Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard: 'Supernatural' Aidan Hutchinson is back

USA Today

16-05-2025

Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard: 'Supernatural' Aidan Hutchinson is back
The Detroit Lions' defensive coaches spoke to the media on Thursday, including new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Sheppard gave the media some insight into the reintegration of superstar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson into the mix. Hutchinson broke his tibia and fibula while on track for a career year early last season.
"There's not a more resilient, mentally tough guy that that type of injury during that type of season that he was on course of having could have happened to," Sheppard said.
"He's the most energetic guy on the field."
Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, had just been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September before his injury in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. He's already racked up 7.5 sacks on the year and was an early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.
Sheppard said he checked in with Hutchinson during drills on Thursday after seeing how well he looked.
"I said, 'Hutch, you know how I know you back?' He's like, 'How?'" Sheppard said.
"'Because you're touching that ground when you run that hoop.' That's that little thing he does like he's some supernatural cat, which he is."
Sheppard is entering his first season as Lions defensive coordinator after Aaron Glenn's departure to take over as New York Jets head coach.