The Detroit Lions selected Michigan native Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hutchinson played collegiately in Ann Arbor with the Michigan Wolverines and starred during an All-American campaign. He finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, the most among rookies, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 52 total sacks according to ESPN.
Hutchison recently spoke with ESPN Lions reporter Eric Woodyard about his rookie campaign and what a Super Bowl would mean for the fans and city of the longtime moribund franchise.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say there wasn’t any additional pressure being a hometown kid playing for the hometown team because there is. That comes with the position of being a high draft pick and being where you grew up,” Hutchinson told the outlet.
“But I’ve always dealt with the pressure and expectations in a good way. A lot of that comes from blocking out the outside noise, which is really important. And if you want to take that next step in your career, you’re not gonna get any clarification from the outside world.”
Hutchinson admitted he would have had a lot of fun if he would have gone somewhere like Florida, where he could’ve worked on his tan. But truthfully, he wanted to play for the team he cheered for while growing up in the state. He knows what winning a Super Bowl would mean for Lions fans.
“I’m so motivated by the thought of being a part of a playoff run for my hometown team. I think about it every day,” he said.
“I mean, I take time to think about it every day because I think Detroit’s been dying for a Super Bowl and I know for the team to do that — or any team in the future that I’m on — it’s going to be a riot.
“I want to be a part of the team that finally did it.”
[ESPN]
