The Detroit Lions have gone from decades of frustration to being one of the NFL’s hottest Super Bowl contenders. Head coach Dan Campbell has been the driving force, creating a culture that’s tough, resilient, and tailor-made for young stars to thrive.
One of those rising stars is Jameson Williams. The speedy wideout barely saw the field as a rookie after tearing his ACL, logging just one reception in six games. But last season, he flashed the potential that made him a first-round pick — and now, he looks ready to take another big step.
Speaking during the Lions’ preseason game against the Texans, Williams explained where his biggest growth has come.
“I think mentally,” Williams said. “You’ve got to go through the mental part and match it with the physical. I’ve been focusing on staying calm, keeping that next-play mentality. That’s been the main thing.”
Detroit will have a slightly different look on offense this year. With Ben Johnson now running the Bears, the Lions promoted John Morton to offensive coordinator. Morton was part of Campbell’s staff in 2022 and later worked with the Broncos, where he helped build their passing game.
Williams has been proving himself for years. After limited reps at Ohio State, he transferred to Alabama and erupted for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in one season. That breakout was enough for Detroit to make a blockbuster move in the 2022 draft, sending multiple picks to Minnesota to grab him at No. 12 overall.
And last year? He delivered:
58 catches
1,001 yards
7 touchdowns
17.3 yards per reception (second in the NFL)
Combine those numbers with track-star speed — Williams once said he could run a 40-yard dash in 4.1 seconds — and he’s one of the most dangerous vertical threats in football.
Now, Detroit fans aren’t just hoping anymore — they’re expecting. With Campbell steering the ship, Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the receiving corps, and Williams emerging as a legit game-changer, the Lions believe this could finally be the year they bring the Lombardi Trophy to the Motor City.
