Detroit Lions hire new Director of Player Health and Performance

The Detroit Lions have added to their strength and conditioning department, with Brett Fischer coming as the new Director of Player Health and Performance.

The Detroit Lions have struggled with injuries in recent years. That could be partially blamed on the condition of the turf at Ford Field, and the surface is being changed/upgraded this offseason.

But finding ways to more broadly limit injuries are always in play. To that end, according to Arizona Cardinals reporter Mike Jurecki on Sunday, the Lions have hired Brett Fischer as their new Director of Player Health and Performance.

Fischer confirmed the news on Instagram.

"First and foremost I want to thank God from whom all blessings flow. I also would like thank Michael Bidwill and the Arizona Cardinals for giving me an amazing opportunity the past 15 seasons.Also a special shoutout of thanks for @spoonerpt and @amdgsports giving me a work home the past few years . You all made me a better clinician and person. Furthermore I could not of done this without my familia, my boys @fischer @haydenfish @elijah_fischer @joshua_fischer12 and my wife @stephaniefischer6 my pride and joy, for their unwavering support and love!!! With all that said I want say that I am honored and proud to announce that I have been named the new Director of Player Health and Performance for the Detroit Lions.”"

As he said, Fischer spent the last 15 years with the Cardinals. His most recent title was Physical Therapy Consultant.

Detroit Lions make notable addition to help curb rashes of injuries

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press had an anecdote about the Lions hiring Fischer.

Fischer has also operated the Fischer Institute of Physical Therapy and Performance, which has been a popular offseason destination for NFL players (now called Spooner Sports Institute).

This season’s data is not out yet, but the Lions were 30th in adjusted games lost to injury in 2021 (via Football Outsiders). They were 17th in the same metric in 2020, and 24th in 2019.  So even without this year’s data right now, there is some improvement within reach on the injury and missed games front. Fischer seems very likely to help a lot on that front.