The Detroit Lions have enjoyed an abrupt turnaround since 2022, but have fallen just short of their ultimate Super Bowl goal thanks to a pair of stinging playoff defeats.

In 2024, the Lions had an impressive two game run to the NFC title game before blowing a halftime lead to the San Francisco 49ers. Last year, Detroit earned home field advantage and first-round bye in spite of injury woes, but were beaten by the Washington Commanders in a surprising upset.

No matter which defeat is referenced, fans have equal frustration. Last year’s loss is likely more painful to many given recency as well as expectations. Jameson Williams, though, has a different idea. He is still hurt most by the NFC championship defeat.

“I think people really don’t realize how bad it is until you get to that game where you’re one game away from the Super Bowl. That was the one that hurt us the most, what hurt me the most. I felt more hurt losing to San Francisco than I did (losing) to the (Washington) Commanders because it was just one game away, one play away.”

Those frustrations are still playing a role in motivating the Lions according to Williams, who believes the Lions are filing away all their bitter feelings until the right moments to drive them.

“We’ve got a chip on our shoulder. Everybody remembers it, but we’re not dwelling on it. We got a long season ahead of us. We got big games this season (and have) kind of moved on from the past, but it’s still there for that little chip of fire we need to go forward.”

Williams doesn’t seem to need any added motivation, and that’s especially true considering how he is blasting into this season.

Jameson Williams sounds even more mature heading into 2025

Ahead of the 2025 season, Williams is picking up some impressive buzz. His new offensive coordinator John Morton is impressed, and Dan Campbell continues to be firmly in Williams’ corner. In spite of that, Williams is maturely locked in to his grind.

“I’ve been installed into working hard as a kid with my pops. I always had the same mindset. Just go out and be the best (and) work the hardest. My dad always texts me like ‘I’ll (out) work everybody no matter who it is, I’ll (out) work everybody.’ That’s just my mentality. I guess going into year four, I got a little pep in my step. I’m becoming a vet, moving over from the rookie stage and I’m just ready to play more football and be more consistent for my team.”

A healthy, motivated Williams will go a long way toward helping the Lions make up for disappointments. If Williams can use the frustration of Detroit’s brush with greatness as fuel, the Lions might be able to put both tough defeats behind them.