"My mom, she was crying as soon as I called her and told her."
New Detroit Lions offensive tackle Larry Borom is coming home to Detroit and, speaking to Lions media, says that his family in the area is "ecstatic."
The Oak Park native and Birmingham Brother Rice High School alumnus signed with the Lions to terms currently undisclosed after one season with the Miami Dolphins, where he played 16 games and started 11. Before that, Borom played his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Despite playing for the division rival, Borom admits that he still kept tabs on his childhood team. Now, Borom can finally put on the Honolulu Blue himself. When asked what it was like "to put pen to paper" and sign his deal, Borom was all smiles.
"It's surreal. It still doesn't feel real 'cause this is home. I don't even know how to explain it to people, but I'm going to say I can't really put words to it."
Borom noted that he's looking forward to spending more time with his family year-round, instead of just the offseason, where he still maintained an offseason residency. Borom was asked how much that connection to Detroit shaped him and how much he's looking forward to putting on that Lions jersey.
"It grew me into the man I am today. This city it's nothing but people who get up and get after it. You know what I'm saying? Like, it's nothing but hustlers. People are hard workers in this city. I take that with a lot of pride. So being from here, being able to put the jersey on is everything 'cause I know I'm representing everybody that's...they didn't want to get up today...everybody that gets up and gets after it is what it represents."
Borom's passion for the city of Detroit is sure to endear him to fans, but what about on the field? The Lions are actively reshaping their offensive line already this offseason, so can Borom be one of the much-needed answers to those woes?
Borom on what he brings to the Lions
It's unclear what role Borom will play for the Lions, whether it's a Taylor Decker replacement or a Dan Skipper replacement. Borom's 60.7 Pro Football Focus grade may not instill high confidence, but his pass-blocking saw notable improvement in his one season with the Dolphins, earning him a pass-blocking grade of 67.1, just under Decker's 69.5. Borom also allowed 15 pressures, good for 12th best among OTs, and far less than the 33 Decker gave up. Decker did play 230 more snaps, however.
What does Borom think he brings to the Lions? "Just being big, physical, and being able to move," Borom said, adding, "I feel that's key components to being a good offensive lineman, I feel like I can do all three of those things and can do it well."
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As for where Borom will be playing, and in what capacity, Borom prides himself as a team player, who is "willing to do whatever" it takes to move the team forward, which includes not starting. Borom also notes that he's played four positions in his career, which should provide the team with flexibility as they fix their OL and potentially draft an OT in the 2026 NFL Draft.
When asked about playing RT or LT, Borom said that it was discussed "not too much" and that's a question best answered for "the head man," referencing Campbell. Borom played RT all last season for the Dolphins, which could indicate the Lions will commit to moving RT Penei Sewell to LT.
In Borom, the Lions will be getting a guy who embodies the city of Detroit and understands what it means to represent this city. Above all else, he knows how hungry this fanbase is for a Super Bowl. He's one of those fans.