Their devotion to special teams shows in their draft classes. In 2024, the Lions selected Sione Vaki, a college safety-turned-running back whose primary function as a fourth-round pick for Detroit is being a special teams ace. Vaki immediately took to that role as a rookie, too.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Brad Holmes had Georgia on his mind during the NFL draft. The Detroit Lions' general manager chose three Georgia Bulldogs among his seven picks — guard Tate Ratledge, safety Dan Jackson and wide receiver Dominic Lovett.

The Lions' front office is honoring Holmes, who has been a vocal advocate for HBCUs, ahead of his commencement speech at his alma mater.