Lions coach Matt Patricia was back in charge of actual football practice on Wednesday, but the dramatic events from Tuesday still played prominently for the third-year head man. When the Lions organization, from the top on down, rallied together to fight social injustice in the police shooting of Jacob Blake, it really meant something to Patricia.
While the coach was gearing back to football mode and getting his team ready for the practice field, the pride and respect Patricia felt in his players and the Lions organization was still very evident in his pre-practice Zoom press conference.
“I think we all hope that yesterday sticks with all of us forever,” Patricia said when asked how Tuesday’s events will stick with him. “Hopefully it makes an impact on someone, somewhere, out there and gives people strength and courage and hope. I think that’s what’s so powerful about it.”
Patricia continued,
“Certainly football is what we do and what we love, but in the end, I think we’re also trying to make great influences on each other and affect people for long-term and affect families. Hopefully we did that, and that’s something that won’t go away.”
The Lions did get back to practicing football following the press conference. Despite the threat of thunderstorms, the team did practice outside at Allen Park.
.jpg?w=600)
