,000 Speaker 1: and say Antonio in Portland, I believe Lahoma City, Oklahoma 317 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:08,360 Speaker 1: City too. What was the selling point? Why was this 318 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:11,960 Speaker 1: opportunity with Detroit so exciting for you? Was it just 319 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:14,600 Speaker 1: the NFL? Was it what you saw with Detroit? Was 320 00:15:14,640 --> 00:15:16,920 Speaker 1: it a combination of both? Kind of take me back 321 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:19,800 Speaker 1: to five years ago when this opportunity came up. 322 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:23,400 Speaker 5: Yeah, I think I think it's all of it, to 323 00:15:23,440 --> 00:15:25,440 Speaker 5: be honest, but I think, you know, when it the 324 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:29,000 Speaker 5: opportunity came to me, I wasn't really looking for it. 325 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:29,840 Speaker 3: It popped up. 326 00:15:31,480 --> 00:15:34,480 Speaker 5: And it was like, sure, Detroit Lions football, let's let's 327 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:37,120 Speaker 5: talk about that. It wasn't until I met I met 328 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:39,560 Speaker 5: with Rod and then met with Sheila and Mike Disner, 329 00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:44,040 Speaker 5: and I think those conversations really sort of sold me on, Hey, 330 00:15:44,040 --> 00:15:46,560 Speaker 5: this is there's something interesting going on here. There was 331 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:50,000 Speaker 5: an interesting perspective from leadership sort of on how they 332 00:15:50,040 --> 00:15:53,080 Speaker 5: saw the team evolving, and we had really good, frank 333 00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:56,280 Speaker 5: conversations about sort of what I wanted out of it, 334 00:15:56,320 --> 00:15:59,360 Speaker 5: what they wanted, and so that started kind of the ball. 335 00:15:59,400 --> 00:16:03,640 Speaker 5: And then sitting with Brad and Dan, I came out 336 00:16:03,680 --> 00:16:07,080 Speaker 5: to Detroit, sat with them and really listening to the 337 00:16:07,080 --> 00:16:10,760 Speaker 5: way that they spoke about the team, they spoke about 338 00:16:10,800 --> 00:16:13,800 Speaker 5: what they wanted to build here. It really was evident 339 00:16:13,800 --> 00:16:15,440 Speaker 5: to me there was something special going on and that 340 00:16:16,040 --> 00:16:16,960 Speaker 5: it would make sense. 341 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:17,760 Speaker 2: To be a part of that. 342 00:16:18,320 --> 00:16:20,680 Speaker 1: You spend time at Nike, right, we talked about branding, 343 00:16:20,840 --> 00:16:24,040 Speaker 1: like is there a bigger one you know around? You know, 344 00:16:24,120 --> 00:16:26,760 Speaker 1: but that relationship I'm glad you touched on because that 345 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:30,160 Speaker 1: relationship between the general manager and the head coach. How 346 00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:34,960 Speaker 1: important is that to an NFL franchise, to an NBA team, 347 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:38,440 Speaker 1: to all the places that you've been around, when there's 348 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:41,480 Speaker 1: just when it all falls in place and they have 349 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:44,000 Speaker 1: the same vision. Just how important is that? Because it's 350 00:16:44,040 --> 00:16:45,080 Speaker 1: not like that, Brian. 351 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:48,000 Speaker 5: Everywhere, it's not And I think you know, honestly, it's 352 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,040 Speaker 5: not just the head coach. 353 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:53,600 Speaker 2: And GM, it's really all of leadership. I think that's 354 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:56,160 Speaker 2: really like I know rightfully so. 355 00:16:56,120 --> 00:16:58,360 Speaker 5: Brad and Dan get a ton of credit for their 356 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:01,040 Speaker 5: relationship and the work that they've done, and I think 357 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:06,199 Speaker 5: what people don't see is how aligned all of leadership is. 358 00:17:06,280 --> 00:17:08,480 Speaker 1: I think that is what and it starts with ownership. 359 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:11,359 Speaker 2: Absolutely starts ownership. And that's really what makes the difference. 360 00:17:11,480 --> 00:17:14,000 Speaker 5: Is I think when you A know who you are 361 00:17:14,040 --> 00:17:18,119 Speaker 5: as an organization, and B have a clear desire or 362 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:21,040 Speaker 5: a clear direction on where you're going, that to me 363 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:24,880 Speaker 5: is what really sets successful teams apart. And I think 364 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:26,680 Speaker 5: we've got some of that here. I think that can 365 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:28,640 Speaker 5: be anywhere, that can be in I've seen it at Nike, 366 00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:30,639 Speaker 5: You've seen in the NBA. It can be in the 367 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:33,200 Speaker 5: automotive industry, it can be anywhere. When you have those 368 00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:37,040 Speaker 5: two elements, that really is what sets you up for success. 369 00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:39,040 Speaker 5: There's a lot of things that have to go right, yeah, still, 370 00:17:39,440 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 5: but that really puts you in a position to be successful. 371 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:44,760 Speaker 5: And I think we're lucky we have that here, as 372 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:46,600 Speaker 5: you mentioned starting with the Ford family down like, we 373 00:17:46,680 --> 00:17:49,080 Speaker 5: have that, and that's what I think sets us apart 374 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:49,639 Speaker 5: right now. 375 00:17:49,600 --> 00:17:52,920 Speaker 1: As a Detroit Lions brand. Ever been stronger in your opinion, 376 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:54,800 Speaker 1: And I know you haven't been here a long time, 377 00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:57,280 Speaker 1: but you've talked to people and you work with people 378 00:17:57,320 --> 00:17:59,240 Speaker 1: that have been here a long time. Has it ever 379 00:17:59,280 --> 00:17:59,840 Speaker 1: been stronger? 380 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:02,720 Speaker 5: I mean, obviously not since I've been here. This is 381 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:04,879 Speaker 5: is as strong as we've been. I think, you know, 382 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 5: we had a guy named Barry Sanders, and when you 383 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:09,040 Speaker 5: got a guy like that, uh, you know, in your 384 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:12,399 Speaker 5: in your lineage, your brand's pretty strong. And so I 385 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:14,919 Speaker 5: think I think it's you know, moments in time. The 386 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:17,320 Speaker 5: brand obviously ebbs and flows, and I think right now 387 00:18:17,880 --> 00:18:19,800 Speaker 5: it's really strong. And I think it's a byproduct of 388 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:21,760 Speaker 5: what we just talked about, which is we know who 389 00:18:21,760 --> 00:18:23,000 Speaker 5: we are, we know what we want to be and 390 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:25,199 Speaker 5: where we're going, and that that helps us on the 391 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:27,440 Speaker 5: brand side to really share that. 392 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:28,200 Speaker 2: With the fans. 393 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:31,520 Speaker 1: You've been part of some great organizations that have gotten 394 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 1: a ton of fan support. You look at Okay see 395 00:18:33,760 --> 00:18:35,919 Speaker 1: and you look at obviously with the Spurs and what 396 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:39,000 Speaker 1: they had built, what they were for so long. What 397 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:42,200 Speaker 1: do you think Alliance fans. They're a little different breed, aren't. 398 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:46,240 Speaker 2: They They are? But to me, it's it's passion, Like 399 00:18:46,280 --> 00:18:47,040 Speaker 2: that's what you see. 400 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:49,679 Speaker 5: And I think, you know, I don't know really if 401 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:53,080 Speaker 5: it's the NFL, if it's you know, different cities have 402 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:54,880 Speaker 5: been in a few, but like. 403 00:18:54,800 --> 00:18:57,560 Speaker 2: The passion that's here is amazing. 404 00:18:58,040 --> 00:19:00,320 Speaker 5: And the fact that, you know, the different for me 405 00:19:00,359 --> 00:19:03,719 Speaker 5: coming in was that there's six days between games and 406 00:19:03,880 --> 00:19:06,880 Speaker 5: people don't stop talking about the Lions for all six days. Yeah, 407 00:19:07,119 --> 00:19:10,679 Speaker 5: you know, NBA hockey, baseball, there's games every day and 408 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:13,720 Speaker 5: you move on pretty quickly. Here it's six days of 409 00:19:13,760 --> 00:19:17,080 Speaker 5: Lions talk, which speaks volumes. I think about sort of 410 00:19:17,119 --> 00:19:18,879 Speaker 5: the passionate fan base and it's sort of. 411 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:19,879 Speaker 2: How they feel about the team. 412 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,439 Speaker 1: I think there's what over twenty thousand people on the 413 00:19:22,440 --> 00:19:25,640 Speaker 1: wait list now too, I mean, isn't that nuts. I'm 414 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:29,280 Speaker 1: just that part of it. What you've seen from Ford Field? 415 00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:31,760 Speaker 1: You do you know, you're head of the game presentation part. 416 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:34,359 Speaker 1: A lot of those people work under you, So what 417 00:19:34,440 --> 00:19:37,040 Speaker 1: about that part of it? Do you love about it? 418 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:40,560 Speaker 1: It's just I travel. I've been. I marked off Kansas 419 00:19:40,560 --> 00:19:42,639 Speaker 1: City was it last year a couple of years as 420 00:19:42,640 --> 00:19:44,960 Speaker 1: the last stadium that I needed to be too because 421 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:46,720 Speaker 1: we played them in London. So I've been to every 422 00:19:46,760 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 1: stadium in the league. There's something different about game day 423 00:19:50,600 --> 00:19:55,679 Speaker 1: with Detroit, just the presentation, the excitement, the noise level. Now, 424 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:59,040 Speaker 1: but that game presentation part of it. The fans really 425 00:19:59,080 --> 00:20:00,960 Speaker 1: come out and they really make that what it is, 426 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:01,520 Speaker 1: don't they. 427 00:20:01,920 --> 00:20:03,960 Speaker 5: They do, And that's where it starts, right If you 428 00:20:03,960 --> 00:20:05,760 Speaker 5: have passionate fans whore excited to be in the building, 429 00:20:06,720 --> 00:20:08,480 Speaker 5: the rest of it sort of now, you just have 430 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:10,400 Speaker 5: to not screw it up, right. You gotta keep them going, 431 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:12,480 Speaker 5: you gotta keep them excited. But I think you know 432 00:20:12,520 --> 00:20:15,119 Speaker 5: it starts with that fan base. Ford Field is different. 433 00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:19,800 Speaker 5: Ford Field is up there when it's rolling, when we're 434 00:20:19,840 --> 00:20:24,040 Speaker 5: playing well and those fans are excited. It's about as 435 00:20:24,240 --> 00:20:25,919 Speaker 5: tough a place I think to be an opponent as 436 00:20:25,960 --> 00:20:30,000 Speaker 5: there is. You know, I go back to like Sacramento 437 00:20:30,040 --> 00:20:32,800 Speaker 5: in the late nineties the Kings. That building was nuts, 438 00:20:32,840 --> 00:20:36,520 Speaker 5: Utah when you had the Karl Malone Jazz that building. 439 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:40,200 Speaker 5: Those are some of the most sort of like exciting, 440 00:20:40,359 --> 00:20:44,639 Speaker 5: sort of loud, raucous buildings I've ever been in. And 441 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:46,280 Speaker 5: there's something that is just special. 442 00:20:46,320 --> 00:20:46,960 Speaker 2: I mean the most. 443 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:48,760 Speaker 5: I was a part of a Game seven in San 444 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:52,640 Speaker 5: Antonio for the NBA Finals. We beat the Pistons that year, 445 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:55,520 Speaker 5: unfortunately for all Piston fans. Sorry sorry about that. But 446 00:20:56,400 --> 00:20:59,080 Speaker 5: that building you walked in and you could feel the building. 447 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:02,080 Speaker 5: It felt different, physically, felt different to walk in. And 448 00:21:02,119 --> 00:21:03,720 Speaker 5: there's been a few times at ford Field where you 449 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:05,600 Speaker 5: walk in the building and it feels different. 450 00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:06,720 Speaker 1: The Brams game perfect example. 451 00:21:06,760 --> 00:21:10,440 Speaker 2: Rams game is a great example. The Jared Goff chances started. 452 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:13,199 Speaker 1: Pre I've never seen that before where everyone was in 453 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:14,560 Speaker 1: their seat an hour before the game. 454 00:21:14,840 --> 00:21:15,080 Speaker 2: Never. 455 00:21:15,520 --> 00:21:18,120 Speaker 5: No, it speaks volumes to like just like the excitement 456 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:20,560 Speaker 5: level and what it meant not just the organization but 457 00:21:20,640 --> 00:21:22,919 Speaker 5: to the city to like have that game here. So 458 00:21:23,800 --> 00:21:26,040 Speaker 5: Ford Field's a really really special place. I don't think 459 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:28,679 Speaker 5: people it's hard when you're there every week and you 460 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,200 Speaker 5: don't go to the places, I don't think you realize 461 00:21:30,200 --> 00:21:32,439 Speaker 5: how special it is. So I mean, I love our 462 00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:34,520 Speaker 5: fans at travel. One they give us an advantage of 463 00:21:34,560 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 5: the round, yeah, But two, I think they have a 464 00:21:36,119 --> 00:21:38,480 Speaker 5: deeper appreciation for what it means to be inside Ford 465 00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:39,960 Speaker 5: Field when that place is going. 466 00:21:39,960 --> 00:21:41,520 Speaker 1: No, that's great point. It's he's speaking of the fan 467 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:45,520 Speaker 1: base that's obviously growing outside of American borders as well. 468 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:48,000 Speaker 1: You guys have obviously picked up the Canadian market, the 469 00:21:48,080 --> 00:21:51,120 Speaker 1: German market, Austria, that that area of the country too. 470 00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:54,240 Speaker 1: You're seeing that explode all across the league. But why 471 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:55,800 Speaker 1: were those areas important for you guys? 472 00:21:56,520 --> 00:21:59,119 Speaker 5: Well, I think to start them in Canada for obvious reasons. 473 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:03,200 Speaker 5: This is the proximity, and we already have a solid 474 00:22:03,240 --> 00:22:05,520 Speaker 5: season teaing whole are based from Ontario that comes over 475 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:07,680 Speaker 5: for games. So Canada made a ton of sense to 476 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:10,760 Speaker 5: just continue to grow. We sort of look at Ontario 477 00:22:10,840 --> 00:22:13,679 Speaker 5: as a continuation of our home market, right, So that 478 00:22:13,680 --> 00:22:16,879 Speaker 5: one made sense. Germany everybody looks at it and goes, oh, 479 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,879 Speaker 5: a Monroe, and that that's a huge part of it. 480 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:20,840 Speaker 5: Having one of the best wider series in the league. 481 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:25,440 Speaker 5: Be from there, speak the language is a huge, huge advantage. 482 00:22:25,840 --> 00:22:28,040 Speaker 5: But for us, when we really look at it, there's 483 00:22:28,080 --> 00:22:31,160 Speaker 5: a lot of synergies between Germany and Detroit. 484 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:34,120 Speaker 2: There's there's flights, right, it's easy to get. 485 00:22:34,040 --> 00:22:34,520 Speaker 3: To from here. 486 00:22:35,040 --> 00:22:38,720 Speaker 5: There is a lot of commonalities in our partners forward 487 00:22:39,359 --> 00:22:41,520 Speaker 5: as their European headquarters in Cologne, which is an area 488 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:43,959 Speaker 5: that we focused on. So that there the other thing 489 00:22:43,960 --> 00:22:46,240 Speaker 5: that we realize when you look into it, and this 490 00:22:46,359 --> 00:22:49,000 Speaker 5: is true for some markets, but Germany stood out. There 491 00:22:49,080 --> 00:22:53,000 Speaker 5: are amazing sports fans in Germany. They're huge soccer fans, 492 00:22:53,040 --> 00:22:56,840 Speaker 5: basketball hockey, They're huge sports fans. It's our job to 493 00:22:56,880 --> 00:22:59,679 Speaker 5: now get them to converted Alliance fans, right. They love 494 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:02,520 Speaker 5: The games in Munich have been huge, So we'll do some. 495 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:03,160 Speaker 2: Things over there. 496 00:23:03,600 --> 00:23:06,360 Speaker 5: In Canada, We're gonna do a watch party week one 497 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:10,159 Speaker 5: up at Canada Life Place, which will be awesome for 498 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:12,119 Speaker 5: for fans up there. I think the will be from 499 00:23:12,119 --> 00:23:14,560 Speaker 5: Detroit that will drive over for it. It'll be a blast. 500 00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:16,159 Speaker 5: And then we'll do some stuff in Germany throughout the 501 00:23:16,200 --> 00:23:18,920 Speaker 5: year to sort of activate with those fans and continue 502 00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:21,919 Speaker 5: to bring Lions culture to them because we are. At 503 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:24,639 Speaker 5: the end of the day, We're We're Detroit brand that 504 00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:26,240 Speaker 5: we believe is emerging. 505 00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:30,240 Speaker 1: Globally, and the expectation is we probably play in Germany 506 00:23:30,320 --> 00:23:34,760 Speaker 1: sooner rather than later. So obviously, but next year with 507 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:37,040 Speaker 1: that extra home game. I think it. Rod has talked 508 00:23:37,080 --> 00:23:38,960 Speaker 1: about this too, that the likelihood that we're over there 509 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:40,840 Speaker 1: would would make a whole lot of sense, and that 510 00:23:40,840 --> 00:23:44,320 Speaker 1: that'll be a fun week. I think for everybody involved getting. 511 00:23:44,040 --> 00:23:46,480 Speaker 5: Over there'd be amazing to go over there and and 512 00:23:46,480 --> 00:23:47,640 Speaker 5: and be on the ground with the fans. 513 00:23:47,680 --> 00:23:49,920 Speaker 1: Community relations is another thing. What are some of the 514 00:23:49,920 --> 00:23:52,760 Speaker 1: big initiatives that you guys have going this year that 515 00:23:53,040 --> 00:23:53,960 Speaker 1: you're excited about. 516 00:23:54,320 --> 00:23:57,200 Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, for us, we'll always remain focused on 517 00:23:57,200 --> 00:23:59,720 Speaker 5: on education. That's a big one for us. That's our 518 00:23:59,720 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 5: found focus is education and then access to sport for kids. 519 00:24:03,720 --> 00:24:06,679 Speaker 5: You know, we truly believe that that sports. I believe 520 00:24:06,720 --> 00:24:10,800 Speaker 5: I've grew up an athlete in Portland, Oregon, very mediocre athlete, 521 00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:13,000 Speaker 5: but by grupit athlete, and I think the life lessons 522 00:24:13,040 --> 00:24:16,200 Speaker 5: you learn from sports are huge, and so we'll continue 523 00:24:16,240 --> 00:24:18,800 Speaker 5: to push getting kids access to that. And then education 524 00:24:18,880 --> 00:24:21,280 Speaker 5: obviously is an important thing to the Ford family that 525 00:24:21,280 --> 00:24:24,200 Speaker 5: we're then doing through the foundation the other things Thanksgiving 526 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:26,639 Speaker 5: for us. You know, the Lions were part of my 527 00:24:26,720 --> 00:24:30,320 Speaker 5: Thanksgiving tradition as a kid in Oregon, which speaks volumes 528 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,840 Speaker 5: to the reach of the brand through the NFL, and 529 00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:35,440 Speaker 5: so we love that. We want to be as known 530 00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:38,719 Speaker 5: in Detroit for Thanksgiving off the field than we are 531 00:24:38,760 --> 00:24:41,000 Speaker 5: for on. So we'll do some stuff where we'll focus 532 00:24:41,040 --> 00:24:44,840 Speaker 5: on food insecurity, working with some great partners, Meyer and Lineage, 533 00:24:45,119 --> 00:24:48,840 Speaker 5: Gleaner's Food Bank. We'll work with them and really make 534 00:24:48,880 --> 00:24:50,560 Speaker 5: sure that it's a great holiday for everybody. When you 535 00:24:50,600 --> 00:24:53,320 Speaker 5: have a holiday that's family, food and football, you want 536 00:24:53,359 --> 00:24:54,240 Speaker 5: to make sure that people have. 537 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:55,040 Speaker 3: Accessed all those things. 538 00:24:55,160 --> 00:24:56,280 Speaker 1: And I would make you guys aware of this too, 539 00:24:56,280 --> 00:24:58,040 Speaker 1: because I talk about my son in hockey quite a 540 00:24:58,040 --> 00:25:01,439 Speaker 1: bit as well. But like like myself, Brian has to 541 00:25:01,440 --> 00:25:03,440 Speaker 1: deal with the missing a lot of hockey games during 542 00:25:03,480 --> 00:25:05,119 Speaker 1: the football season. You got a sign he's gonna be 543 00:25:05,160 --> 00:25:06,720 Speaker 1: a junior, right, You gonna be a junior at North 544 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:09,359 Speaker 1: Thorsville playing hockey. So our sons might cross pass a 545 00:25:09,359 --> 00:25:12,359 Speaker 1: little bit the senior versus the junior there, but that's 546 00:25:12,400 --> 00:25:15,000 Speaker 1: fun being the hockey Dan I'd be a little remiss 547 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:16,679 Speaker 1: if I didn't ask you about the product on the 548 00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:19,240 Speaker 1: field as well. Just you're excited. But look, I know 549 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:21,080 Speaker 1: your job is a hit a lot of the business 550 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:23,919 Speaker 1: end of stuff, but your excitement with the product that 551 00:25:23,960 --> 00:25:27,119 Speaker 1: you're seeing on the field, what's been built, obviously the 552 00:25:27,119 --> 00:25:30,400 Speaker 1: two go hand in hand. The business part goes like this, 553 00:25:30,920 --> 00:25:33,240 Speaker 1: when the product on the field goes like this, how 554 00:25:33,280 --> 00:25:36,160 Speaker 1: excited are you guys for the product that's been built 555 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:39,320 Speaker 1: here by by Brad ray And and Dan and and 556 00:25:39,440 --> 00:25:40,320 Speaker 1: just moving forward. 557 00:25:40,520 --> 00:25:43,080 Speaker 5: Yeah, it starts with football, right like that. That's that's 558 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:45,520 Speaker 5: why we're all here, is to win games. And I 559 00:25:45,520 --> 00:25:50,199 Speaker 5: think you know, it's exciting not just winning games, like 560 00:25:50,359 --> 00:25:52,320 Speaker 5: that's a big part of it, but but the way 561 00:25:52,359 --> 00:25:57,560 Speaker 5: that we play speaks directly to who we are, who 562 00:25:57,560 --> 00:25:59,960 Speaker 5: our fans are, what our fans appreciate about the game, 563 00:26:00,920 --> 00:26:03,159 Speaker 5: And it's really you know, it starts with Dan in 564 00:26:03,160 --> 00:26:05,040 Speaker 5: that regard, starts with the four family, but then really 565 00:26:05,080 --> 00:26:07,520 Speaker 5: Dan on the football side, with the fact that it's 566 00:26:07,560 --> 00:26:10,440 Speaker 5: a blue collar way of playing football. We're gonna play 567 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:13,200 Speaker 5: a tough, physical brand of football, and I think that's 568 00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:18,080 Speaker 5: something that our fan base really buys into loves can 569 00:26:18,119 --> 00:26:20,800 Speaker 5: relate to. And so for us on the brand side, 570 00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:24,560 Speaker 5: it's just continuing to be authentic, just be who we 571 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:26,200 Speaker 5: are off the field the same way we are on 572 00:26:26,280 --> 00:26:29,359 Speaker 5: the field. And and it does make it easy, makes 573 00:26:29,359 --> 00:26:33,200 Speaker 5: it fun trying to tell the my North Hill hockey 574 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:35,760 Speaker 5: team to have a little more grant, a little more 575 00:26:35,800 --> 00:26:38,640 Speaker 5: jamm there. So so it is fun and I think 576 00:26:38,680 --> 00:26:39,000 Speaker 5: it does. 577 00:26:39,080 --> 00:26:39,480 Speaker 2: It does. 578 00:26:39,720 --> 00:26:42,440 Speaker 5: It's a huge advent for us, not just that we're good, 579 00:26:42,680 --> 00:26:44,520 Speaker 5: not just that we play a certain way, but it's 580 00:26:44,520 --> 00:26:45,480 Speaker 5: authentic to who we are. 581 00:26:45,800 --> 00:26:46,760 Speaker 2: That's that's the key. 582 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:49,240 Speaker 1: It's a fun time, isn't it. It's a roll in 583 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:52,000 Speaker 1: here and you know the roster set, You get excited 584 00:26:52,040 --> 00:26:55,280 Speaker 1: for week one, you let yourself maybe think about what 585 00:26:55,640 --> 00:26:58,480 Speaker 1: January February could look like. It's it's just a fun time, 586 00:26:58,520 --> 00:26:59,320 Speaker 1: and yeah it is. 587 00:26:59,359 --> 00:27:01,480 Speaker 5: And I'll tell you I saw I got a preview. 588 00:27:02,119 --> 00:27:04,800 Speaker 5: My guy Max in n Opp gave me a preview 589 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:07,639 Speaker 5: of the open video. I saw that the other day 590 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:11,119 Speaker 5: and I got like, to me, it's super like to 591 00:27:11,119 --> 00:27:13,920 Speaker 5: see those guys and and to to see them come 592 00:27:13,960 --> 00:27:16,439 Speaker 5: to life and what I know, the way I know 593 00:27:16,520 --> 00:27:19,080 Speaker 5: Ford Field will react to seeing that like yeah, yeah, 594 00:27:19,080 --> 00:27:21,160 Speaker 5: I got goosebumpsh watching the other day. 595 00:27:21,840 --> 00:27:23,800 Speaker 1: A shout out to one Pride production, to one of 596 00:27:23,840 --> 00:27:26,800 Speaker 1: the one of the areas that you oversee the social 597 00:27:26,840 --> 00:27:30,480 Speaker 1: media and the video production, the Barrett who does our podcast. 598 00:27:31,480 --> 00:27:34,679 Speaker 1: Great great job. We have great people over there, but 599 00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:37,240 Speaker 1: it's an exciting time. Brian, appreciate you taking the time 600 00:27:37,359 --> 00:27:39,359 Speaker 1: and uh lines yeah, go lines