Ex-Lions receiver Quintez Cephus shares what it meant to be back on familiar turf
Former Lions Receiver Quintez Cephus Reflects on Return to Familiar Ground
ALLEN PARK — For the second week in a row, the Detroit Lions’ joint practices welcomed back a former player once seen as a rising star in the organization.
Wide receiver Quintez Cephus, now signed with the Houston Texans, returned to the Lions’ practice fields on Thursday — his first appearance there since being released in 2023 following a suspension for betting on NFL games. Cephus had been sidelined indefinitely after violating the league’s gambling policy and has since bounced between a few teams, including the Bills, Rams, and 49ers, before rejoining Houston earlier this month.
Back in Allen Park, Cephus described the return as a special moment.
“It felt incredible to be back,” he said in a conversation with MLive. “Even the drive in from the airport brought back memories. Seeing all the familiar faces again was awesome. It really felt like we had just been here playing together not too long ago.”
During Thursday’s joint practice with the Lions, Cephus made the most of his opportunity. He put together a strong performance, including a standout catch over cornerback D.J. Miller — a leaping, two-handed grab reminiscent of the plays he used to make regularly in Detroit.
Though the Lions’ current secondary isn’t the same group Cephus used to face during his time with the team, he still recognized the intensity and style of play.
“They’re still the same fast, tough, aggressive group,” he said. “They fly around the field, so I knew it would be a real challenge. But it felt great to get out there and make plays again.”
The 27-year-old will now aim to build on his practice showing as the Texans prepare to take on the Lions in the final preseason matchup at Ford Field on Saturday.
