Former Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda knows a thing or two about tough times. He was around during the low points of the Matt Patricia-Bob Quinn era—and he’s seen the full transformation under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. According to Cabinda, what’s happening in Detroit isn’t just about talent. It’s about culture.
On a recent episode of “Crunch Time Sports,” Cabinda shared that the Lions’ front office has stayed true to its core identity: building a roster full of players who fit the locker room as much as they fit the scheme. “They never sacrificed culture for talent,” Cabinda said. “Every guy who came in—draft pick, free agent, midseason trade—had to match the team’s attitude first.”
He rattled off a list of impact players that exemplify this philosophy—Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Alim McNeill, Jameson Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown—all of whom bring the right mindset along with their physical skills.
Cabinda also gave high praise to Sewell, calling him a “generational athlete” with a “killer mindset” who dominates on the field and sets the tone in practice. “You see him finishing guys into the dirt every play. He’s that guy you’re glad is on your team,” he said.
And it’s not just Sewell getting love. Cabinda also had strong words for quarterback Jared Goff, calling him the kind of leader every locker room needs. “J.G. is steady, no matter what. Year after year, he’s improved. He’s in his prime now,” said Cabinda. “He’s exactly the kind of quarterback you want leading your team.”
Finally, Cabinda credited Dan Campbell for getting the most out of his players with a rare mix of emotion and motivation. “Dan knows how to pull energy out of you and make it work for you in a game,” he said. “He brings the best out of his guys.”
For Cabinda, who played in Detroit from 2019 to 2023, this shift isn’t a media narrative—it’s real. And it’s a big reason why the Lions are now in the Super Bowl conversation instead of the cellar.
Special, Special Player’: Cabinda Talks Sewell’s Impact and Lions’ Locker Room Standard
