Ex-Lions First-Rounder Sends Strong Message About Detroit Return
Dec 24, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Returning to Metro Detroit brought back flashes for the former Detroit Lions' tight end. It was not just another visit; it was a reminder of a place that continues to hold special meaning.
Eric Ebron(TE) and Gosder Cherilus(OL) both were the only Lions who represented One Pride on Monday, 8 June, 2026, at the Feldman Automotive Children's Miracle Celebrity Invitational. It has been years since they played for the Lions, but their love for Detroit is still the same.
“Detroit means everything to me,” Ebron said via Detroit News. “I love it here. I was here for the beginning of the growth era for Detroit. So just going back and being among the people, and having people actually know me outside of football, has been a pleasure.”
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The tight end was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, playing four seasons (2014-2017) in Detroit. His time with the franchise featured both promising moments and criticism from fans.
He finished his career with 351 receptions, 3,837 receiving yards, and 33 receiving touchdowns. Yet years later, Ebron appears to remember the positives, highlighting Detroit's impact on him personally and professionally.
“It was the best place for me,” Cherilus said of Detroit. “We saw some real middle-class people waking up every day, working 9-to-5 and trying to figure it out one way or another, which was the same type of mentality we had with the team.”
Cherilus compared the city's working-class mindset to the Lions' locker room mentality, highlighting how players connected with residents who faced daily challenges yet continued to work hard.
Gosder Cherilus was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played five seasons for the Lions before moving to the Indianapolis Colts in 2013.
Years after leaving the team, Ebron is still connected to the franchise.
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Eric Ebron's connection with the franchise remains stronger than ever. He revealed that he is still in touch with several members of the current roster, highlighting the lasting relationship he has built with the franchise.
“(All-Pro receiver) Amon-Ra St. Brown is my boy,” Ebron said. “We were just enjoying a night out a couple of months ago. Jared Goff is always my boy. I can’t wait to get him on a golf course.”
Ebron mentioned wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and QB Jared Goff, describing them as close friends. He spent time with St. Brown and joked about wanting to get Goff on the golf course soon, as per the Detroit News.
He also praised head coach Dan Campbell, recalling that Campbell recruited him when he was the tight ends coach for the Miami Dolphins.
Ebron and Cherilus continue to attend games and support the team where their NFL careers began.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey