Kalif Raymond embodies everything the Detroit Lions are about

The Detroit Lions have established a team that is all about grit, from the top players all the way down. Nobody embodies that spirit better than Kalif Raymond.

While Raymond has been successful with the Lions, he's never had a day like he had on Sunday. Raymond was a dynamo on special teams, collecting 190 punt return yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. He also had two receptions for 14 yards and a score, becoming the first player in Lions' history to have a punt return touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the same game.

Dan Campbell has watched Raymond's journey from unknown player to secret superstar in Detroit. He knew right away that Raymond was the kind of player he wanted to build the roster around.

"I told the story of Brad (Holmes) coming into my office in 2021. Early spring, we were fresh on the job and he said 'take a peek at this guy from Tennessee, he's really a returner, kind of a gadget (player), you think there's a place for him on offense?' I watched about 10 plays and I was like 'yeah, absolutely there is, I'd take this guy in a heartbeat.' So it's been a blessing ever since to get 'Lif here. What a pro he is. Guys love him. Coaches (love him). You talk about reliable. He's consistent in the way he prepares, the way he works and he does everything for us. He can play all the positions on offense. He's a dynamic returner. That was good to see."

Before becoming an important piece for the Lions, it wasn't always like this for Raymond.

Kalif Raymond fought back from the edge to make his mark in NFL

Before joining the Lions and even before he was with the Titans in 2019, Raymond was trying to latch on with the New York Giants. Things weren't going well, which led Raymond to worry that his NFL dream would soon be over.

"(It was) 2017. I was struggling. Had a lot of fear (and) a lot of doubt. I remember actually I walked off the field, I want to say I was playing for the Giants. I was like, 'I just played my last NFL game.' I actually told myself that in my head. I had a choice during that offseason. I can either go in the tank and just quit, or I can give everything that I have. That summer, I trained so hard. I probably even over-trained you could say, but I had so much help. I had a lot of people that kind of helped me keep going. I'm just thankful. Thank God to be here today to continue doing what I'm doing."

Thankfully for the Lions, Raymond didn't give up his dream. Brad Holmes identified his talent, and made adding Raymond a priority. That decision continues to pay dividends.

Raymond's team-first mindset and quiet commitment to his training embodies everything the Lions are about. Just like Campbell and Holmes envisioned in 2021.