Grant Stuard’s resilience and relentless work ethic make him a natural fit for the Detroit Lions.
Stuard’s journey to the NFL has been anything but smooth. As reported by The Athletic’s Zac Keefer, his childhood was marked by adversity. His father had frequent run-ins with the law, while his mother struggled with a severe drug addiction. Chaos was a constant in his personal life, leaving him with little control over his circumstances.
Football, however, became a source of stability for him.
“I went through a lot of things growing up that I had no control over, both within my family and around me. But I realized early that football was different. In this game, the effort you put in and how you respond to situations are completely in your hands,” Stuard explained during his introductory press conference with the Lions. “That gave me a sense of stability and comfort.”
That sense of control helped him push past personal struggles and carve out a football career against the odds. A pivotal moment in 2019 also played a role—when he turned to his faith and aligned his life with a new mindset.
“In Ecclesiastes, Chapter 9—either verse 10 or 11—it says to do everything with all your strength because once life is over, there’s no more work, no more effort to be made,” Stuard shared. “That verse really struck me when I was younger. I gave my life to Christ in 2019, and I think my approach to football reflects that belief. It influences how I train, how I practice, and the reputation I aim to build here. I just want to contribute in any way I can.”
Stuard stayed close to home for college, attending the University of Houston so he could continue supporting his family while playing football. His dedication and effort paid off when he became the final selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, earning the title of “Mr. Irrelevant.” Though his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lasted only one season, he found his footing with the Indianapolis Colts. Over three seasons, he became a standout on special teams and a reliable defensive contributor. In 2024, he earned his first NFL start, delivering an impressive performance with 19 tackles, a tackle for loss, and praise from his head coach.
For a player seeking to elevate his career, joining Detroit might seem like a tough choice. The Lions are bringing back all three of their starting linebackers, and their depth at the position includes players like Malcolm Rodriguez, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, and Trevor Nowaske—making competition fierce. Many players in his position might have opted for a team with a clearer path to playing time, and Stuard had other opportunities in free agency. Yet, he saw the Lions’ roster as an advantage, not an obstacle.
“Some of the other options I had might have given me an easier path to a bigger role,” Stuard admitted. “But when my agent told me about the talent in Detroit, I saw that as a plus. I want to be around guys who attack each day the same way I do.”
