**THE DAILY DRIVE DRAMA: Lions’ Tashard Choice Jokes About Coaching with Best Friend Kelvin Sheppard—‘I Might Just Fight Him!’ as Competitive Fire Ignites Detroit Staff**

When two fierce competitors collide in the NFL, it often happens on the field—between teams, between players, and in the heat of battle. But in Detroit, a new kind of collision is taking place, and it’s happening not between opposing forces, but between two longtime best friends who now share the same coaching staff. Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice and linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard are bringing more than just football knowledge and passion to Detroit—they’re bringing a bond forged through years of friendship, competition, and mutual respect. And if you ask Choice, things might get a little heated—in the most entertaining way possible. “I may fight him,” Choice said with a laugh, referencing his close friend and now colleague. But while the line may have been delivered in jest, it’s clear that the intensity and fire between these two are very real, and it’s precisely that edge that makes their presence in Detroit so captivating.

Tashard Choice, known for his detail-oriented coaching style and vibrant personality, brings a commanding presence to the Lions’ coaching staff. A former NFL running back who carved out a solid professional career with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Washington, Choice transitioned into coaching with the same energy and determination that defined his playing days. After stints at Georgia Tech, North Texas, and most recently at Texas, Choice earned a reputation as a coach who connects deeply with players and demands excellence in return. That intensity, however, is matched blow-for-blow by Kelvin Sheppard—a former NFL linebacker whose on-field career spanned teams like the Bills, Dolphins, Giants, and Lions. Sheppard, like Choice, brought a hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to the game, and since joining Dan Campbell’s staff, he’s emerged as a rising star in the coaching ranks, celebrated for his ability to inspire and push Detroit’s linebackers to new heights.

The relationship between Choice and Sheppard is not a new one. The two first met during their college days—Choice played at Georgia Tech while Sheppard starred at LSU—but their bond truly solidified through the years as they both chased NFL dreams and navigated life after playing. Despite their positional differences—Choice focused on running backs while Sheppard lived in the trenches as a linebacker—the two found common ground in their relentless work ethic and shared southern roots. That foundation of friendship has remained rock solid through the years. Now, working together on a professional staff, that bond has only deepened, though it occasionally comes with playful jabs and spirited debates that would be right at home in any locker room.

Choice’s humorous comment about potentially fighting Sheppard is reflective of the competitive banter that exists between the two. They challenge each other constantly, trading ideas, calling each other out, and holding nothing back when it comes to making the team better. It’s not about ego or dominance; it’s about mutual respect and a shared desire to elevate every player under their guidance. That energy hasn’t gone unnoticed by head coach Dan Campbell, a man who thrives on passion, physicality, and emotional investment. Campbell’s staff is built on relationships, on grit, and on loyalty—values that both Choice and Sheppard embody.

What makes this dynamic so compelling isn’t just the friendship—it’s the way it spills over into their coaching philosophies. On one side, you have Choice molding a dynamic group of running backs, headlined by stars like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Choice’s emphasis on vision, balance, and accountability has already made a marked impact on the unit, turning them into one of the most potent backfields in the NFL. On the other side, Sheppard’s linebackers have become a fearless, fast-flowing unit, anchored by standout players like Alex Anzalone and the emerging Jack Campbell. Sheppard preaches aggression, awareness, and discipline—principles that have helped transform Detroit’s defense into a unit that’s no longer the punchline it once was.

Together, their units are often at odds in practice, leading to intense competition that mirrors game-day pressure. It’s in these moments that their friendship truly shines. Choice and Sheppard don’t sugarcoat things. If one unit gets the best of the other, there’s going to be trash talk. There’s going to be animation. There might even be a little shoving. But at the heart of it all is a deep love for the game and an even deeper respect for each other. Players feed off that energy. They see two coaches who care, who challenge each other, and who are committed to getting the best out of everyone on the field.

Off the field, the two are practically inseparable. Whether it’s film study, strategy meetings, or just grabbing dinner after a long day, the two share more than just a job title—they share a vision. That shared vision revolves around building a culture of accountability, toughness, and family. It’s no surprise that players often speak glowingly about the environment in Detroit. It’s a place where coaches care, where competition is constant, and where success is built not just on talent but on relationships.

The Lions’ rise from NFL irrelevance to playoff contender has been one of the league’s most compelling storylines, and while Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff often get the headlines, it’s the assistant coaches—people like Choice and Sheppard—who form the backbone of the operation. Their fingerprints are all over this team. From the way players prepare to the way they respond to adversity, the influence of passionate, committed coaches like Choice and Sheppard is undeniable. And while they might butt heads occasionally—perhaps even physically, as Choice joked—they are united in their goal: bringing a championship to Detroit.

It’s also worth noting that this kind of camaraderie and competitive fire doesn’t happen by accident. In the NFL, coaching staffs are often patchworks of resumes, philosophies, and personalities. Finding the right mix is difficult. But in Detroit, there’s been a concerted effort to build a staff that believes in the same principles, that embraces authenticity, and that challenges each other to be great. Tashard Choice and Kelvin Sheppard exemplify that effort. They are two sides of the same coin—tough, passionate, driven—and their friendship only amplifies the effectiveness of their coaching.

When Choice talks about “fighting” Sheppard, it’s more than just locker room humor—it’s a window into a competitive relationship that’s built on years of pushing each other. It’s the kind of energy that turns ordinary practices into battlegrounds. It’s the kind of fire that turns good players into great ones. And in Detroit, it’s exactly what the Lions need as they look to turn last year’s playoff run into something even bigger. With personalities like Choice and Sheppard leading the charge, the Lions aren’t just building a roster—they’re building a culture. One where passion meets purpose. One where competition breeds connection. One where, even if punches were ever thrown, they’d be followed by laughter, brotherhood, and another rep.

The season ahead for Detroit is filled with promise and pressure. Expectations are higher than they’ve been in decades. The city is hungry. The players are ready. And behind the scenes, a coaching staff bound by mutual respect and fiery friendship is making sure every single detail is right. Tashard Choice and Kelvin Sheppard may joke about fighting, but their impact is no joke. They’re proof that when you combine expertise with energy, when you blend history with hunger, and when you mix fire with friendship, you get something powerful.

Detroit has long been searching for that elusive winning formula. It’s taken years of heartbreak, rebuilds, and near misses. But now, with leaders like Choice and Sheppard in the building, there’s a different vibe in the air. One that says this team isn’t just hoping to win—they expect to. And while no one truly expects a physical altercation between the two friends, if it ever did happen, you can be sure it would end with a handshake, a laugh, and a renewed commitment to making the Lions great. Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about. Two best friends. One mission. And a city ready to roar.