Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker had every reason to be emotional on camera during his postgame interview Sunday night. The Lions had just defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 24—23, to win their first playoff game in 32 years. Decker, the longest-tenured Lions player on the roster, couldn’t help but soak it in.
During his interview with NFL Network’s Bridget Condon, Decker started to tear up when talking about quarterback Jared Goff and the team’s success.
“[Goff] is special. Can’t say enough good things about him,” Decker told Condon. “I mean, he really deserves it. … Yeah, it’s just special for him.”
Longest-tenured Lion, Taylor Decker, emotional after Detroit's first playoff win since the 1991 season. #OnePride @NFLGameDay @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/QFsyX7qCSS
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 15, 2024
Decker then described how the Lions “clawed” their way to get to this stage of the playoffs, going through “peaks” and “valleys” on their emotional journey.
“But it makes it all worth it, having an opportunity like this, in front of the best fans in the world,” Decker continued. “… I don’t know if I can really put it into words right now.”
Well, some of those “best fans in the world” showered the 30-year-old veteran tackle with love and appreciation, thanking him for his resilience and loyalty since being drafted by the Lions in 2016.
You’re always gonna be that guy @__taylordecker ✊🏻
— Casey (@C4SEY85) January 15, 2024
Thank you for sticking with it
Taylor Decker's emotions speak volumes in this historic moment for Detroit. As the longest-tenured Lion, his journey mirrors the team's resilience. A well-deserved victory that resonates deeply with the pride of the Lions and their unwavering fans. 🦁💙 #OnePride #LionsHistory
— Chanel Morse (@ChanelMorsee87) January 15, 2024
Decker is awesome, holy cow.
— Dream 👻 (@Zac_dreamWeaver) January 15, 2024
Oh, I remember when they drafted him from Ohio State. He's been a good one. Enjoy that first home playoff win!
— Dare_L (@dare_l) January 15, 2024
THAT guy deserves a bonus for staying with this team…it has been long haul!! Way to go Lions!!
— Monica Martinez (@HeatCanesFins6) January 15, 2024
Love you Decker, you’ve been through it. OnePride
— David Feldmaier (@dfeldmaier) January 15, 2024
The Lions will host their second playoff game of the season against the winner of Monday’s Philadelphia Eagles-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. Kickoff for the divisional-round matchup at Ford Field is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC and Peacock.
