Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson was on course for history in 2024. In his third NFL season, the former No. 2 overall pick had emerged as Detroit's leader on the defensive line; his 7.5 sacks in five games had him in contention to win Defensive Player of the Year honors, an award no Lions player has ever won.
But on Oct. 13, Hutchinson suffered a broken fibula and a broken tibia while trying to sack Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The devastating injury ended his season prematurely; though the Lions finished an NFC-best 15-2, Detroit's defense without Hutchinson could not slow down the Washington Commanders in a 45-31 loss in the divisional round of the playoffs.
On Thursday, Hutchinson revealed what Lions fans have longed to hear: He is fully cleared for organized team activities, which kick off Wednesday.
Hutchinson told reporters at the Lions' facility in Allen Park that he was cleared "a while back," and that this is the most excited he has been about offseason training in his life amid the "biggest hiatus" he has ever had.
As expected, Lions fans on X greeted the news warmly. @TonyDombrowski and @Blue2Bongo both predicted that a healthy Hutchinson would be named Defensive Player of the Year in 2025; he was on pace for 25.5 sacks in 2024, which would have been an NFL record.
"Great news! Can't wait to see you back in action," wrote @SandyW21584.
"Hutch is back, it's over for the rest of the league," wrote @C_O_D_ on X, while @EthanDLane04 proclaimed "WE. ARE. SO. BACK."
@Clvhr1 said that the Lions would have won their first Super Bowl last season with a healthy Hutchinson. In a little more than eight months' time, we will see if that contention comes true, with Detroit expected to be among the contenders to reach Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.