By Moses Joshua 
Detroit elevates Tom Kennedy to permanent kick returner as injuries reshape the late-season lineup
Tom Kennedy Steps Into the Spotlight
The Detroit Lions took a significant hit when Kalif Raymond — one of their most dynamic receivers and return specialists — went down with an injury. But out of that setback emerged a familiar and much-loved figure: Tom Kennedy, the fan-favorite who has spent the better part of seven seasons fighting for his chance.
This week, the Lions confirmed what many had hoped: Kennedy is staying on as the team’s primary kick returner as Detroit enters a pivotal stretch that could determine its playoff fate. For a player who has spent most of his NFL life on the practice squad, the moment marks a major career milestone.
Kennedy’s Breakout on Special Teams
Called up to the active roster following Raymond’s injury, Kennedy immediately injected life into Detroit’s return game. He averaged 27.0 yards per kick return, flashed explosive vision with a 21-yard punt return, and delivered a standout showing in the win over the Dallas Cowboys — taking all three kick returns past Detroit’s 40-yard line.
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp made it clear that Kennedy had earned his stay in the role.
“Kalif’s obviously an incredible player for us, so I would see him starting off as our punt returner and I would definitely see Tom Kennedy being part of the kick return game,” Fipp said, via Pride of Detroit. “Leaf back, I would see him returning punts for sure.”
Fipp’s praise didn’t stop there. His admiration for Kennedy — known for his relentless work ethic and humility — poured out as he discussed the wideout’s perseverance.
“I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am for Tom Kennedy,” Fipp said. “I mean there’s nobody who deserves the attention and the recognition more than him in this building… And then for him to get the opportunity and then go out there and make the most of it, you’ve got to give him a lot of credit.”
For most of his time in Detroit, Kennedy played a minimal role, appearing in four games last year with just one target and no catches. His last reception came back in 2022, when he logged eight catches for 141 yards.
Now, he’s making the most of a long-awaited chance.
Filling the Void Left by a Key Offensive Loss
Kennedy’s promotion comes at a time when Detroit needed fresh contributors. The Lions recently lost Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta to a season-ending back injury, a blow that forced the team to reshuffle its offensive depth.
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat the situation.
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I think that’s very, very slim.”
Though optimistic about LaPorta’s long-term recovery, Campbell acknowledged that his absence creates a major void in the offense. Still, he offered a bit of encouraging news.
“The good news is the procedure went really well long-term,” Campbell said.
With LaPorta sidelined and Raymond recovering, Kennedy’s role becomes even more crucial as Detroit pushes for a playoff berth.