In the high-stakes world of the National Football League (NFL), the margin between average and greatness is razor-thin. Success hinges not only on physical prowess but also on intangible qualities that elevate a player’s performance. Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, has articulated a clear vision of what distinguishes great NFL players from the rest. His insights, combined with his strategic approach to team building, have been instrumental in transforming the Lions into a formidable force in the league.
The Intangibles: Heart and Passion
Holmes emphasizes that while physical attributes are essential, it’s the intangible qualities—heart and passion—that truly set elite players apart. He believes that a genuine love for the game and an unwavering commitment to excellence are non-negotiable traits for success. “Sports is too hard not to actually have an elite passion for it,” Holmes asserts. This philosophy underscores the importance of mental fortitude and emotional investment in achieving greatness on the field.
Building Through the Draft: A Strategic Vision
Since assuming his role with the Lions in 2021, Holmes has demonstrated a keen eye for talent, particularly in the NFL Draft. His inaugural draft class laid a robust foundation for the team’s resurgence. Selecting offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick in 2021 exemplified Holmes’ commitment to acquiring players who embody both skill and the intangible qualities he values. Sewell’s relentless work ethic and leadership have made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line. Holmes reflects on this selection, stating, “It is truly the foundation. You don’t want to have a lazy cliché and say, ‘oh, it’s our first draft, so let’s make sure we keep all these guys.’ No, it was truly the essence of what we are as a football team now.”
Another standout from that draft is wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, chosen in the fourth round as the 17th receiver in his class. St. Brown’s exceptional performance, including 315 receptions in his first three seasons—the third-most in NFL history—earned him an All-Pro nod and a lucrative contract extension. His success underscores Holmes’ ability to identify and cultivate talent that aligns with the team’s ethos.
Holmes’ Draft Philosophy: Beyond the Combine
Holmes’ approach to scouting transcends traditional metrics. While physical assessments and combine performances provide valuable data, he places significant emphasis on a player’s character, work ethic, and passion for the game. This holistic evaluation ensures that the Lions acquire individuals who not only excel athletically but also contribute positively to the team’s culture. Holmes elaborates, “It’s a very collaborative, collective approach that everybody knows exactly what type of player we’re looking for.”
Cultivating a Winning Culture
Under Holmes’ leadership, the Lions have fostered a culture that prioritizes resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. This environment empowers players to maximize their potential and aligns with Holmes’ belief that passion and dedication are critical to success. The team’s impressive 15-2 record and status as the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the 2024 season are testaments to this cultural shift.
Recognition and Impact
Holmes’ transformative impact on the Lions has not gone unnoticed. He was honored as the NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America in both 2023 and 2024, becoming only the second executive to receive this accolade in consecutive years. This recognition reflects his adeptness in roster construction, talent evaluation, and fostering a winning culture.
Brad Holmes’ tenure with the Detroit Lions exemplifies the profound impact that a clear vision and emphasis on intangible qualities can have on a professional sports team. By prioritizing heart, passion, and character alongside physical talent, Holmes has redefined the Lions’ identity and set them on a path to sustained success. His approach serves as a blueprint for building not just a team, but a resilient and cohesive unit poised to compete at the highest levels of the NFL.
Holmes’ ability to identify and develop talent has positioned the Lions as one of the most promising franchises in the NFL. However, his philosophy goes beyond just selecting the right players—it involves creating an environment where these players can thrive. His emphasis on culture, player development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that the Lions are not just assembling talent but forging a team that embodies the very essence of what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
The Role of Leadership in Player Development
One of Holmes’ greatest strengths as an executive is his ability to identify leaders within his roster. He often speaks about the importance of finding players who not only perform well on the field but also set the tone in the locker room. Leadership, in Holmes’ view, isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about consistency, accountability, and the ability to elevate those around you.
This focus on leadership is evident in many of Holmes’ draft selections and acquisitions. Players like Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have not only emerged as playmakers but as key figures in shaping the culture of the Lions. Their dedication to preparation, their work ethic, and their ability to perform under pressure embody what Holmes believes distinguishes great players from the rest.
Drafting for Long-Term Success
Holmes has reiterated that his goal is not to build a team that can succeed in the short term but to establish a sustainable model for long-term success. His draft strategy reflects this philosophy. Instead of focusing solely on immediate needs, he takes a balanced approach that combines addressing current weaknesses with securing foundational pieces for the future.
For instance, the selection of Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2023 draft was seen by some as unconventional, given the presence of other running backs on the roster. However, Holmes had a clear vision for how Gibbs’ skill set would add versatility and explosiveness to the Lions’ offense. The result? Gibbs quickly became a dynamic weapon, validating Holmes’ foresight and ability to project how a player will develop within the team’s system.
Similarly, the selection of linebacker Jack Campbell in the same draft class showcased Holmes’ commitment to improving the defense with intelligent, high-motor players who fit the culture he is building. These picks reflect an understanding that great teams are built not just by acquiring talent but by ensuring that talent fits into the broader vision of the organization.
Emphasizing Player Development Over Quick Fixes
One of the key differentiators between successful franchises and those that struggle is the ability to develop young talent. Holmes understands that simply drafting high-potential players isn’t enough; teams must provide the right coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for these players to grow.
Under Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have become one of the best teams in the league at developing talent. Players who may have been overlooked in the draft or who started as rotational pieces have been coached up into key contributors. This is a testament to the organization’s commitment to development, which is a cornerstone of Holmes’ philosophy.
The Mental Side of the Game
Another aspect Holmes frequently highlights is the importance of a player’s mindset. He often talks about how great players possess not only elite physical skills but also an unmatched mental toughness.
“At this level, everyone is talented,” Holmes has said. “What separates the best from the rest is how they handle adversity, how they prepare, and how they elevate their teammates.”
This focus on mental toughness and resilience is reflected in the Lions’ approach to team-building. Holmes prioritizes players who have overcome adversity in their careers, who have demonstrated a strong work ethic, and who are wired to constantly improve.
Holmes’ Impact on the Lions’ Success
The results of Holmes’ approach are already apparent. Under his leadership, the Lions have transformed from a rebuilding team to a legitimate contender in the NFC. Their playoff success, strong regular-season performances, and the overall improvement of the roster highlight the effectiveness of Holmes’ vision.
The Lions’ ability to compete at the highest level is no accident. It is the result of careful planning, strategic roster construction, and an unwavering commitment to the core principles that Holmes believes separate great players from the rest.