Pondering his football future as his first stint with the Lions wound down, Jarrad Davis is now feeling refreshed.
At times during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, banged up or with a reduced role, Jarrad Davis reached a low enough point that he wasn’t sure he wanted to keep playing football. Playing for then-Lions head coach Matt Patricia could certainly sap anyone’s will to keep suiting up.
After some reflection Davis decided not to retire. The new regime in Detroit did not bring him back, and he signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets last offseason. He was banged up again, as an ankle injury limited him to nine games, and he didn’t play well when he was on the field.
In need of experience (at least) in their linebacking corps, the Lions brought Davis back on a cheap one-year deal that promises him nothing this offseason.
Still, Davis is relishing a fresh opportunity with the team that drafted him.
Jarrad Davis refreshed in unfamilar situation back with the Lions
Davis is battling for a roster spot, and frankly he hasn’t really stood out thus far in training camp. On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell mentioned Davis in a positive light.
"All of a sudden, the pads come on and he comes to life, which we all kind of figured was going to happen. That’s his domain and that’s when he really shows up,” said Campbell. “He’s a pro’s pro.”"
Via Ben Raven of MLive, Davis talked about his new perspective, with less pressure than his first go-round with the Lions.
"I just have a different approach, a different appreciation for the game right now,” Davis said after Monday’s practice.And just being able to find that love for the game again,” Davis said. “I appreciate that perspective change, the energy, everything about it. It’s exciting. It’s hard. It’s challenging. But at the same time, I mean, I’m just so thankful every time I step out on that field.”"
With less pressure, of course, comes no guarantees for Davis in his second stint with the Lions. Friday night’s first preseason game, against the Atlanta Falcons, will be a big opportunity for him in his quest for a roster spot in Detroit–or to put something good on tape to garner interest from other teams if it comes to that.
In any case, Davis has regained his joy to play football and that’s at least as important as what he can offer on the field.