Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ star pass rusher, has been sidelined for much of the 2024 season due to a broken tibia and fibula suffered in Week 6. Despite the injury, Hutchinson has been diligently working on his recovery at the team’s facility. Although he has kept a low profile in recent weeks, Hutchinson’s primary goal is to return for the Super Bowl, should the Lions make it that far.
On Wednesday, Hutchinson appeared as a guest on The Squeeze, a podcast hosted by Detroit Lions fan Taylor Lautner and his wife, Taylor. During the episode, Hutchinson shared his goal of playing in the Super Bowl, offering a recovery update. He revealed that he had progressed from using two crutches to one, keeping him on track for his ambitious target.
“I’m on track for my goal of returning for the Super Bowl,” Hutchinson said during the podcast. He added that he constantly reminds his teammates, “You guys just gotta get there, and I promise you I’m gonna be back.” When his mom expressed concern about the possibility of him not recovering in time, Hutchinson reassured her by emphasizing that he sees no other outcome but his return.
Hutchinson’s injury occurred during what was shaping up to be a career year for the third-year player. He had been in peak physical condition following a strong offseason and was enjoying a standout performance in the first five games of the season. The injury, which forced him to the sidelines, was not only physically painful but also mentally challenging.
In his recovery process, Hutchinson has kept his eyes set on his Super Bowl goal. He mentioned that the thought of returning to play in the big game is what pushes him through the daily pain and struggles of rehabilitation. Hutchinson believes that being able to return and inspire others would make the effort worth it, and he is determined to get back on the field as quickly as possible.
Mentally, Hutchinson has faced a tough battle. He was on track to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and was setting records for sacks when the injury occurred. The moment his leg was immobilized and he was carted off the field, Hutchinson immediately feared he would miss out on the Super Bowl and that his impressive season was over.
Despite the emotional toll of losing his career-year momentum, Hutchinson has used that disappointment as motivation to fuel his recovery. Supported by his family and driven by his desire to return and play with his teammates, he remains focused on making it back to the field, with the Super Bowl in sight as the ultimate goal.
