The Detroit Lions lost one of their most important pieces last season.
Losing Aidan Hutchinson was a huge blow to their dominant defense, and even though veteran pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith did a solid job in his absence, it still wasn’t the same.
Now, the Michigan product has finally been cleared to return to football activities.
With that in mind, Hutchinson opened up on how much he values the game and how eager he is to get back on the field (via Brad Galli):
“I don’t think anybody in the game of football will be as grateful as I (will be) when I come back in that first game and I get to play football, and I get to do it on the big stage again. It’s the comeback. Just being able to do what I love again on the biggest stage—that’s what sets my heart on fire.” Hutchinson said.
"I don't think anybody in the game of football will be as grateful as I (will be) when I come back in that first game."
Aidan Hutchinson is fully cleared for football, and eager to be on the "big stage" again with the Lions. pic.twitter.com/cXl527yPdJ
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) May 27, 2025
The Lions’ defense might look a little different next season.
They lost their architect, as former Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn left the team to be the next head coach for the New York Jets.
Whatever the case, despite his major injury and regardless of who’s calling the shots on defense, one thing will be for sure: Hutchinson will be a driving force.
He sustained a gruesome injury that looked to be much more serious than it turned out to be; it seemed to be potentially career-ending.
Then, there were rumors about him being cleared to return to the field if the Lions made it to the Super Bowl, which ultimately didn’t happen.
Needless to say, that kind of injury will continue to be a reason for concern, and the team will keep a close eye on him as he returns to the field.
But if there are no setbacks or side effects, Hutchinson should pick up where he left off and return to being a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
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