Alim McNeill has long been a steady presence on the Detroit Lions’ defensive front, but now the rest of the league is taking notice. With the announcement of the All-NFC North Team, McNeill’s name wasn’t just included—it was featured, top billing among a talented group of defensive linemen from a highly competitive division. His emergence as one of the most feared interior defenders in the NFL is both a personal milestone and a reflection of how far the Lions have come as a franchise. For McNeill, this honor isn’t about hype—it’s a validation of the gritty, often-overlooked work that forms the backbone of winning football.

Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of NC State, McNeill entered the league with the physical tools and motor to become something special, but even his most loyal supporters couldn’t have predicted just how disruptive he’d become by the 2024 season. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in around 320 pounds, McNeill blends rare explosiveness with surprising agility for a man his size. What separates him from most nose tackles isn’t just his size or strength—it’s his ability to consistently collapse the pocket and generate pressure from the interior, a trait that has become more prized than ever in today’s pass-heavy league.

Last season, McNeill finished with career highs across the board—sacks, tackles for loss, quarterback pressures, and even passes batted at the line of scrimmage. But those numbers, impressive as they are, don’t fully capture his impact. What really turned heads were the game-changing plays that came in critical moments. Whether it was blowing up a third-and-short run or forcing a hurried throw that led to an interception, McNeill became the type of player who demanded offensive coordinators game-plan against him each week. He’s not just clogging lanes anymore—he’s actively disrupting the rhythm of entire offenses.

What made McNeill’s season more remarkable was the fact that he put up these numbers while playing alongside a rotating cast of edge rushers and linebackers. Unlike some of his NFC North peers who benefited from Pro Bowlers on the outside or elite support behind them, McNeill was often the focal point of the opposing offensive line’s attention. Double teams were routine. Yet he still managed to maintain consistent productivity. That’s what separates good linemen from great ones. That’s why his inclusion atop the All-NFC North Team isn’t just deserved—it’s indisputable.

The competition for defensive line honors in the NFC North is no joke. Between Chicago’s rebuilding defensive front, Minnesota’s physical style of play, and Green Bay’s tradition of aggressive pass rush, the trenches are always a battlefield. For McNeill to rise above names like Kenny Clark or even an emerging young talent like Gervon Dexter speaks volumes about the respect he’s earned from coaches, analysts, and fellow players alike. And this isn’t just a one-year flash. His trajectory suggests that this is only the beginning of what could be a dominant stretch for the Lions’ anchor.

Part of McNeill’s rise can be attributed to his relentless work ethic. Reports out of Detroit point to a player who transformed his offseason training regimen, focusing not just on bulk and strength, but also flexibility and endurance. He slimmed down just enough to become quicker off the snap without losing any power at the point of attack. Teammates have noted that he’s become a more vocal leader in the locker room, and coaches regularly point to his film as the gold standard for effort and technique. In a team culture that head coach Dan Campbell has built around grit, resilience, and hard-nosed play, McNeill has emerged as a perfect embodiment of the Lions’ identity.

Beyond the numbers and accolades, McNeill’s leadership has made just as big an impact. In a young Lions defense filled with promise, he’s become a cornerstone. Rookies and young players frequently mention his presence in meetings and practices as calming and inspiring. His attention to detail rubs off on those around him. He’s the type of leader who lifts up everyone in his orbit, and in a sport where chemistry and communication are often the difference between good and great defenses, McNeill’s influence is invaluable.

His All-NFC North selection comes at a time when Detroit is finally being mentioned among the NFC’s elite. The Lions, once perennial bottom-dwellers, are now seen as legitimate contenders, and McNeill’s emergence is a key reason why. The connection is not coincidental. As the defensive line has improved, so too has the entire team’s confidence. When a team knows it can win in the trenches, it plays faster, hits harder, and carries itself with a swagger that’s hard to manufacture.