6:55 p.m. ET
Eric Woodyard ESPN
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – It was a surreal experience for number 2 Aidan Hutchinson as he strolled through the Detroit Lions’ practice facility with his family on Friday as one of the team’s newest members.
While he’s happy to be starting his NFL career journey in his backyard, there weren’t many pleasant memories he could recall growing up as a Lions fan. Now he is committed to changing the culture.
“Not a lot of great memories. We lived through the 0-16 season growing up,” Hutchinson recalled. “I’ve been to a few Lions games and the atmosphere is just great. When the Lions win ball games, it’s like, ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ The fans are just so excited. I just hope that if we get the right pieces going, the coaches are right so we can start getting that ball rolling a little bit.
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Hutchinson attended the nearby Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, which is less than seven miles from the practice facility. As soon as his name was announced as the team’s top pick, he said he was contacted by many of his Lions teammates who seemed happy to have him, but the moment hasn’t reached him as he is busy with the home purchase Detroit will start soon.
“Not quite. I’m still waiting for it,” Hutchinson said. “I just walked through the building today with my family and it’s just weird because I grew up a Michigan guy and I’ve been so involved with Detroit sports and thinking that I’m a lion comes across as a kind of one wild dream before , but now it’s kind of come true. So, it’s wild, but I’m soaking it all up and I’m sure it will definitely hit me one day.
Hutchinson reckons living in Michigan will ease his NFL transition, but Detroit’s No. 12 pick, Jameson Williams, said he doesn’t know much about Lions history at all.
After tearing his cruciate ligament in January’s national title game, the rookie wide receiver is hoping to be ready for training camp to change the narrative at the Motor City.
“Changing the culture. Just flipping this program and really that,” Williams said. “That’s the main goal. Win games, get to the playoffs, have fun.”