The former Arizona Wildcats defensive tackle inked a one-year, $4.65 million contract with the Detroit Lions on Friday after spending two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
During his introductory press conference, Lopez mentioned that he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to connect with his new teammates and coaches but plans to use the coming weeks to reach out and start building relationships.
“Right now, I’m still trying to unpack my chonies,” he quipped.
Now entering his fifth NFL season, Lopez played one year at Arizona during the pandemic-altered 2020 season. He began his college career at New Mexico State, where he played a key role in the team’s Arizona Bowl victory—their first bowl win in 56 years.
His father, Roy Lopez Sr., has been a high school football coach in Arizona for many years and currently leads the Phoenix Desert Ridge program. He has also previously coached at Tempe Marcos de Niza and Sunnyside.
Following his lone season at Arizona, Lopez was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
Over four seasons and 63 games, he has accumulated 137 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon had high praise for Lopez, stating, “If you had 90 Roys, you’d be set. We’ve got plenty of great guys, but Roy stands out. He works hard, always puts the team first, and has a great attitude. He’s constantly improving and brings positive energy every day. I’d take a whole team of Roys in a heartbeat.”
At 27 years old, Lopez adds depth to Detroit’s defensive line as an interior lineman. The Lions, who had the NFL’s fifth-best rushing defense last season, have reached the playoffs in consecutive years under head coach Dan Campbell. Lopez joins a defensive tackle rotation featuring returning starters D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill, with McNeill currently rehabbing from an ACL injury.
“For me, the biggest thing is joining a defensive line that plays with relentless energy,” Lopez told reporters on Friday. “You watch them on film, and they bring intensity and passion. As a defensive lineman, that’s exactly the type of group you want to be a part of.”
His new deal with the Lions exceeds his previous career earnings of $3.7 million. Lopez, a native of the Phoenix area, credits much of his success to his background in wrestling. A two-time state champion at Gilbert Mesquite High School, he compiled an impressive 113-3 record over four years.
Despite his numerous wins, Lopez remembers his losses more vividly. He jokingly claimed he could recall every detail about the wrestlers who defeated him, down to their height and weight.
“Losing always stuck with me more than winning,” Lopez admitted.
Lopez also noted that many of his football techniques stem from his wrestling experience. “People tell me my game looks like wrestling,” he said. “My go-to move, the bull shuck, is almost identical to a wrestling maneuver. It’s funny how things come full circle.”
His first reaction to meeting Lions head coach Dan Campbell was surprise at his size.
“Up close, I didn’t realize how big he was,” Lopez said of the 6-foot-5, 265-pound former tight end. “I joked with him, ‘I knew you played, but I didn’t know you could still play.’ He’s incredible.”
Lopez emphasized that Campbell’s leadership and the culture he has created in Detroit played a significant role in his decision to sign with the Lions.
“You see it from the outside,” Lopez said. “The entire league knows about the Detroit Lions, and that’s because of the city, Coach Campbell, and the identity they’ve built here.
“They believe in one another. They believe in their vision. As a competitor who loves football, that’s exciting to be part of.”
