Jason Cabinda had nothing but good things to say
In a revealing interview with A to Z Sports, former Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda shared his insights into the evolving culture within the Lions organization, praising the deep care and commitment shown by General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell.
Detroit Lions’ Transformation Under Holmes and Campbell
Cabinda highlighted the significant changes within the organization since his arrival, noting the shift towards a culture that values character and cohesion just as much as physical and technical prowess. “It’s crazy because the organization has changed so much from when I first got here to where it is now,” Cabinda reflected. The former Lion emphasized the holistic approach taken by Holmes and Campbell, integrating every aspect of the organization from the players to the support staff to ensure unity and high moral standards.
The Importance of Genuine Care
“A lot of NFL GMs stick to their business… but man, that dude (Brad Holmes) freakin’ cares. And Dan (Campbell) is the same way,” said Cabinda. This care, according to Cabinda, resonates deeply with players and is a fundamental component of building a championship culture. This approach, he argues, is what sets the Lions apart in a league where the focus is often more on numbers and cap space than on people.
Building Relationships Beyond the Field
Cabinda also touched on the social dynamics within the team, suggesting that the relationships formed outside of official team activities are crucial for fostering a tight-knit group. He compared building relationships with teammates to nurturing a personal relationship, emphasizing the importance of spending time together beyond the gridiron. “When you’re going out and you’re having dinners, you go out have a couple of drinks with guys, you play golf… You get an opportunity to really dive deeper into somebody,” he explained.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Leadership’s Personal Investment: Cabinda praises Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell for their personal investment and care, which he believes are crucial to building a successful team culture.
- Cultural Transformation: There has been a significant shift in the Lions’ organization culture, focusing on character and unity across all levels of the team.
- Social Bonds Strengthen Teams: The strong interpersonal relationships among team members, fostered through social interactions outside of football, enhance team cohesion and performance.
The Bottom Line
Jason Cabinda’s insights reveal a Detroit Lions organization that is increasingly prioritizing culture and interpersonal relationships alongside traditional metrics of success. This approach, driven by Holmes and Campbell, is creating an environment where players feel valued and connected, setting the stage for potential success on and off the field.
