Jason Cabinda is now nearly two seasons removed from his time with the Detroit Lions, who chose not to re-sign him after the 2023 campaign. Still, the former fullback remains vocal in his support of the organization.
During a recent guest appearance on Detroit’s Crunch Time Sports podcast, Cabinda discussed the current Lions leadership under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, and how they’ve molded the team’s identity.
“One of the main things I really admire about Brad and Dan is that they never compromised the locker room culture, the team’s mindset, or who we were for the sake of talent,” Cabinda said. “Every single player brought in — whether by draft, free agency, trade, or otherwise — was chosen because they fit the locker room vibe first.
“They stuck to that philosophy. A lot of coaches preach culture, but then make decisions that clash with their supposed values. Brad and Dan never did that, which made them credible and genuine — and made you want to give them everything you had on the field.”
Cabinda, who played for both the current regime and the previous leadership duo of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia, compared Holmes’ highly regarded draft approach to the shortcomings of the past. He credited Holmes’ picks as major contributors to the team’s dramatic rise.
“When you look at recent drafts, you see names like Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and Alim McNeill. You can keep going — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams — the list is deep,” Cabinda said. “These guys filled key roles, stepped up big, and became young team leaders. It’s incredibly impressive to see that consistency year after year.”
Despite the praise, some questioned Holmes and the fan-favorite “Let Brad Cook” motto this year, after the team waited until the sixth round to draft an EDGE, selecting Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein.
Instead, Detroit’s front office used their first two picks to strengthen both lines, drafting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams from Ohio State and Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in the second round.
Cabinda applauded Holmes for staying true to his beliefs and meeting actual team needs rather than using a generic draft formula.
“Sure, he builds through the lines, and he prefers pocket-passing quarterbacks — guys who can move but make every throw. That’s clearly his style,” Cabinda said. “He prioritizes fast, solid defenses. And no matter where picks came from — especially this year — they addressed key needs. They grabbed some special teams players who’ll contribute right away.
“I’m a big fan of the Tate Ratledge pick — he’s going to be great. Same with Giovanni Manu from last year. He’s a cultural fit and has the mindset they’re after. Watch Hassanein’s Boise State film — the guy plays wild and relentless. He’s new to the game, and they’ll mold that fire.
“So overall, I liked this year’s draft. If you really look at the team’s makeup and break it down position by position, every pick has a purpose. That’s what I respect most about Brad.”
