Dan Campbell said RB Jermar Jefferson is in “really good place” right now. Turns out that’s no accident. We talked to Jefferson about the mental and physical work he put in this offseason.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell didn’t want to jinx it, but he couldn’t help it when asked about Jermar Jefferson.
“I almost don’t want to answer it because I feel like it’s the same thing, I say something about a guy and I feel like it’s the kiss of death because the next practice is…,” Campbell said before interrupting himself.
“Jefferson is in a really good place right now,” Campbell finally admitted. “He’s in a really good place. Really good place.”
Safe to say Campbell’s high praise didn’t hex Jefferson. The former Lions seventh-round pick responded by scoring two touchdowns in Friday’s scrimmage practice, including a 50-yard run against the first-team defense—beating star defensive back Brian Branch to the edge before turning it upfield and finding daylight.
Jefferson is entering the fourth year of his NFL career, and it’s been a bumpy ride for the running back. He made seven game appearances as a rookie, highlighted by an impressive 28-yard rushing touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers that unfortunately resulted in an injury.
Since that season, he has yet to see the field again. He failed to make the team in 2022 but signed to the practice squad. He dealt with an injury last preseason that landed him on injured reserve, but after an injury settlement, he eventually found his way back onto the practice squad.
Jefferson admits that the first three years took a mental toll on him, and he started to develop the wrong mental habits.
“Mentally, I feel like the past three years, my head wasn’t there,” Jefferson told Pride of Detroit. “I wasn’t in the right headspace, and that’s probably why I wasn’t performing well.”
But entering Year 4, he had an epiphany. For one, he wasn’t getting any younger. While 24 years old may not seem like aging in any profession, for an NFL running back, that’s considered middle-aged. Additionally, he realized he was already living the dreams of many.
“I realized I’m blessed. I’m in a happy place right now,” Jefferson said. “A lot of people want to be in my position.”
The sense of urgency combined with a positive mindset gave him a whole new approach to the offseason, and it started with taking care of himself both mentally and physically. On the physical side, it’s more pre- and post-practice maintenance. Mentally, it’s not being afraid to reach out for help.
“I’ve been doing a lot of meditation, meeting up with a psychiatrist, and things like that,” Jefferson said. “Keeping my faith in God more, and just having a positive mindset.”
Jefferson knows that he faces an uphill climb in a crowded Lions running back room. The starters are established with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Craig Reynolds is one of the most trusted players on the team. Detroit just spent a fourth-round pick on Sione Vaki. But just as Campbell regularly instructs his players before training camp, he isn’t counting roster spots or looking at depth charts. The focus is inward.
“We all can make plays, so that’s what makes it tough, but I just try to worry about me,” Jefferson said. “I try to worry about me and not try to compare myself to others. Just focus on me and get better every day.”
His efforts to get better have been multi-faceted. Last year, he made huge strides on special teams. This year, he’s been focused on expanding his offensive arsenal to include being a weapon in the passing game. But perhaps what has been most noticeable through two weeks of training camp has been the all-important role of pass protector. Both in one-on-ones and team reps, Jefferson has been as reliable as anyone, an improvement he credits to running backs coach Scottie Montgomery.
“(There are) great details about pass protection that I learned from him. I started to practice that this offseason and bring it to practice,” Jefferson said.
But given how low on the depth chart he currently stands—regularly repping with the second and third-team offenses—Jefferson knows his roster spot will ultimately come down to special teams, and he remains focused on bringing value there. He believes that his vision—which he views as his greatest rushing asset—can translate as a returner on the new kickoff, which many believe will be designed like a running play. While he’s only had limited reps there in practice, Jefferson hopes the coaching staff will give him an opportunity to flash those skills in the preseason.
Most of all, after playing in just one preseason game last year, he just wants to get out there and ball.
“I can’t wait. I can’t wait. Oh my god, I can’t wait.”