DETROIT – Sparking a conversation with the media during training camp and fellow draftee Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions 2024 rookie first-round draft pick Terrion Arnold shared his growing familiarity with the city’s dialect.
In response to Rakestraw Jr., Arnold told the media that he needed to get a pair of Cartier Buffalo glasses.
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“Dang, what’s the name of the shades man,” asked Arnold, who was told by the media that they are called Buffs! “I got to go get me some of them. After I catch a pick, I got to go put them on, but I got to go get me some of them.”
Word got back to Ann Arbor, where the “Turnover Buffs” craze appeared during the 2022 season thanks to Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson, who now, thanks to NIL, sells his version of the expensive shades, sent a pair to his fellow corner.
The “Turnover Buffs” tradition, a symbol of the Wolverines’ defensive prowess, is seen on the sidelines after their defense, led by Johnson, retrieves the pigskin from the opposing team’s offense.
Once secured, the men in maize dash to their side of the field to celebrate with their teammates by taking a photo with the team while sporting the fancy shades.
Johnson, the creative mind behind the ‘Turnover Buffs’ tradition, attributed his inspiration to his mother, lawyer, and best friend, who just so happens to be a jeweler, showcasing the unique blend of influences that shaped this innovative football culture.
“They came up with the idea, and they brought it to me, and I really liked it, so I brought it to the team, and they really liked it,” said Johnson back in 2023. “I was able to get me a pair of Buffs, and I think the first game we were able to use them was against the Michigan State Spartans or the Maryland Terrapins, and after that, we got a lot of media buzz, and it just took off.”
Arnold and Johnson are familiar with each other as their teams battle one another in the Rose Bowl when the Wolverines defense stopped the Crimson Tide during a goal line stand in overtime.
The All Americans are thriving in their respective sport.
Johnson is returning to the Wolverines to try to help them repeat as national champions, while Arnold is looking to help the Lions reach their first Super Bowl in team history.
But one thing is for sure: They’ll both look good on the sidelines with their Turnover Buffs on as fans chant their names.