Brad Holmes Discusses the Fervor of Fans and Looks Ahead to the Next Detroit Lions Season
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is no stranger to the intense passion and fervor that Lions fans bring to the table. The city of Detroit has long been known for its loyal and devoted fan base, and Holmes has made it his mission to build a team that can not only honor that loyalty but also bring consistent success to the Motor City. After a promising season, Holmes is looking ahead to the future of the franchise, discussing both the team’s recent progress and the exciting path forward.
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming NFL season, Holmes reflected on what it means to be part of such an enthusiastic and dedicated fanbase, while also providing insight into the team’s strategies moving forward. Here’s what we can expect from the Detroit Lions as they continue their journey toward sustained success.
The Fervor of Detroit Lions Fans
One of the first topics Holmes touched on during his recent comments was the passionate and loyal following the Detroit Lions have built over decades. Detroit is a city with a rich sports history, and its fans, despite years of challenges and disappointments, have remained faithful. Holmes recognized that the energy from the fans is a driving force for the team, noting that it is a privilege to work for a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase.
“The fans are everything,” Holmes said. “The energy they bring to Ford Field and the way they support the team, even in times of adversity, it’s truly special. We know how much they care about this team, and it’s our job to give them something to be proud of every Sunday.”
This relationship between the Lions and their fans has only grown stronger over the past few years. The team’s recent improvement under head coach Dan Campbell has helped foster an optimistic outlook for the future. The Lions have shown flashes of brilliance, and fans have responded with an overwhelming show of support. Holmes emphasized that the team is fully aware of the importance of fan engagement and how much the Lions’ supporters mean to the overall success of the franchise.
“We’re building something here that the fans can rally behind,” Holmes continued. “Our fans have been so patient, and we owe it to them to keep working and pushing forward, building a team they can be proud of. I think they’re starting to see that the direction we’re heading in is the right one.”
A Promising Season Behind the Lions
The Detroit Lions have made significant strides under Holmes’ leadership, and 2024 proved to be a season full of promise. The team showed considerable improvement on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Jared Goff finding his rhythm, running back Jahmyr Gibbs showing flashes of brilliance, and the defense, although young, beginning to develop into a more formidable unit.
Holmes acknowledged that there were clear signs of progress in the 2024 season, especially in the team’s ability to compete against some of the league’s top teams. Despite not making a deep playoff run, the Lions’ competitive spirit was evident. Holmes was quick to point out that there’s still a lot of work to be done but praised the foundation that has been built.
“There’s no question that we’ve made progress,” Holmes said. “But we also know that we’re not where we want to be yet. We’re not going to rest on what we’ve done. We’ve taken some big steps forward, but we need to continue improving every single day. That’s our focus as we look ahead to next season.”
Building Through the Draft
Holmes has made it clear that his approach to building a contender is rooted in the NFL Draft. After his successful first few years as GM, in which he secured valuable players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and others, Holmes has emphasized the importance of cultivating talent through the draft and developing young players who can make an immediate impact.
“We’ve had success in the draft, but that’s just the start,” Holmes explained. “The key is to build depth and develop talent from the inside. We’re not going to rely on just free agency or one big move to turn things around. It’s about creating a sustainable, winning culture that’s built to last.”
Holmes pointed to the success of key draft picks, such as Hutchinson and Williams, who have shown immense potential in their early careers. However, he also acknowledged that the Lions need to continue finding gems in every draft class, especially with areas such as the secondary and the defensive line still in need of improvement.
“We have some work to do in certain positions, and we’ll continue to target areas that need depth and talent,” Holmes said. “The draft is always our first priority, and we’re looking for players who can come in and contribute right away.”
Free Agency and Building the Roster
While the draft remains central to Holmes’ strategy, he also acknowledged that free agency will play a key role in filling gaps and improving the team’s overall roster. The Lions have already shown interest in a few key veterans who could help fill important roles, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
“We’ll always be active in free agency if there are opportunities that make sense for us,” Holmes explained. “But the key is finding players who fit our system and culture. We’re not just looking for stars—we’re looking for players who fit the DNA of this team, who want to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
Holmes has always been diligent in his approach to roster construction, ensuring that every move made has a long-term impact. In 2025, the Lions will be looking for a few veteran additions that can help bridge the gap for younger players as the team continues its development.
The Vision for 2025
As the Lions look ahead to the 2025 season, Holmes is excited about the potential of the team, especially with the continued development of young stars. He pointed to the importance of consistency and growth as the team pushes for playoff contention and beyond.
“I’m excited about where we are, but we know that 2025 is going to be another big year for us,” Holmes said. “We have a lot of young players who have shown they can be impact players, and now it’s about taking that next step. We need to continue improving in all phases of the game, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
The Lions’ offense, led by Goff and bolstered by talent like Gibbs and rookie standouts, has the potential to be explosive in 2025. The defense, which has shown flashes of promise but has been inconsistent, will be a key area for improvement. Holmes and his staff are committed to making the right moves in both the draft and free agency to ensure the defense becomes more reliable and capable of making crucial stops when needed.
The Importance of Coaching and Culture
Holmes also credited head coach Dan Campbell for fostering a culture of toughness, resilience, and unity. Campbell, who has become a fan favorite for his emotional and passionate leadership, has played a significant role in the Lions’ recent turnaround. Holmes and Campbell have worked hand-in-hand to create a culture of accountability, hard work, and perseverance.
“Dan has been instrumental in what we’re building here,” Holmes said. “His ability to connect with the players, get the most out of them, and build a team-first mentality has been key. We’re all aligned in our vision, and we’re excited about the direction the team is heading.”
Campbell’s leadership has instilled a sense of belief within the locker room, and that belief has begun to translate into better on-field performances. The emotional highs and lows of the season have been balanced by Campbell’s steady hand, ensuring that the players stay focused on the task at hand.