Detroit Lions defensive tackle Brodric Martin has every reason to feel the heat heading into the 2025 season. A 2023 third-round pick, Martin has suited up for just five regular-season games in his first two NFL years. But instead of stressing about roster cuts, the big man’s taking a different approach, playing his way, enjoying the ride, and letting the chips fall where they may.
Brodric Martin injury Brodric Martin Detroit Lions
‘If it happens, God made it happen’
When asked about securing a spot on Detroit’s 53-man roster, Martin didn’t flinch.
“I’m not worried about that, man,” Martin said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “If it happens, God made it happen, and if it don’t happen, God made that happen, too. I’m just going to go out there and have fun. I’m not going to worry about (repping with) two’s, three’s, none of that s**t. Just ball.”
It’s a perspective you don’t often hear from a player fighting for his NFL life. But Martin’s calm demeanor is rooted in changes he’s made both mentally and physically this offseason.
A new coach, a new style
One of the biggest differences for Martin this summer is working under defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. Rodgers has given Martin more freedom to lean into his strengths instead of being locked into a rigid role.
“It’s fun,” Martin said. “He definitely has freed me up a lot more. I’m able to do a lot more and play more how I would like to play.”
For a player who stands 6-foot-5 and tips the scales at 330 pounds, “freedom” means wreaking havoc in a way that feels natural, instead of thinking too much.
Slimmer, faster, and moving better
Martin’s also changed his body. He dropped weight in the offseason, and it’s paying off.
“I can move a lot better,” Martin explained. “I ain’t just stuck in the ground, how it used to be… slimming down was probably the best bet for me, the best thing I could do.”
The increased mobility could be the difference between being a depth piece and a real contributor in Detroit’s defensive rotation.
The big picture
The Lions’ defensive line is deep, but if Martin can pair his massive frame with newfound quickness and a looser, more aggressive style, he has a shot at carving out a role. In a league where roster spots are earned in August, Martin’s mindset might just keep him in Honolulu Blue come September.
The Bottom Line
Brodric Martin isn’t sweating roster math. With a leaner build, a new coaching approach, and a focus on playing his game, he’s putting all his energy into one thing, just ball.