Darius Slay on the experience of going from draft day to rookie mini-camp

“So far, everything has been real good, a great experience. The draft was the first time I went to New York, my family loved it – it was the first time there for all of us – so it was a good experience for me and my family, and my little boy was with me too. It made everything even better to have him there.

“He knew what was going on, he kept asking me a lot of questions, like why I hadn’t been picked yet. Then when I got picked he said, ‘Daddy, make sure I’m going to stay with you.’ Just knowing that he’s seeing something productive, I feel like I’ve led by a good a example for him and I’m sure he’ll do the same.

“Being at the next level, the tempo, the speed, everything changes, but I love to compete. Basically it just makes me want to be on the field faster now, but, I’m enjoying the process. It’s tough being on the sideline. It’s only the first week, but I’m just ready. I can’t wait to get out there, only time will tell, but I’m prepared for it.

“They’ve installed the defense day-by-day. It’s going good, they said they run this stuff during the season too, so I’m learning it pretty well. We ran basically the same thing in college, so I’m just repeating it, but there’s more coaching with it, more schemes.

“Coach Robertson is a straightforward guy, he wants you to be the best you can be and he loves to compete, just like I do, so I think we’re going to work out real well together.

“We have OTAs next week, so I’ll be around, getting better. I also have to find a place to live. I’ve been in a hotel for three months straight, with visits and everything, so I’ll be looking for a place so I can get my son up here too. He’s moving with me, so that’s what I’m ready to do.”

Fans can win a Lions helmet signed by Barry Sanders, personalized to them

In the “Old School” vs. “New School” Madden Cover Vote, Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders has reached the final four, currently head-to-head with Jerry Rice.

After defeating Montana with a 57% majority (546,223 total votes), Sanders (@BarrySanders) tweeted:

“Wow! I didn’t think I would beat Montana on the #Madden25 vote. Thanks to all the fans! I’m coming for you @jerryrice espn.com/maddenvote“

With Sanders so close to the cover title, family, friends and fans are coming out in droves to support the former Lions’ running back.

The vote has brought out Sanders’ competitive (and trash talking?) side.

Sanders tweeted: Thanks to all my friends and fans for the early support. Its Jerry – he’s got enough rings and awards and records. espn.com/maddenvote

Rice is definitely doing his own campaigning, so Lions fans will need to get out and vote. Voting ends April 17!

Detroit Lions announce their 2013 preseason schedule

The Detroit Lions announced their 2013 Preseason Schedule that includes home games against the New York Jets in Week 1 and the New England Patriots in Week 3 at Ford Field.

The Lions will also travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 2 and wrap up the Preseason with a road contest at Buffalo.

Additional dates and times for Lions preseason home games will be announced at a later time.

vs. New York Jets
In the 2013 preseason opener, Detroit hosts the New York Jets at Ford Field. The Lions and Jets have played only four times in the preseason, with the series record tied at 2-2. The last time both teams met in the preseason was in 2005 with the Jets prevailing 10-3.

at Cleveland
In Preseason Week 2, Detroit travels to Cleveland to take on the Browns for the 45th time in the preseason, marking the 11th straight season they have battled in the preseason. The Lions own a 24-18-1 record in the preseason series and the teams are even at 5-5 in the series since 2002. The Lions 44 preseason games against the Browns are the most against any other NFL club since 1949.

vs. New England Patriots
In Preseason Week 3, the Lions host the New England Patriots at Ford Field. The Lions and Patriots have faced off seven times in the preseason, with Detroit holding a 5-2 record in the series. The last time both teams met in the preseason was in 2011 when the Lions defeated the Patriots 34-10.

at Buffalo
Detroit closes out the 2013 Preseason with a road contest against the Buffalo Bills. This year marks the 33rd meeting between the Lions and Bills in the preseason, and they have squared off in the preseason finale each year since 2002. Detroit leads the series 20-11-1, including wins the past four years and a 38-32 win in 2012.

Barry Sanders vs. Ray Lewis

The Detroit Lions currently hold the reigning Madden cover champion in All-Pro Calvin Johnson.

Now Lions fans have the opportunity to keep the title in Detroit.

Hall of fame running back Barry Sanders is currently head-to-head with recently-retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in the final field of 16.

Buzz surrounding the vote is alive and well on Twitter, with fans encouraged to vote on ESPN.com.

In response to fan comments, Sanders tweeted, “I am just honored that fans still hold my game in high regard and remember my career…”

Obviously that is a gross understatement and testament to Sanders’ humility.

Current voting runs today through April 3 – Vote NOW!

Reggie Bush even embraced by local restaurants

It certainly didn’t take long for the people of Detroit to stake (“steak”?) claim to Reggie Bush.

Last night, Bush tweeted that he landed in Detroit and needed “a good steak right now!“

After receiving plenty of suggestions from fellow tweeps, Bush followed up two hours later, declaring, “Had a great Steak at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse tonight in Birmingham! If you guys get a chance you should def try!”

It appears the Lions running back already has a ribeye named after him.

Those of us within the Detroit Lions organization will be looking forward to the coupons Reggie will undoubtedly be supplying.

Ndamukong Suh says “It’s time to get to real work” after “Splash” elimination

Photo courtesy of ABC

It was a short-lived stint on ABC’s Splash for Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Suh ended up in a “dive off” following the first round of the reality show and was ultimately eliminated.

Upon being told he had been eliminated, Suh told show host Joey Lawrence, “It’s time to get to real work.”

For Suh, the show acted as a way for him to get into even better physical shape leading into the Detroit Lions’ offseason program.

“I had a great time on the show,” Suh told Detroitlions.com. “I really increased my flexibility and it was an amazing challenge for my body and mind.”

Suh, who was a swimmer growing up, went through workouts every day he trained for the show and added yoga to his routine as well.

Follow Ndamukong Suh on Twitter @ndamukong_suh and on Facebook at @Suh90

With the addition of compensatory picks, the Detroit Lions have eight selections in 2013

Now that the Detroit Lions have been awarded two compensatory picks, the team has eight selections in 2013.

Matthew Stafford tweets on Jeff Backus’ retirement

Longtime Detroit Lions left tackle Jeff Backus announced his retirement, Thursday, ending a 12-year career that began in 2001.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has had Backus as his left tackle since 2009, had this to say via his Twitter account, @Staff_9:

“I will miss having JB guarding my blindside this year. Jeff is a pro that all of us aspire to be on and off the field. A great warrior! #76″

Reggie Bush signs four-year deal with Detroit Lions

After much anticipation, former Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush has signed a four-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

Bush has been touted in the media as a token prospect for the Lions considering his ability to make plays out of the backfield and potentially take pressure off of Calvin Johnson.

Stay tuned for more coverage on Detroitlions.com!

Jackson, Delmas want to be back in Detroit

With the three-day free agency negotiating period underway, fans sit on the edge of their seats waiting for news.

Due to the nature of the negotiation period, it is unlikely much will surface surrounding courted players, but teams can re-sign their own players before they hit the open market on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

As far as who those players could be, Detroitlions.com lead writer Tim Twentyman offered insight here and on Twitter @ttwentyman:

• DE Lawrence Jackson is not only hoping to remain in Detroit, but is hoping for the opportunity to compete at both left and right end positions.
• Twentyman believes the re-signing of CB Chris Houston should be the Lions’ top priority.
• It was reported that S Louis Delmas was in Allen Park for a physical Friday, but has not yet re-signed.
• Twentyman speculates that the Lions may not be able to afford to re-sign LB Justin Durant after agreeing to terms with LB DeAndre Levy earlier this week.

Stay tuned to Detroitlions.com for all free agent news and follow the Detroit Lions free agent tracker.