/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69007486/jamaal_zoom_picture.0.jpg)
Last week when the Detroit Lions agreed to terms with former Packers running back Jamaal Williams, we noted just how devastated Green Bay fans were to lose him—and to a division rival, no less. The outpouring of love from Wisconsin was overwhelming, but just a few minutes into Williams’ introductory press conference with the Lions, it was clear why fans adored him so much. His personality just leapt out of the Zoom call.
And I’m not just saying that because Williams became the second Lions employee to crack wise about my mustache. He made sure to make some fun comment about nearly every Lions media member in on the Zoom call. He called DetroitLions.com senior writer Mike O’Hara “silver fox,” he (correctly) predicted WXYZ’s Justin Rose to be an avid golfer, and teased team beat writer Tim Twentyman (“you’ve already got a nickname!”).
But beyond that, Williams brought a refreshing amount of positive energy and excitement to a team and a city that has been dying for something to be excited about. And this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill, “I’m excited for a new chapter in my life” cliche. You can see and hear the sincerity in Williams’ words. He is legitimately excited to be in Detroit and get to work.
Check it out:
Now imagine Williams in the running backs room with the already charismatic Duce Staley and Kerryon Johnson. Regardless of what happens on the field, this team is going to carry a much different energy with them, and that running backs room is going to be a lot of fun.