When Roy Lopez finishes his NFL career, he aims to become a football coach—similar to his father, uncles, and essentially “everyone I know.”
One reason the Detroit Lions’ latest nose tackle chose them in free agency was to have the opportunity to learn the trade from Dan Campbell.
“I aspire to become a coach someday after I finish playing,” Lopez stated on Thursday. “Learning from Dan Campbell alone is self-explanatory.”
Lopez formally signed with the Lions on Thursday, just two days after coming to terms on a one-year, $4.65 million free-agent contract.
He is anticipated to take on a rotational role at defensive tackle this autumn and mentioned that he’s entering a group “that I play very similarly with.”
“These players give it their all, competing for all four quarters until the final whistle, and that’s precisely how I describe myself when others inquire about me,” Lopez stated. “Arrive each day prepared to work, thrilled to be present; it’s a gift.” No days are bad, dude. Therefore, I believe the most important aspect is that I will push through right until the end, even when the clock strikes zero and perhaps an extra second beyond that. It’s truly a privilege to be in this room because if you watch the footage, the way they play demonstrates that authenticity cannot be imitated. “It’s rooted deep within, so it’s a gift to be present.”
The Lions are bringing back their starting defensive tackles D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill; however, McNeill is recovering from a torn ACL and may not be prepared for the season’s start. They also re-signed reserves Levi Onwuzurike and Myles Adams during free agency and bring back Brodric Martin and Chris Smith.
Lopez mainly served as a run stopper over the last two seasons in Arizona following his initial two years with the Houston Texans. He was a two-time state wrestling champion during high school and attributed his drive to play defense to his uncle Nick Gomez, a former defensive lineman at Illinois State, due to his wrestling experience.
Lopez achieved a record of 113 wins and 3 losses as a high school wrestler in Arizona. He took revenge on all three of his defeats, but remarked about the wrestlers who triumphed over him that he still remembers “exactly what school they attended and what they look like now.”
“I can provide names, height, weight, and Social Security number,” he joked. “I’m able to share all details with you.”
In football, Lopez is still striving to absorb all the knowledge, which is why he was eager to join Campbell, who came in second in the NFL Coach of the Year voting, and the Lions.
He mentioned he was drawn to the team because “everyone in the league, the entire nation understands what the Detroit Lions represent,” and to Campbell because he “adores his players, cares for his city, and values his organization.”
“I’ll share with you directly, I had no idea he was that large,” Lopez stated. “I informed (my parents) with a joke, saying, ‘I was aware he played, but I didn’t realize he could still play.'” Incredible. I shook his hand and said, ‘Dude, my man.’
“However, it was fantastic.” You observe it from a distance. That’s what I refer to when I say the entire nation; everyone in the NFL is aware of the Detroit Lions, and this is due to the city and Coach Campbell.
It’s due to the culture they established here. They have faith in one another. They have faith in what they are creating, and from an external perspective, as a rival and a fan of the game, it is captivating. It’s a significant reason for my choice of … Detroit.
In a concise manner
On Thursday, the Lions re-signed linebackers Anthony Pittman and Trevor Nowaske. Pittman was not tendered as a restricted free agent but signed a one-year deal prior to the commencement of free agency. The Lions offered Nowaske an exclusive rights free agent tender. Both athletes ought to compete for special teams positions in 2025.