ALLEN PARK — There was a moment after Friday’s practice when Detroit Lions defensive tackle Roy Lopez stopped in his tracks on his way to the locker room and stared out at the field as coaches and players walked off.
For the fifth-year defender, who signed with the Lions this offseason after two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, it was a moment of appreciation—gratitude, even—for landing with a franchise that’s intentional about what it takes to win and compete.
“(Nobody’s) not beating around the bush,” Lopez said, describing his early experience in Detroit. “Everybody knows the goal. Everybody’s got a vision, bro. Everybody’s got such a high standard, expectation for themselves first, the group, the team.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of, because it’s just being able to see that and then take it throughout my career going forward—and then, hopefully, to coach one day and take that going forward. Learning from the coaches here in this building, the players in this building, the routines and habits created. It’s awesome.”
In addition to the Cardinals, Lopez, 27, spent two seasons with the Houston Texans, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He’s seen quite a bit throughout his football journey. Across three franchises in five years, two high schools, and two colleges — New Mexico State and Arizona — Lopez has been exposed to a wide variety of coaches, systems, habits, schedules, and routines.
And while all of those experiences have shaped him, his short time with the Lions is something he’s savoring.
“It’s fun to be in this building and just see guys like (Aidan) Hutchinson, (Jared) Goff, and Jahmyr (Gibbs). This roster’s insane,” Lopez said. “But it’s so cool to see their different personalities, habits, and the culture they’ve created among each other. How much time they spend together—laughing, joking—but also, on the grass, it’s so competitive. It’s awesome.”
Lopez has missed the past few practices. According to head coach Dan Campbell, the defensive tackle was stepped on during practice, and the cleat twisted on top of his foot.
While Campbell didn’t offer a timeline for his return, Lopez told MLive that he’s fine and the injury isn’t serious.
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