After three tough years with the New York Jets, cornerback D.J. Reed is now soaking in a much different vibe in Detroit—and he’s not being quiet about it.
The veteran defensive back, who signed with the Lions this offseason, didn’t throw any shade at his former team, but he made it clear there’s a noticeable shift in energy now that he’s with a franchise on the rise.
“Yeah, for sure,” Reed said when asked if he could feel the difference right away.
He didn’t take shots at the Jets, who went 7-10, 7-10, and 5-12 during his time there, instead noting that he grew from that experience. “I needed to go through what I went through in New York and I’m grateful I went through it,” he added.
But it’s obvious—Reed is thrilled to finally be playing meaningful football.
He talked about the grind of going through a long season when you’re out of playoff contention by midseason. “It is tough when you get to September, October, November, and you’re already out of the playoffs,” Reed admitted. “The energy is different when you know you’re playing for something.”
Now in Detroit, that’s exactly what he’s expecting—games that matter deep into the season. With the Lions eyeing another playoff run, they’ll be counting on Reed’s veteran presence and playoff hunger to boost a secondary that needed some help.
And if this early vibe is any indication, Reed’s already buying in.
From Jets to Lions: D.J. Reed Feels the Difference of Playing for a Contender
