The Detroit Lions have high expectations as they start 2024 training camp, and nobody is shying away publicly. Losing the NFC Championship last year seems to have further stoked their hunger to win bigger,
Joining "The Rich Eisen Show" on Monday, Hutchinson was asked about his personal goals for 2024.
"There's a lot of expectation, sure, but I really do believe this team can get it done and I feel like myself as an individual, I've mentally prepared myself to be playing until February this year. That's what all my regimens have been, that's what my running has been. I'm getting ready to have my body going until February and it's something that's a very realistic thing and something that's not too far out. I think it's very much within grasp and I'm very excited. I feel like a lot of guys have been saying Super Bowl this, Super Bowl that, but what what gives me a lot of joy is when those seconds are ticking down (with) confetti falling, taking that deep breath knowing that you did it. That's what I look forward to."
Clearly, Hutchinson is already visualizing what a Super Bowl win looks like for Detroit, and preparing himself with that in mind.
Aidan Hutchinson encouraged by Detroit Lions' roster changes and schedule
Though the roster is different and there are changes every season in team chemistry, Hutchinson is a believer in the Lions thanks to the tightness of the core. A group of young players has been through a similar grind the last three seasons.
Additionally, the Lions will have the opportunity for a great finish to the season if they get off to a good start. This year, the schedule could allow for them to do that considering the location of their early games.
Detroit will play three out of their first four games at home to start the season, and won't set foot outside a dome until Nov. 3. That could help Detroit get off to the best possible start, something Hutchinson realizes.
"Every year poses different challenges and every team has different chemistries, this and that, so it's going to be different obviously, but I feel like with our team, we got a majority of our guys coming back and a defense I feel is really upgraded. It's hard to predict. I can't really predict every game because every game is so close and it's the NFL and it's very hard to win, but I like our chances and I love starting at home. I think we have a lot of confidence starting at home and it's going to give us a lot of momentum as we push through to the middle of the season and to the end of the season."
If the Lions come together early and manage to take advantage of a friendly schedule, they could ride the momentum all the way to accomplishing their ultimate goal. Hutchinson is setting the bar at that outcome with his approach to his preparation.