Kelvin Sheppard Reveals the Most Meaningful Part of His Promotion to Lions DC
Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to Detroit Lions defensive coordinator wasn’t just about stepping into a bigger role—it was about trust, loyalty, and relationships. While the support from head coach Dan Campbell and former DC Aaron Glenn played a major role in his decision to stay in Detroit, Sheppard revealed that the most meaningful part of the promotion came from his players.
Speaking at the NFL Combine, Sheppard expressed how much it meant to see defensive stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Malcolm Rodriguez show their support. But what surprised him even more was the outreach from offensive players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams. Even Jared Goff, whom Sheppard didn’t have contact with before, personally texted him to share his excitement.
“For me, it’s all about the players,” Sheppard said. “If you don’t have their belief, you don’t have anything.”
Sheppard was always seen as the top choice to replace Glenn, and the overwhelming backing from the locker room confirms that he was the right guy for the job.
More Than a Title: Kelvin Sheppard on the True Meaning of His Lions Promotion
