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:

View this post on Instagram

I’ll never forget the day I received the call, the excitement of my first training camp, my first NFL game, tackle, sack, and even my Lambeau Leap. Green Bay will always hold a special place in my heart…from football, to the numerous community interactions. I want to thank the Green Bay Packers organization for giving me the opportunity to play football at the highest level. I’ve dreamed of playing in the NFL since I was a young kid in New Jersey. YOU ALL have made that dream come true. To all of my coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning staff, equipment staff, front office, and everyone in the Packers Family, I am forever thankful for my time here. Thank you for your time, energy, and support during my 7 years in Green Bay. Without doubt, I’ve become a better player and a better man because of it. To my teammates, or should I say MY BROTHERS IN ARMS, it has been an honor to line up and play alongside you all. We’ve accomplished a lot, had each other’s backs, had a lot of fun and created memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to become the best version of myself. 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. To my wife Heaven, thank you for being my rock, my cheerleader and taking care of our 4 kids and I through it all. To my parents, my older sisters and my brother, you all have been holding me down for as long as I can remember. Thank you for your sacrifices, constant encouragement and being my biggest fans at every level. No matter where I go, I pray I continue to make all of you proud. I am excited and look forward to what lies ahead. Thank You, Mike Daniels #76

A post shared by Mike Daniels (@mikedaniels) on Jul 27, 2019 at 11:04am PDT

“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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