The Detroit Lions are currently viewed as a model of success in the NFL, but this was not always the case. The team, which is now a strong contender in 2024, struggled for many years, especially in the era dominated by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Despite having notable players like Matthew Stafford, the Lions had difficulty building a winning culture for decades.
In 2014, one of the top pass rushers of the 2024 season, Kyle Van Noy, joined the Detroit Lions, but his time with the team was far from positive. Van Noy, who had high expectations for his career, was met with a harsh reality in Detroit. On a December 27 edition of the “Pat McAfee Show,” Van Noy revealed the struggles he faced during his time with the Lions, admitting that his position coach told him for two straight years, “we think you’re a good football player, but we don’t know where to put you.”
Van Noy described how this uncertainty weighed heavily on him and was difficult to process. He went on to say that it was the first time in his life that he felt like he was not succeeding in his athletic career. His time with the Lions led to a period of depression, which Van Noy now reflects on as a formative experience in his growth as a professional.
Despite the challenges he faced in Detroit, Van Noy’s career eventually took a turn for the better. After spending three years with the Lions, he moved on to the New England Patriots, where he became part of a successful dynasty under Tom Brady. From 2016 to 2019, Van Noy helped the Patriots win multiple Super Bowls and solidified his status as a solid pass rusher.
During his time with the Patriots, Van Noy reached career milestones, including multiple seasons where he recorded at least five sacks. This success was a stark contrast to his earlier struggles in Detroit, and he became a reliable contributor on defense for one of the NFL’s top teams during the late 2010s.
Van Noy’s career continued to evolve after his time in New England. He played for the Miami Dolphins, then returned to the Patriots, and also had stints with the Los Angeles Chargers. Ultimately, in 2023, he found a new home with the Baltimore Ravens. There, Van Noy achieved career highs in sacks during his first two seasons with the team at ages 32 and 33, proving his resilience and ability to thrive even in the later stages of his career.
Looking back, Van Noy’s time with the Lions remains a painful memory, but it also played a crucial role in shaping him into the player he is today. His struggles in Detroit, where he felt lost and unsupported, pushed him to mature both personally and professionally. Despite those tough years, Van Noy’s success with the Patriots and Ravens has given him multiple reasons to feel proud, while also making the Lions’ decision to let him go seem like a missed opportunity.
