The Detroit Lions are coming off a dreadful 2021 season. They finished with a 3-13-1 record last season but closed the year off strong with three quality wins in their final six games. So, there were signs of improvement — something positive to take into the offseason.
But wow, it might take just one speech from Jamaal Williams to have us *very* optimistic about the Lions in 2022. He had his entire team ready to run through a wall for him.
With the Lions being this year’s focus on HBO’s Hard Knocks, the team provided a mic’d-up look at practice ahead of Tuesday’s premiere. Williams’ speech was the clip they chose, and you can see why: He had the Lions looking like compelling TV in just 40 seconds.
Let 'em know, Jamaal!
🎥 @NFLFilms | #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/wwS01EsmOf
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2022
Williams — visibly holding back tears — said as he broke down the team huddle:
“Today is the minimum of effort. Do not give up. Do not feel like you tired. When you tired, think of last year and think of that (expletive) record. Every time I get tired or I think I can’t go no more, I think of that (expletive) record! Last year wasn’t it. That ain’t us. We can make it. Have some heart. I get emotional about this. I’m about to cry ’cause I care about y’all! Do your best. Let’s go! Lions on three.”
He even had NFL fans fired up.
This was how Twitter reacted
I'm so excited for tomorrow. I freaking love Jamaal Williams https://t.co/zZyhsbARed
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) August 8, 2022
I'll never forgive @hbo for making me love this team again. I may sue. https://t.co/XMMhhp8eBL
— Kyle Campbell (@ByKyleCampbell) August 8, 2022
Amazing. Pure passion and determination. Protect Jamaal at all costs. 🙏 https://t.co/9FA6cEJqJM
— Prop Bomb 🌴 (@PropBomb) August 8, 2022
bout to go buy some more lions stock https://t.co/hzm8OqKpD9
— prince j. grimes (@pgprincej) August 8, 2022
Common Jamaal Williams W 🥹🥹🥹
One of the most positive, passionate players I’ve been lucky to be around. Bottle up his energy — I’ll have a double https://t.co/PyFSHzBF89
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) August 8, 2022
Me watching this video https://t.co/dJOTvqnIaI pic.twitter.com/GPG5b2nd4T
— Dylan Anderson (@DAnders28) August 8, 2022
ALRIGHT, FINE! I’LL DRINK THE DAMN KOOL-AID AGAIN.
11-6. https://t.co/NU0NNFLN2H
— Ryan Rabinowitz (@RRabinowitz4) August 8, 2022
I'm just saying… https://t.co/zUWAXrtddK
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) August 8, 2022
Jamaal Williams appreciation tweet. https://t.co/rIC1fM8Kfz
— Tony Dombrowski (@tonydombrowski) August 8, 2022
What a speech.
