“Nothing Will Ever Steal This Joy” — Alex Anzalone’s Back and Making Noise
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone is back at training camp — and he brought the energy and a little mystery with him.
Saturday’s practice at the Meijer Performance Center was part of the NFL’s annual “Back Together Weekend,” and for the Lions, that meant seeing a familiar face back on the field: Anzalone, rocking his signature long hair and fired-up presence.
What fans were really talking about, though, wasn’t just his return — it was the 6-word message he dropped on Instagram:
“Nothing will ever steal this joy.”
A short caption, sure, but one that said a lot. It comes at a time when Anzalone’s name has been in the headlines — not just for his play, but for his ongoing contract situation. He called the whole negotiation process “weird” and admitted to being “disappointed” about how things have gone. Still, he showed up to camp with his head high and his heart in the game.
To add a little extra hype to his return, Anzalone also reposted a clip from Manti Te’o (yes, that Manti Te’o), who had just ranked him as the 6th-best linebacker in the entire NFL on Good Morning Football. Not a bad shout-out — especially coming from a guy who knows a thing or two about playing with heart.
Fans haven’t forgotten Anzalone’s toughness, either. Last season, he broke his forearm in Week 11 — but pushed through and kept playing. That grit earned him even more respect from teammates, coaches, and Lions fans who know how much heart he brings every snap.
Before Detroit, Anzalone was a standout at Florida, then went on to spend four years with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Lions under Dan Campbell.
He’s clearly not just showing up — he’s making a statement. Whether the contract gets figured out or not, Anzalone is reminding everyone that he’s all-in, and no behind-the-scenes drama is going to take away the fire he brings to the field.
Lions fans? You’ve got your captain back.
Training Camp Just Exploded — Anzalone’s 6 Words Changed Everything
