Former Detroit fullback Jason Cabinda has experienced both the highs and lows of the team’s evolution—and when reflecting on the Detroit Lions’ culture, he emphasizes one key point: General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell won’t compromise the locker-room environment just to land elite talent. Speaking on the Crunch Time Sports podcast, Cabinda was candid about how that firm stance has helped fuel Detroit’s climb.
“One of the biggest things I respect about Brad Holmes and Dan is that they never compromised the locker room culture, the team’s mentality, or our identity for talent,” Cabinda said, as quoted by MLive. “Every single person who joined the team—whether through the draft, free agency, or trades—had to be a cultural match first and foremost.”
He drew a comparison to the prior leadership of Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn, explaining: “They never veered from that vision. A lot of coaches say these things, then make decisions that go against it. Brad and Dan stuck to it, which not only made them reliable and consistent but also inspired us to give even more for them.”
This character-first strategy is especially evident in Detroit’s draft choices. “Look at the draft picks—Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Alim McNeill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams—just to name a few,” Cabinda said. “No matter where they were selected, they met needs, stepped up when called upon, and became leaders of this team while still early in their careers.”
Cabinda also praised the 2025 draft class: “He focuses on building up front, prefers quarterbacks who are mostly pocket passers—guys who can move a little but hit every throw. That’s what he looks for. He likes fast, aggressive defenses. But regardless of round, this draft filled the right spots. Getting Tate Ratledge was huge—I really liked that pick. Giovanni Manu from last year was great too. He fits the mindset and culture perfectly.”
Cabinda wrapped it up clearly: “They never wavered on who we were meant to be, which made us want to give everything for them.” That trust and unity have helped transform locker-room chemistry into competitive toughness—a key reason behind Detroit’s thrilling comebacks and 15-win season that seem anything but accidental.
These reflections from Cabinda show why the Lions’ culture is the franchise’s biggest asset. By prioritizing character over hype, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have created a unified group with staying power—and maybe, finally, a shot at that elusive Super Bowl.
