Detroit Lions Newcomer Embraces Elevated Practice Intensity, Calls It a Positive Change Compared to Previous NFL Team Experiences

For Detroit Lions newcomer Marcus Davenport, the transition to the Motor City has been more than a change of zip code or jersey colors—it’s been a welcome shift in tone, tempo, and toughness. As the former first-round pick begins his tenure with the Lions, he’s already made it clear that the culture of intensity during practice stands out compared to his previous NFL stops.

“It’s different here,” Davenport said after a recent offseason workout. “There’s a certain energy, a standard, that hits you right away. It’s not just about getting reps—it’s about maximizing every one of them. You feel it in the drills, in the film room, even in the locker room. Guys care here. They push each other.”

Davenport, who previously played for the New Orleans Saints and had a brief, injury-marred stint with the Minnesota Vikings, is no stranger to high expectations. Drafted 14th overall in 2018, he arrived in the NFL with a reputation as a raw but physically dominant edge rusher. Though flashes of his potential have surfaced, inconsistency and a string of injuries have hampered his ability to fulfill that promise fully. Now, in Detroit, the 27-year-old is looking for a reset—and early signs suggest he’s embracing the opportunity with open arms.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it—my journey hasn’t been smooth,” Davenport admitted. “I’ve had to fight through injuries, through tough stretches mentally and physically. But I see this as a chance to write a new chapter. Being here, with this staff and these teammates, feels like the right environment for that.”

Davenport’s commentary on practice intensity may seem subtle on the surface, but for those around the league who understand the nuances of NFL culture, it speaks volumes. Teams often set their tone not just in games, but in how they approach preparation. And for the Lions—who under head coach Dan Campbell have carved out a blue-collar identity built on grit, accountability, and relentless energy—that practice field tone is crucial to their resurgence.

“Everything starts on the field Monday through Saturday,” Campbell has said repeatedly. “You can’t just flip a switch on Sunday and expect greatness. We practice hard because we play hard. We demand a lot from our guys because that’s what winning takes.”

Davenport, now in his seventh NFL season, said the contrast between his new team and some of his past experiences was immediate.

“It’s not that other teams don’t work hard,” he clarified. “But here, it’s more intentional. It’s not just going through motions. There’s this collective mindset—nobody wants to be the weak link. Everyone’s trying to level up the man next to them. I hadn’t felt that to this degree before.”

The Lions’ defensive line, led by rising superstar Aidan Hutchinson and supported by a cast of explosive young talents, is expected to be one of the team’s strongest units in 2025. Davenport isn’t guaranteed a starting role, but his versatility, experience, and physical traits make him a valuable piece in what defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has envisioned as a deep and aggressive front.

Glenn has taken note of Davenport’s early impact—not just in terms of on-field performance, but in how he’s approached the offseason program.

“Marcus has come in hungry,” Glenn said. “You can tell he’s got something to prove, and we like that. We love guys who embrace the grind, who show up every day trying to get better. He’s fit right in.”

That hunger stems not only from a desire to reestablish his value, but also from a broader understanding of what a championship culture requires. Davenport acknowledged that watching the Lions’ surprising success over the past two seasons made Detroit an appealing destination once he hit free agency.

“I saw what was building here from a distance,” he said. “You could see it on the field, but also in how they celebrated each other, how they played for each other. That’s rare. That’s special. And when I had the chance to be a part of it, I didn’t think twice.”

In a way, Davenport represents the type of acquisition that has become emblematic of Detroit’s current approach—players with raw talent, a chip on their shoulder, and the willingness to buy into a demanding but supportive ecosystem. Campbell, Glenn, and general manager Brad Holmes have made a point of targeting such individuals in both the draft and free agency, understanding that culture doesn’t just happen—it’s built.

“Dan is as real as they come,” Davenport said of his head coach. “He doesn’t BS you. He tells you what’s expected, what your role is, and then he backs it up by believing in you. That goes a long way. You want to run through a wall for him because you know he’d do the same for you.”

Beyond the practice intensity, Davenport said he’s also felt a noticeable difference in communication within the team.

“There’s honesty here,” he said. “If something needs to be said, it gets said. There’s no ego about it. Coaches coach, players lead, and everyone holds each other accountable. That kind of transparency builds trust fast.”

That trust is particularly valuable in a locker room that blends seasoned veterans with youthful exuberance. Players like Hutchinson and Alim McNeill are emerging as vocal leaders, while established pros like Davenport bring a stabilizing presence. The balance, Davenport believes, is a key reason why the Lions are positioned to sustain their recent success.

“Leadership isn’t just about who talks the most—it’s about actions, about consistency,” Davenport said. “And I see that in guys here. Even the young guys—there’s maturity there. They don’t take shortcuts. That’s infectious.”

Asked what his goals are for the upcoming season, Davenport didn’t rattle off stats or accolades. Instead, he focused on availability and impact.

“I want to be on the field, plain and simple,” he said. “I want to contribute, help this team win. Whatever that looks like—starter, rotation, special packages—I’m all in. I know what I can do when I’m healthy and locked in.”

Health has long been the wildcard for Davenport. He played just four games for Minnesota in 2023 due to ankle issues, a frustrating setback following a 2022 campaign in New Orleans that also saw limited availability. But the Lions medical and training staff have already begun tailoring a regimen for him, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and workload management.

“They’re not just trying to patch me up,” Davenport said with a grin. “They’re working to build me up. That’s the difference. It’s proactive instead of reactive. That makes a big difference mentally.”

If Davenport can stay healthy and channel the momentum he’s already generating this offseason, he could end up being a critical addition to a Detroit defense with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. The Lions, once defined by futility, now operate with swagger—and for veterans like Davenport, that shift is as refreshing as it is motivating.

“Everything just feels aligned,” he said. “The city, the fans, the organization—it’s all pushing in one direction. I want to be part of that wave. I want to add to it.”

And if that means practices that feel more like playoff prep? Davenport is all for it.

“I’ve been on teams where it felt like we were just trying to get through practice,” he said. “Here, it feels like we’re trying to get better. That might sound simple, but it’s not. That’s what separates good from great. And I’m here to chase greatness.”

In Detroit, that pursuit is no longer a fantasy. It’s part of the daily routine. And for Marcus Davenport, that’s the kind of intensity he’s been waiting for all along.