The Detroit Lions, long a franchise mired in mediocrity and inconsistency, are finally experiencing a renaissance. They’re a team on the rise, finishing the 2024 season as NFC North champions and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. At the heart of this turnaround is a man who has been instrumental in shaping the culture of the Lions both on and off the field—Chris Spielman.

Spielman, a beloved former player and now special assistant to the owner, has quietly become one of the driving forces behind the Lions’ transformation. His role in the organization may not always be visible to fans, but his influence is undeniable. In a recent exclusive interview with Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press, Spielman opened up about how he’s helped change the Lions from a franchise that once struggled to one that now has Super Bowl aspirations.

Chris Spielman’s Unique Role in Detroit

As a player, Chris Spielman was the heart and soul of the Lions’ defense. He was a force on the field, earning three Pro Bowl selections and leading the team in tackles for years. However, his impact in Detroit has gone far beyond his playing days.

In 2021, Spielman returned to the Lions in a different role—special assistant to the owner Sheila Ford Hamp. It’s a title that doesn’t exactly explain the full breadth of his responsibilities. He has become a mentor to Lions GM Brad Holmes, offering advice, sharing his experience, and giving input on every major decision made by the franchise. Spielman sits in on meetings with the coaching staff, collaborates on player evaluations, and helps guide the team’s culture.

“What we wanted was a leader,” said Lions president Rod Wood. “We wanted somebody who was going to embrace culture as a big part of their job, and not necessarily the offensive genius or the defensive genius, or an experienced head coach or a young person or an older person. It was somebody who was a true leader. And leadership is hard to identify unless you see it.”

Chris Spielman is the embodiment of that leadership. His role is unique, and as Wood notes, it’s one that’s hard to replicate. Spielman isn’t interested in credit, titles, or recognition—he just wants to help the Lions succeed. His approach has been rooted in trust, accountability, and a commitment to setting the right example for the rest of the organization.

“I think it would only work with somebody like Chris,” Wood continued. “He has to be somebody that doesn’t have an ego, doesn’t look for credit, doesn’t look to do somebody else’s job. And I think that’s the way he was as a player. He’s kind of still a player in his mind. And he just wants me to tell him what to do, and then he’ll go do it.”

Spielman’s leadership style is the backbone of what’s become known as the “Lions Way”—a focus on teamwork, accountability, and personal growth that permeates every level of the organization. It’s a mentality that is starting to bear fruit.

Transforming the Detroit Lions’ Culture

Since Chris Spielman joined the Lions’ front office, the team has seen remarkable improvements. The Lions have become more competitive, their roster has grown stronger, and their overall identity is clear. But Spielman’s influence goes beyond just building a better football team—he’s been instrumental in changing the entire culture of the franchise.

“I don’t want people to feel like they work for the Lions,” Spielman said. “I want people to feel like they are Detroit Lions. And in order to do that, you have to invest in them. You have to extend trust to them, and you have to take some risk involved with that. And you know, I thought that it’s worth the risk. It’s worth the investment.”

Spielman’s philosophy has been embraced by the entire organization, from the front office to the coaching staff to the players. His message is simple: don’t be afraid to fail, don’t operate out of fear, and always put the team first.

This mindset is reflected in how the Lions approach every game, every practice, and every decision. The culture is now built around trust, sacrifice, and a belief that, together, anything is possible. It’s a far cry from the dysfunction that plagued the team in years past.

Chris Spielman: Building the Lions into Contenders

Under Chris Spielman’s guidance, the Lions have gone from a team full of potential to a team that has realized that potential. Their performance on the field has matched their growth off it, culminating in an NFC North division title and a spot in the playoffs.

Brad Holmes, the team’s general manager, credits much of the team’s success to Spielman’s influence. “We knew these are the guys that we like, guys that fit,” Holmes said about the players the Lions have signed. “They fit the culture. Fit everything. These were Lions who didn’t know they were Lions yet.”

Spielman’s commitment to building a team that fits the culture is evident in every roster decision, every trade, and every draft pick. The Lions have focused on bringing in players who not only have talent but who fit the mentality that Spielman has worked so hard to instill.

A Bright Future for Detroit

Looking ahead, the Lions are in a strong position to continue their success. Chris Spielman’s leadership, combined with Holmes’ strategic approach to building a roster, has created a franchise that is built to win. The Lions are no longer a laughingstock; they are a team that commands respect across the NFL.

As the Lions head into the playoffs with one of the most complete teams they’ve had in years, Spielman’s influence is evident. “This has been three years in the making — some of it four,” said Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach. “Like that just doesn’t happen.”

The culture shift that Spielman helped create has laid the foundation for long-term success. And as the Lions continue their journey, it’s clear that the team’s future is brighter than ever.