Lions News: DJ Reader explains mentorship attitude in heartfelt tribute to father

DJ Reader wrote about how he became the leader he is today thanks in part to this father’s guidance.

One of the more prominent things we’ve heard about new Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader is how big he is on mentoring, and now we’re getting an inside look at why that may be.

In the latest edition of “Beyond,” a series of columns written by players themselves to help fans learn more about what’s going on underneath the helmet, Reader explains in great detail how he became the man he is today.

“If I wasn’t playing ball, I’d be a teacher. Maybe a guidance counselor. It’s what I’ve always done, it’s what I’ve always seen,” he said in the first-person article.

Heck, in his introductory press conference, Reader said he was already looking forward to working with young defensive tackle Brodric Martin. He’d even already watched film on Martin to know how to best mentor him.

One of the biggest reasons for that is his father, Reader says. Losing his dad at just 19 years old, he tells the story of why—on this Father’s Day—instead of focusing on the time he lost, he celebrates everything his father was.

Grab an entire box of tissues, it’s truly a beautiful read.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• “The once budding superstar cornerback, who dealt with injuries during his downturn, is primed to rebound in 2024 in the Motor City as the club’s No. 1 boundary defender.” Carlton Davis was named in this list of veterans who could have a resurgence this season.

• Terrion Arnold threw out the first pitch at a Tigers game late last week and got his own customized jersey, while Amon-Ra St. Brown watched some of the other football.

• The Draft Network’s Justin Melo explains why it’s a make-it-or-break-it year for Jameson Williams.

• AI is probably right.

• While Terrion Arnold may have gotten most of the attention when it came to the Lions’ draft haul, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin believes Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s “tenacious physicality” may make him a surprise breakout star in 2024.

• Obv!