The Detroit Lions’ defense will feature a blend of new players and familiar faces in new places this season with former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard taking over the defense as its new coordinator.
The Lions suffered countless injuries toward the end of their exciting 15-2 season in 2024-2025 and now are poised to return to full strength this fall.
On Thursday, the Lions added former Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to a unit already packed with talented players.
Williams headed to the Detroit area on Friday for an introductory press conference, during which he offered high praise for Sheppard.
“Yeah, coach Shep, just met him and I already love him,” Williams said on Friday.
“He’s a high energy guy, he tells me how much he loves my game, and how I play, how I can help the team, and, you need a guy like that in your corner, I think,” Williams said, adding that he’s ready to get the team’s playbook to begin learning and preparing to help the Lions.
“I think I can help in a major way, he’s a great guy though, I’m glad I met him,” Williams added.
“Just met him and I already love him.”
-Tyleik Williams on meeting DC Kelvin Sheppard pic.twitter.com/2dFy4irfmo
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 25, 2025
The Lions’ schedule will be revealed along with every other NFL game on May 14, 2025.