DETROIT – As the Detroit Lions continue their quest for the big game, one player has been in Michigan the entire time.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson started in Metro Detroit at Divine Child High School before going to the University of Michigan. Now he’s on the team with the Lions, making his former teammates very proud of his newfound success.
We all had to start somewhere, but teachers and staff members say they knew he would be destined for greatness even then.
Hutchinson has come a long way before he was a defensive end for the Lions. He was once one of the Falcons at Divine Child High School.
“You know, when he was here, it was the best of times for us,” said Divine Child Head Football Coach Chris Laney. “We had some talent on the team.”
Laney recognized the God-given athletic ability early on, but that wasn’t all.
“Aidan was really a first-class student as well,” Laney said. “He did really well in class, didn’t have any problems and he was really a joy to have.”
Hutchinson has a great relationship with his Spanish teacher, Gina Del Gado. The two still talk to this day.
“Aidan, what we see on the field is still who he was in the classroom,” said Del Gado. “Shy, at first, was very hard-working. Knows how to have fun. He just had the whole package when he was here.”
English teacher Michelle Sugg remembers him for his strong work ethic before he graduated and became a Michigan Wolverines phenom.
“I certainly thought that he would be successful because he’s such a hard worker,” said Sugg. “He was actually in my class when Jim Harbaugh came and recruited him.”
His jersey and other trophies are on display—support from staff and students out in the open, with many students wearing Honolulu Blue.
Hutchinson says in a way that it was always his destiny.
“In school, all my friends, they’re on every Sunday in the fall,” said Hutchinson. “So, you grow up with it no matter if you’re a fan or you’re not.”
“We’re just proud of him being here,” Sugg said. We’re just proud of him being a falcon. I’m proud of him being a Wolverine and now a Lion, and we will support him no matter what.”