A Change of Heart: Amon-Ra St. Brown Reflects on Journey with Lions
Three years ago, Amon-Ra St. Brown would’ve chosen any team but the Detroit Lions. Today, he wears their colors with pride and gratitude, having recently inked a four-year, $120 million deal with the franchise.
The Draft Day That Turned Everything Around
Rewinding to that fateful day in 2022, St. Brown’s frustrations peaked as he saw his name remain uncalled for the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Despite hosting a grand celebration on Day 2, he felt overlooked and began to doubt his future. When the Lions finally called his name on Day 3, his initial reaction was less than enthusiastic.
“When I got drafted, this is the one team I didn’t want to go to,” confessed St. Brown. Uncertainty clouded his thoughts about joining a franchise known for its struggles, “If you told me, ‘You’re going to Detroit,’ I’d be like, ‘Damn. I don’t know.’”
Embracing the City and Its Fans
St. Brown‘s path to acceptance and eventual adoration for the Lions and Detroit began with noticing the fans’ unwavering support. Despite the team’s performance, the fans consistently showed up, displaying both loyalty and passion.
“I knew, for the most part, it was a losing franchise. I didn’t think the fans were like this,” St. Brown observed, initially underestimating the spirit of the Detroit fanbase. But their persistent presence captured his respect and appreciation, “Just from then on, I knew what kind of fans they had here, the people of this city. And that’s something I really appreciate as a player.”
A Record-Breaking Extension and the Weight of Expectations
Fast forward to the present, St. Brown‘s record-breaking extension marks a milestone in his career. However, he has no intentions of resting on his laurels. If anything, the significant contract amplifies his determination to excel even further.
“There are going to be even more eyes on me, and that’s the pressure I like to feel. I want to put it on myself, and I love any expectation people have of me,” he shared confidently, revealing an appetite for the challenge accompanying his new status as a top earner.
St. Brown credits his success not only to his efforts but also to the circumstances and environment provided by the team, “I don’t think I’d be able to do what I’ve done on any other team.”
His journey with the Detroit Lions has transformed a reluctant draft day into a story of gratitude, capturing the essence of personal growth and professional achievement in the NFL.
