ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions defensive stars Aidan Hutchinson and D.J. Reed shared their perspectives on the team’s recent training camp and joint practices, highlighting growth, competitiveness, and defensive potential.
Hutchinson said on Thursday (Aug. 21) he feels in a great spot physically and mentally, aiming to carry his momentum into week one and maintain it throughout the season.
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“I feel like I’m in a really good spot right now and I’m just trying to carry all this momentum into week one and stay hot throughout the whole season,” said Hutchinson, the former Michigan Wolverines star.
Hutchinson praised his partnership with teammate Marcus Davenport, emphasizing their growing chemistry and impact on the defensive line.
“I think it can be really dangerous. I’m putting everything into his longevity, too. I’m trying to help him out, trying to be there for him in whatever way I can,” Hutchinson said.
Comparing the latest joint practice to previous ones against the Miami Dolphins, Hutchinson described it as highly competitive, with both teams making plays.
“I think I’m proud of what we put on tape, and we can learn from it,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson emphasized that growth is the main goal during this time of year, beyond wins and losses.
“If you’re getting better individually and as a team, that’s ultimately the most important,” Hutchinson said.
Reflecting on his personal development, Hutchinson acknowledged overcoming adversity and improving as a player.
“I went through a little bit of adversity like everybody does in camp. When you grow from it, you learn from it,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson also shared a moment of confidence after a physical play that reminded him of a past injury, reinforcing his mental and physical toughness.
“I got up, shook it out, and you’re like, we’re back. I got a steel rod in my leg, and this thing’s not going anywhere,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson named rookie DT Tyleik Williams as a young player who has made significant strides during camp.
He also commented on a teammate’s unexpected musical talent with humor and appreciation.
Regarding contract talks, Hutchinson said he has been hands-off, focusing on football rather than the business side of things.
“My main focus is out here playing football, playing this game I love,” Hutchinson said.
Looking ahead, Hutchinson expressed confidence in the defense’s potential and set high expectations for it.
“We’re going to stay healthy and we’re going to dominate. That’s the standard,” Hutchinson said.
The former Michigan Man even touched on his brief encounter with former teammate Nico Collins in joint practice with the Texans.
“You know, there was a play that I actually was designed to kind of hit him, and so we shared some laughs there on the field because he wasn’t really expecting me to be out there, and it was good to see him. I haven’t really talked to him pre-practice. I was locked in, but it was great to have a little moment on the field with him,” Hutchinson said.
D.J. Reed
Reed also reflected on the defense’s performance in joint practices, noting a back-and-forth competition and highlighting four turnovers that helped their offense.
“I thought we played really well in both of the joint practices,” said Reed.
Reed described the practices as a stepping stone and dress rehearsal for week one, helping players prepare for real game challenges.
Reed compared his initial impressions of the Lions’ culture to the reality of being part of the team, using a house-buying analogy.
“It’s like looking at a house on Zillow and actually going there to the real tour and seeing it,” Reed said.
Reed praised the Lions’ work ethic and camaraderie, including off-field bonding like team dinners, which build trust and cohesion.
“All that is just going to help us when it’s time to play,” Reed said.
Reed named several defensive teammates who impressed him during camp, including Hutchinson, and highlighted Hutchinson’s remarkable comeback from injury.
“He’s a one-of-one type of player,” Reed said.
Reed expressed confidence in the defense being a strength for the team this season, crediting the coaching staff’s situational football expertise.
“Coach (Kelvin Sheppard) Shep calling the plays. He understands situational football, personnel, and what to call that makes sense for the defense."
Reed described the defense as aggressive and fully committed to executing the game plan.
“Whatever coach you have called, we’re going to play to the 100% of our capability,” Reed said.