The Detroit Lions are the feel-good story of the NFL playoffs at the moment, capturing America’s heart as they continue their winning ways.
Led by Dan Campbell, the team defeated the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thus far, and their on their way to San Francisco for an NFC Championship Game date with the top-seeded 49ers.
There’s no shortage of support for the Lions. Over the last couple of weeks, many have dubbed them as the new “America’s Team” at the moment. Ahead of the NFC title clash in San Francisco, Campbell explained that the moniker isn’t for the Lions to decide, but for the people.
“That’s not my crown to take,” Campbell told a reporter, via NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano. “That’s for other people to say whether we are or aren’t.”
That’s a great way to think of it for Campbell. They’re not allowing themselves to get caught up in the whirlwind of support, simply thinking of winning their next game. Still, it must be an absurd feeling, especially after how Campbell’s tenure started in Detroit.
America’s Team or not, the Lions will be looking to extend their season on Sunday, and head to the Super Bowl. We’ll see if they can get the job done, and continue the best story in the NFL at the moment.
Zach Ertz to sign with Detroit Lions for NFC Championship Game
Meanwhile, Zach Ertz is reportedly returning to action with the Detroit Lions and signing with the team, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He’s back.
Ertz last played midseason with the Arizona Cardinals and weighed his options throughout the rest of the 2023 campaign. Now, he’ll get a chance to contribute in the postseason and get to another Super Bowl.
“Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz is signing with the Lions, per sources. Ertz will start out on the practice squad, with plans to potentially elevate him for the NFC Championship Game,” Pelissero wrote on Twitter. “A boost for the final stretch.”
Ertz and the Philadelphia Eagles originally had mutual interest in a reunion back in December. At that time, the Eagles were 10-1 but were down an injured Dallas Goedert, his former teammate.
During his tenure in Philadelphia, Ertz hauled in 579 receptions for 6,267 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also appeared in three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2017-19. In 28 games for the Cardinals, he recorded 130 receptions for 1,167 yards and eight scores.
Hampered by a quad injury, Ertz appeared in just seven games this season. We’ll see if he can help lead Dan Campbell’s team to the Super Bowl.