Za’Darius Smith’s BET Awards Remarks Ignite Hopes of Reunion With Lions, Reflect His Deep Connection to Detroit and the Franchise
Za’Darius Smith may not be on the Detroit Lions roster—at least not yet—but his heartfelt remarks at the 2025 BET Awards have reignited a powerful surge of hope and speculation among NFL fans, especially those in the Motor City. As the linebacker walked the red carpet during the event, he dropped what can only be described as a bombshell of affection and intent when asked about his future. With a confident smile and a voice laced with sincerity, Smith said, “We both know where I WANT TO BE… hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in DETROIT.”
That one quote was all it took to stir up waves of excitement across Lions Nation. For a player of Smith’s caliber—a proven veteran with multiple Pro Bowl selections and an imposing presence on the field—to express such a deep and public desire to rejoin the franchise that drafted him speaks volumes. It’s not just about football. It’s about belonging. And it’s about unfinished business in a city that has been waiting for its turn in the spotlight.
The words “we both know” carry a gravity beyond their simplicity. They suggest a mutual understanding between Smith and the Lions front office. Maybe there have already been talks behind closed doors. Maybe there’s a shared feeling that their paths are destined to realign. Regardless, Smith’s public expression of interest places a spotlight directly on the Lions’ front office, sending an unmistakable signal to general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
Smith’s bond with Detroit dates back to the 2019 NFL Draft, when he was selected in the fourth round. Though his time with the Lions was brief before he eventually carved out a name for himself elsewhere—most notably with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings—it’s clear that Detroit never left his heart. Now, several years later, Smith is no longer a young player trying to find his way. He’s a battle-tested veteran, respected leader, and someone whose return would inject both talent and energy into a defense that continues to evolve under Campbell’s tough-nosed culture.
Making such a statement at the BET Awards only amplifies the moment. This wasn’t a quiet, behind-the-scenes rumor whispered by insiders. This was Smith choosing a national platform, amid cameras and celebrities, to speak directly to the Lions, the fans, and perhaps most importantly, to himself. It signals confidence, both in his value as a player and in his connection to Detroit. It’s also a rare example of an NFL star embracing the spotlight not for the sake of self-promotion, but for expressing something genuine and heartfelt.
For Lions fans, Smith’s remarks offer a breath of fresh air—and an invitation to dream. After years of mediocrity and disappointment, Detroit’s football culture has been reborn in recent seasons. Dan Campbell’s team has shown grit, progress, and potential, capturing the city’s imagination in ways that haven’t been seen in decades. Adding a veteran like Smith, who not only brings on-field production but also a clear emotional investment, would be another powerful step in that journey.
It’s not just Smith’s words that resonate; it’s the way he said them. His tone suggested something deeper than a free agent keeping options open. There was longing, familiarity, and a sense of purpose. In saying “hopefully I can get back to where I want to be,” Smith didn’t talk like a man exploring a business decision—he sounded like someone eager to return home.
And Detroit would welcome him with open arms. The Lions’ defense has made significant strides, but it’s still an area where leadership and depth are invaluable. Smith brings not just sacks and pressures, but locker-room credibility and postseason experience. He knows how to elevate teammates, how to handle adversity, and how to set a tone. All of those attributes align with Campbell’s culture-driven approach.
Smith’s timing couldn’t be better. His public comments come at a point where Detroit is firmly positioned as a legitimate contender in the NFC. The team is no longer trying to rebuild from the ground up—it’s chasing championships. And while younger players continue to rise, the presence of a seasoned veteran who already knows the city, who’s emotionally invested in the team’s success, could be the edge Detroit needs to get over the hump.
It also doesn’t hurt that Smith is expanding his visibility off the field. Appearing at the BET Awards, engaging in media, and projecting a poised and polished presence is part of a broader trend among NFL athletes who are building their brand beyond football. For Smith, it’s a sign of maturity and evolution. He’s no longer just a player; he’s a personality, a voice, and an ambassador. That kind of presence can only benefit the Lions, both in terms of leadership within the locker room and visibility in the broader sports landscape.
One can’t ignore the cultural implications either. Detroit is a city that values authenticity. It responds to grit, resilience, and community. Smith’s public embrace of the city fits that mold perfectly. His return wouldn’t just be a football story; it would be a narrative of reconnection, of a player who sees more than a paycheck in the game—he sees a purpose. That resonates in a city still carrying the echoes of Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and generations of players who gave their all on the gridiron.
The next step is up to Detroit. Will the front office act on this signal? Does Smith fit into the team’s financial and strategic plans? Those are questions that will be asked repeatedly in the weeks to come. But what’s clear is that the door has been opened. Smith has made his feelings known. And in doing so, he’s placed the ball in Detroit’s court.
Fans, of course, are already buzzing. Social media exploded in the hours following his remarks, with Lions supporters sharing video clips, photos, and hopeful reactions. “Bring him home” became a common refrain on message boards and X threads. Even local radio picked up the buzz, with callers debating how Smith would fit in alongside current stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill.
There’s something undeniably poetic about the idea of Smith closing the loop on his NFL journey by returning to Detroit. It speaks to loyalty, to growth, and to the rare kind of player-team chemistry that can only happen when there’s mutual respect and history. For a team trying to take the next step, bringing in someone who wants to be there—who chooses Detroit—might be the exact kind of emotional and strategic jolt that propels a franchise from contender to champion.
In the end, what makes Smith’s remarks so powerful isn’t just that he said them—it’s that they felt real. They weren’t scripted, nor did they sound like a savvy media ploy. They were the words of a man who has found clarity in his career, who sees Detroit not just as a place where he once played, but as a place where he belongs.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, one storyline will continue to simmer with compelling potential: Za’Darius Smith wants to come back to Detroit. The fans are ready. The city is ready. The team? We’ll find out soon enough. But one thing is clear—Za’Darius Smith just made Detroit dream a little bigger.
