The Detroit Lions endured an unexpected step back in 2025, finishing 9-8 and landing last in a highly competitive NFC North after losing a tiebreaker with the Minnesota Vikings. It marked the first losing season under head coach Dan Campbell and came one year after Detroit secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The regression followed major offseason changes. Both coordinators departed for head coaching opportunities elsewhere, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn leaving significant voids. Despite expectations that the Lions could sustain their upward trajectory, the team ultimately missed the playoffs.
Appearing on the Real Ones: The League podcast hosted by Fred Warner, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown addressed the season’s disappointment and the impact of losing Johnson.
St. Brown explained that the motivation entering 2025 was rooted in how the previous year ended, particularly the sting of falling short at home after earning the top seed. He noted that the loss felt especially painful given how close the team believed it was to reaching its ultimate goal.
St. Brown reflected on the unexpected nature of that prior postseason defeat, emphasizing how rare it felt to see a young, inexperienced opponent come into Detroit and prevail. That outcome, he said, shaped the mindset heading into 2025, even as the team adjusted to new leadership on both sides of the ball.
Despite the departures of Johnson and Glenn, St. Brown said the locker room remained confident that the roster had enough talent to compete for a championship. However, he acknowledged that the season did not unfold as hoped. Several narrow losses proved costly, and he pointed out that flipping just a few of those close games could have dramatically changed Detroit’s standing, potentially leading to home field advantage or a playoff seed.
St. Brown emphasized that once a team reaches the postseason, outcomes can quickly shift, citing how unpredictable playoff football can be. He made it clear that missing the playoffs was not the result anyone in the organization wanted, players or coaches alike.
Looking ahead, St. Brown framed the 2025 season as a rare dip for a franchise that had steadily improved since his arrival. He expressed optimism that the setback could ultimately be beneficial, serving as motivation for both veterans and newcomers. With offseason workouts approaching, St. Brown said he is eager to see how the team responds, believing the experience could fuel a renewed push as the Lions aim to reestablish themselves as contenders.
