ALLEN PARK — It’s been just around three months since Grant Stuard signed with the Detroit Lions, and he’s already noticing a difference compared to his previous NFL stops.
The fifth-year linebacker knew of the Lions’ reputation under the current regime, which played a big role in his decision to sign. But seeing the “energy, intensity, passion” up close from the first day he arrived in Allen Park was an “eye-opening” experience.
“It’s been something. It’s been an adjustment period, you know what I’m saying?” Stuard told MLive after organized team activities last Friday. “And I’m studying my butt off, just because the standard is the standard here. So (I’m) just trying to really match that level of intensity and expectation.”
To physically meet the expectations placed upon him, Stuard said he’s putting in extra work in the weight room and on the field to build up his speed and power — qualities he believes will make him significant contributor the linebacker and special teams units.
Another reason Stuard feels compelled to elevate his game is the style of coaching he’s received so far in Detroit. He said that compared to other places, he’s seen players receive hard coaching and sometimes lose confidence after the feedback they get from the staff. In contrast, the Lions’ coaches deliver their critiques in a way that makes players believe they can reach the bar being set for them.
When asked if everything feels like a change of pace compared to ball clubs he played for previously, Stuard answered, “1000%.”
“As far as expectation, as far as really just intensity, bro — from player to player, intensity and expectation coach to player — it’s something that I’ve definitely welcomed, but it’s something I’ve definitely had to get my mind right for every time I come,” Stuard said.
Stuard also shared that the firm coaching from the Lions staff has been a refreshing shift in approach, one he believes could unlock a new level in his performance.
“I think it’s kind of one of them things where either you’re going to thrive or you’re going to fade to the back,” Stuard said. “And so I’m committed to thrive and committed to excellence and really just committed to getting better every day. Trying not to make the same mistake, stuff like that.”
While the official start of training camp is still a few weeks away, Stuard said his conversations with the coaching staff have focused on using him not just on special teams, but also on defense.
Stuard stood out with a breakout performance last season for the Indianapolis Colts. In a Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins, he tallied 19 total tackles — 11 solo, one for a loss — while playing 92% of the snaps.
That game was easily his best of the season and gave a glimpse of the 26-year-old’s ability as core special teamer who can step in as a rotational linebacker — a role he will step into after opted not to re-sign All-Pro Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
When asked what Lions fans can expect to see from him the moment he takes the field, Stuard shared two simple words that should be music to their ears.
“I would say tenacity. Tenacity and motor,” Stuard offered. “Motor City — where better to have that at, you know what I’m saying? So yeah, I think that’s what they can expect for sure, and that’s what I’m going to try to continue to improve on every day.”
Stuard was the “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2021 NFL Draft, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 259th overall pick.
