By Blessing 
Aidan Hutchinson Finds the Silver Lining in Painful Injury
As the Detroit Lions gear up for what could be a dominant 2025 NFL campaign, all eyes are once again on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Back on the field after suffering a season-ending leg injury last year, Hutchinson is not only healthy—he’s motivated. And surprisingly, he’s found a bright side to what could have been a major setback.
Following Saturday’s training camp practice, Hutchinson reflected on his journey back, opening up about just how challenging the recovery process was—especially during OTAs.
“First day of OTAs, I went out there, I got kicked, stepped on, you think of it, everything under the sun, on this leg,” Hutchinson said, via NBC Sports. “After practice, I got up and I was like, Alright, we’re good. I think it takes those physical things to happen to you to mentally solidify where you’re at and the confidence in moving past it.”
Before the injury, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft was on pace for a breakout season. In just five games, he notched 7.5 sacks, 19 total tackles, and forced one fumble—numbers that showed he was well on track to become one of the league’s elite edge rushers.
But despite the premature end to his season, Hutchinson is embracing the challenge of bouncing back.
“I’ve had my best seasons coming back from something,” he said. “We’re going to be shooting for that same trend.”
It’s that mindset that has both fans and coaches optimistic heading into the season. Hutchinson isn’t just physically ready—he’s mentally locked in. A few weeks ago, he sat down with CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson and shared even more insight into where his head’s at.
“I’m exactly where I need to be,” Hutchinson said. “Every year, I’ve been able to improve on my own physical attributes along with the mental ones, so I feel like every year I take a step. Despite having that rehab this offseason, I feel like I’m in the perfect spot and exactly where I need to be going into Year 4.”
With Detroit aiming to build off last year’s impressive 15-2 finish—even though they fell short in the divisional round to Washington—the team knows Hutchinson’s impact could be the difference-maker. Their 2025 season kicks off against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Sept. 7, and if Hutchinson’s mindset is any indication, he’s more than ready to make his mark.