Penei Sewell has quickly made Detroit his home, and it may be 'forever'

Penei Sewell will always hold the distinction of being the first draft pick Brad Holmes made as Detroit Lions' general manager. It was also the first sign things might be different under this regime, as it seemed like a slam-dunk the Cincinnati Bengals would take Sewell at No. 5 overall. When they didn't, and the Miami Dolphins didn't take him at No. 6, the Lions happily nabbed him at No. 7.

Sewell has delivered on his initial promise he would give his "heart and soul" to the Lions' organization upon knowing the reaction to drafting him. He has become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, an arguably the best right tackle in the league. He has made back-to-back Pro Bowls, and he was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded offensive lineman last season. Offensive lineman, not just offensive tackle.

The Lions could have waited to sign Sewell to a multi-year deal, with the fifth-year option available to kick that can a little bit. But the day before the draft, news came of a deal that will make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. His fifth-year option was picked up in addition to that four-year extension. So he's under contract for the next six years, through 2029.

Penei Sewell has made Detroit his home

When Sewell first arrived in Detroit, he was a green rookie looking to establish himself in the NFL. Now, to go along with what he's already done on the field, he has two kids (15-month old son Malakai and newborn daughter Mila) and he got married shortly before coming back to town to sign his new contract.

Sewell had his post-extension press conference on Monday. Before he walked in to the media room, Holmes greeted the native of American Samoa with a pair of leis. Sewell noted that little/big thing (via Pride of Detroit).

"And that right there goes a long way to me,” Sewell said. “Just those little gestures of him trying to understand where I’m from and understand the culture and he knows how much this meant to me.”

Sewell has made Detroit his year-round home with his young family. On that note...

"It’s a place that could be my forever home. And I’m so comfortable here, stay here in the offseasons. I don’t go nowhere.”