For decades, the Detroit Lions have been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, though often for the wrong reasons. Despite the efforts of numerous coaches, players, and front-office executives over the years, the Lions have consistently fallen short of championship glory. However, in recent seasons, there has been a noticeable shift in the organization’s fortunes, sparked by a new era of leadership under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
Now, the Detroit Lions find themselves on the cusp of something special, poised to compete at the highest level in the NFC. One person who is not only excited but also optimistic about the future of the franchise is Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever don a Lions uniform. Sanders, whose legendary career with the Lions spanned from 1989 to 1998, is watching from afar as his former team takes strides toward building a competitive and sustainable roster for years to come.
Recently, Sanders shared his thoughts on why he believes the Lions are finally set up for long-term success. From the team’s youthful core to their strong leadership and an emerging winning culture, Sanders is confident that Detroit has the pieces in place to not only compete in the near future but also to build a foundation that will last. In an exclusive interview, Sanders explained why he believes the Lions are different from previous iterations and how their combination of talent, coaching, and culture will propel them forward.
A Changing Franchise: The Dan Campbell Effect
When Dan Campbell took over as the Detroit Lions’ head coach in 2021, few could have predicted the transformation he would bring to the organization. After a rough start to his tenure, the team showed signs of life as the 2022 season progressed, ultimately finishing with a 9-8 record. For a Lions team that had not experienced a winning season in nearly three decades, that was a significant step forward. Campbell’s no-nonsense, hard-hitting style, combined with his genuine connection to the players, has been a key factor in fostering the team’s development.
Barry Sanders is particularly impressed by the way Campbell has infused the organization with a new identity. In particular, Sanders believes that Campbell’s leadership is central to the Lions’ success moving forward. “Dan Campbell has come in and really set the tone for the team. He’s a former player who gets it, and you can see that in the way the players respond to him,” Sanders said. “The culture change is palpable, and you can tell that the guys are invested, both in the team and in their individual growth.”
The Lions’ leadership under Campbell has been fundamental in building trust within the locker room, which is often a critical factor in a team’s ability to succeed. Instead of a revolving door of coaches and instability, Campbell has instilled a sense of unity, belief, and resilience that was sorely lacking in previous seasons. Sanders believes that this renewed culture will be a major factor in the team’s future success.
“I’ve seen it firsthand in this league,” Sanders continued. “When the players believe in their coach and the coach believes in the players, that’s when you start to see a team come together. The culture is the foundation, and once that foundation is built, the sky is the limit.”
The Nucleus: Youthful Talent and Veteran Leadership
The foundation of any successful NFL team is the combination of youthful talent and veteran leadership. In the case of the Detroit Lions, Sanders sees a unique blend of both. The team has invested heavily in the draft in recent years, acquiring a crop of young, dynamic players who can become the face of the franchise for the next decade. At the same time, they have experienced veterans who provide leadership and guidance both on and off the field.
One of the Lions’ most exciting young talents is second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the team’s first-round pick in 2022. Hutchinson had a breakout rookie season, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and showcasing his potential as one of the league’s top pass rushers. Sanders is particularly bullish on Hutchinson’s potential and believes he can lead the defense for years to come.
“Hutchinson is everything you want in a player: relentless, tough, and smart,” Sanders said. “He has that special quality that makes players around him better. If he keeps improving, there’s no reason why he can’t be one of the best defensive players in the league for the next 10 years.”
Hutchinson’s playmaking ability and leadership on the field are just one example of the Lions’ promising youth. On the offensive side of the ball, players like quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are also emerging as stars. Goff, who has faced his share of scrutiny over the years, has looked revitalized in Detroit’s system, and St. Brown has quickly become one of the most consistent and reliable receivers in the league.
“I’ve watched Goff over the past couple of seasons, and I’ve been impressed by how he’s grown as a leader,” Sanders said. “He’s had some ups and downs, but in Detroit, he’s found a home. Amon-Ra is another guy who has really stepped up. His route running, his ability to catch everything thrown his way – he’s a player to watch.”
Beyond the young stars, the Lions also benefit from the leadership of veterans like wide receiver Josh Reynolds, offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill. These players have helped set a professional tone in the locker room, giving the team the type of leadership needed to make a deep playoff run.
With a blend of youth and veteran experience, the Lions’ roster is one of the most well-rounded in the NFC. “The nucleus is there,” Sanders affirmed. “You have young guys who can lead the way for years to come, but you also have veterans who can guide them along the journey. That mix is crucial.”
The Lions’ Strong Draft History: Building Through the Draft
Over the past few seasons, Brad Holmes has proven himself as one of the most competent and effective general managers in the NFL. Since taking over as GM, Holmes has turned the Lions’ draft strategy into a major strength, securing high-caliber players who can make an immediate impact. Holmes’ ability to evaluate talent, particularly in the first round, has been a key component of the team’s rebuilding process.
Under Holmes, the Lions have successfully drafted several players who are already cornerstone pieces of the franchise. Aidan Hutchinson, as mentioned earlier, was the No. 2 overall pick in 2022 and has been an instant difference-maker. In the 2023 draft, the Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell, both of whom have already shown promise in their first seasons.
Barry Sanders, a former Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most gifted athletes to ever play the game, understands the importance of having a solid draft strategy. “The draft is where teams build their future,” Sanders explained. “Brad Holmes has done a great job of identifying talent and picking the right players. If you look at the team now, you can see how many of these guys are homegrown. That’s what you want. You want players who are invested in the team and want to see it succeed.”
Sanders pointed out that while free agency is important, it’s the draft that truly sets the tone for a team’s long-term future. With several more draft picks in 2025, the Lions have the opportunity to further strengthen their roster and deepen their already impressive talent pool.
Coaching and Development: The Key to Longevity
While the talent on the roster is impressive, it’s ultimately coaching and player development that determine whether a team will succeed in the long term. The Lions have made significant strides in this area under Dan Campbell, and Barry Sanders believes that Campbell’s staff has done a great job of developing young talent and getting the most out of their players.
“The coaching staff has been outstanding,” Sanders said. “Dan Campbell and his staff really know how to get the best out of their players. They’re not just looking at talent; they’re developing players, teaching them how to work as a team, how to stay focused, and how to handle adversity. The mental part of the game is so important, and that’s where this team has really grown.”
Sanders emphasized that, unlike many teams that rely solely on raw talent, the Lions are developing their players both on and off the field. He cited the development of players like Hutchinson, Goff, and St. Brown as prime examples of how coaching can turn good players into great ones. With the Lions’ coaching staff focused on improving every aspect of the game, Sanders is confident that the team’s progress will continue.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Detroit
As the Detroit Lions continue to build for the future, Barry Sanders believes that the team is positioned to experience sustained success for years to come. With a great mix of talent, leadership, and coaching, the Lions have the potential to become a powerhouse in the NFC.
“I’ve been around this game for a long time, and I can tell you that the Lions have something special right now,” Sanders said. “They have a great nucleus in place, and with the right leadership, they’re only going to get better. It’s exciting to see, and I can’t wait to watch what happens next.”
For Lions fans, Sanders’ optimism is a reason for hope. After years of disappointment, the future is finally looking bright for the Motor City, and with the pieces in place, the Lions could be on the verge of something truly special. Whether it’s a playoff run this year or a Super Bowl appearance in the future, the Detroit Lions have the foundation to be contenders for years to come – and Barry Sanders is a believer.