Pro Bowl defensive tackle Mike Daniels is thrilled to be a Detroit Lion. He was drafted by and spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but was surprisingly cut by the team last week. Signed on Friday by the division-rival Lions, Daniels joined his new team for practice Sunday.
That's a grown man walk out. @Mike_Daniels76 pic.twitter.com/RZnWL4b7sp
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 28, 2019
He spoke with the media following workouts and explained why he chose Detroit over at least 13 other teams that expressed interest in adding him. Daniels said he picked the Lions for the opportunity to work with the Lions defensive-minded head coach, Matt Patricia.
“I knew everything about him and I’ve always respected him and I’ve always respected his work, and now I just thank God,” Daniels said via the Detroit Free Press. “I thank God that I got cut and I have an opportunity to play with a defensive genius.”
Daniels’ deal is reportedly a one-year contract totaling $9.1 million, with $7.8 million fully guaranteed.
In 2012, Daniels was drafted in the fourth round by the Packers and became a fan favorite in his seven years with the team. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and placed 84th by his fellow players on the NFL’s Top 100 list that same year. However, Daniels’ production dipped in 2018, as he missed the final six games of the season with a foot injury he’s still recovering from.
In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post on Saturday, Daniels thanked both God and the Green Bay fans:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0bfklJAwi_/
“Packers fans, win or lose, you all filled Lambeau with the most amazing energy! To everyone who showed up to games wearing a 76 jersey, that means more than you’ll ever know! Thank all of you for your continued support. The outpour of love you all have shown these past few days has not gone unnoticed. I am truly grateful. I couldn’t have asked for a better fan base. #GoPackGo. As I close this chapter and begin the next, I do so with great appreciation and humility as this opportunity would not be possible without GOD.”
Daniels’ Twitter feed is filled with references to his Christian faith, and currently the pinned tweet quotes Revelation 3:8: “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.”
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