The Detroit Lions’ success in the 2021 NFL Draft is undeniable.
That class not only brought in Amon-Ra St. Brown, but also saw the team draft key players like Derrick Barnes, Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeil, and Ifeatu Melifonwu – all of whom have contributed to the Lions’ growing strength over the past few seasons.
However, St. Brown’s path to Detroit wasn’t initially paved with excitement.
In a recent episode of the “St. Brown Podcast,” the wide receiver revealed a surprising admission: He didn’t want to be drafted by the Lions.
Just moments before the draft, he told his brother that Detroit was the one team he hoped to avoid.
“The one team I told my brother, 20 minutes before I got drafted, I said the one team I don’t want to go to is Detroit,” St. Brown admitted.
Though his initial reaction was far from enthusiastic, St. Brown’s career with the Lions has turned into a remarkable success story.
Over the past four years in Detroit, he has become one of the league’s top wide receivers, amassing 430 receptions for 4,851 yards and 33 touchdowns.
St. Brown’s performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro First Team honors in each of the past two seasons.
The Lions have also recognized his value, offering St. Brown a four-year contract extension worth over $120 million, keeping him in Detroit through 2028.
In addition to St. Brown’s personal success, the Lions’ franchise has seen significant improvement since his arrival.
The team won just five games in the year prior to the draft and only three during his rookie season. Fast forward to last season, when Detroit won 15 games, building a competitive roster poised for future success.
In hindsight, it’s clear that the Lions made the right choice in selecting St. Brown – despite his initial hesitation and disappointment.
As the entire NFL world now knows, these current Lions are a brand new breed – and St. Brown is a major reason why.
What are your thoughts on St. Brown’s surprising admission???
