Son.Detroit Lions fans were deeply moved this week as Alex Anzalone, the team’s star guard and defensive leader, made an emotional public statement about his future with the team.
Anzalone joined the Lions in 2021 and quickly became a key figure on the team’s defense. He was not only a captain but also the “green dot” caller, playing a leadership role in directing the defense. His 2025 season was impressive with 95 tackles (52 solo), 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 9 passes defended.
Although the Lions did not extend his contract in the 2025 offseason, Anzalone expressed disappointment but reaffirmed that Detroit is where he wants to continue his career. “Detroit gave me a chance that no other team did, and I want to repay them by finishing my career here,” he said.
Despite receiving significant interest from other teams, especially the New York Jets, where he could reunite with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Anzalone remains steadfast in his loyalty to the Lions. “If I’m going to continue my career, I want to do it in Detroit, where I feel I can keep growing and reach big goals.”
Anzalone will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, and the big question now is whether the Lions can retain him with a salary that reflects his worth. Market predictions suggest a salary range of $7-7.5 million per year, which could be a challenge for the team.
The Lions will certainly need to carefully consider whether to lose such an important player like Anzalone, who has become a legend in the hearts of Lions fans after just a few seasons. Keeping him will be a key strategic decision for the team in the upcoming season.
After Serving Prison Sentence, Former Raiders First-Round Pick Announces Desire to Join Houston Texans — Willing to Start from Scratch as a Texans Rookie to Have a Chance to Return to the NFL
Houston, Texas – 28/01/2026 – In an unexpected twist, Henry Ruggs III, the former first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, has publicly declared his desire to return to the NFL after serving a prison sentence for a tragic DUI incident in 2021. Ruggs, who was convicted for causing the death of Tina Tintor and her dog while driving 156 mph under the influence, has spent time at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center and is set to be eligible for parole in August 2026.
During his time behind bars, Ruggs has focused on self-improvement, earning a 4.0 GPA while also dedicating himself to rigorous training in preparation for a possible return to football. Now, in an emotional statement, Ruggs has revealed his plans to join the Houston Texans, stating that he is willing to start from scratch as a rookie and earn his place in the NFL once again. Ruggs, who once appeared poised to become one of the NFL’s next great wide receivers, is determined to prove himself worthy of another chance.
Henry Ruggs’ statement:
“Every night, I wake up and think about the mistakes I’ve made. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I’m not out of chances. If there’s a path back, I’ll take it, no matter how tough it is.”
Despite his past mistakes, Ruggs is adamant about turning his life and career around. Sources close to the player have revealed that he’s committed to doing whatever it takes to redeem himself, from intense training in prison to excelling academically in university courses. This work ethic, coupled with his desire for personal redemption, has sparked conversations around the NFL about whether Ruggs deserves another shot at the professional level.
For the Houston Texans, Ruggs’ declaration represents an intriguing opportunity. With the Texans currently in a rebuilding phase, adding a former first-round talent who’s willing to start over could inject new life into their offense. However, Ruggs will need to prove both his physical readiness and personal growth before being considered for a return to the field. If he can meet the challenge, his comeback story could serve as an inspiration for the league.
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Texans will face a decision: Do they take a chance on Ruggs, whose potential is still evident, or do they feel the risk of his past is too great?
Only time will tell if Henry Ruggs III can make a successful return to the NFL, but one thing is clear: his determination to rise above his mistakes is unwavering. As he works toward his parole eligibility and eventual freedom, Ruggs’ drive to make his comeback and prove himself again may be the first step in one of the most compelling redemption stories in recent NFL history.
