ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions training camp is officially in full swing, and Monday morning, Local 4 heard from players Hendon Hooker, Terrion Arnold, Taylor Decker, and Derrick Barnes.
Each player spoke on Monday (July 21) about how the Lions are preparing for another season of high expectations.
Solidifying a backup quarterback
Hooker is entering his third year in the NFL. The third-round pick out of Tennessee is looking to lock down the backup quarterback spot.
“I’m a very competitive guy. My love for the game, I’ll do anything to make sure that I’m playing at my highest and at my best,” said Hooker.
Hooker spoke about some areas head coach Dan Campbell wanted him to work on during the offseason.
“Playing fast and playing on time with rhythm and playing confidently,” Hooker said. “He wants me to go out there and showcase my talent, and the only way I can do that is by playing fast and playing confident.”
Expectation on Detroit’s Secondary
Arnold is entering his second NFL season. The Lions’ secondary lost cornerback Carlton Davis over the offseason but gained free agent cornerback D.J. Reed.
Arnold is excited to get back to playing on Sundays with nearly the same group.
“We’ve had a chance to have a year of camaraderie under our belt, that’s very, very rare in the NFL. When you got guys that can gel together, hang out together. The brotherhood is stronger than ever,” said Arnold. “When you are able to go out there and have trust that your guys going to be in the right spot or he can trust me to make this play, it just makes football a lot easier.”
Detroit has come close to making it to the Super Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
Despite last year being Arnold’s rookie season, he expects his team to be playing in February this season.
“Detroit, I don’t think we’ve ever been to the Super Bowl, so just as far as getting there and then having that whole offseason to think about it, you get tired of that feeling,” Arnold said. “You know you only have a small, small window to attain that. The window for us is open, and we just want to attain that before it closes.”
Taylor Decker recovery and 2025 season outlook
Decker was listed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to kick off training camp, but is expected to be ready to play following the Lions’ first preseason game.
Decker underwent surgery on his shoulder in the hopes of addressing some issues.
“I’m really happy with it, I’m glad I did it. It was something I was trying to just rehab; it was just something that needed to be addressed. We took another look at it, and the rehabs been going awesome,” said Decker. “Came back here pretty early for the offseason, so I’ve been back here for about 3-4 weeks already. It’s been going really good, so it’s something I’m happy that I did.”
Decker is aware of the tough schedule the Lions are facing this season, but believes it’s a sign of how far the team has come.
“We earned the right to play in all these games against these really good teams, but now we have to show up now, we have to put the work in. You don’t want to go out there and lay an egg,” said Decker. “A couple of years ago, nobody wanted to watch the Lions. Now everybody wants to watch the Lions. Guys want to come play here, and that’s a testament to the work that we put in when not as many people cared,” Decker added.
With the loss of Lions’ former center Frank Ragnow, new players are looking to fill the void in the offensive line.
Decker looks to lead by example in a group that has expectations of being one of the best in the league.
“For me personally, especially as I’m getting older, I can’t let myself waiver from expectations. Especially in practice,” Decker said. “Right now, I’m not practicing, but when I am back out there, I need to do things the right way. Because if I don’t do things the right way, that’s setting a bad example for guys who haven’t got to play. I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in if I didn’t handle things as a professional.”
The Return of Derrick Barnes
Barnes has finally recovered from the knee injuries he suffered last season.
After the $25.5 million contract extension he received over the offseason, Barnes has been chomping at the bit to get back on the field.
“I dreamed of this camp, it’s been a long time coming, I miss it out here,” said Barnes. “When I got hurt, I know back in the day I used to be like I can retire in about 10-12 years. I ain’t going to miss football because I know I gave it everything I got. But you have to take advantage of every play, every day out here, because it can be taken away from you in the snap of a finger.”
Barnes believes that last year’s injury happened right after things started to click. Now, he’s focused on picking up where he left off.
“Last year was the first year where I felt like everything was coming together for me. The game slowed down. I was at my healthiest before my knee. I felt my strongest. I felt my fastest,” said Barnes. “It’s time to start off where I left.”