Former 10th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2014, Eric Ebron has been a part of a few teams throughout his NFL career. However, his connection to Detroit remains as strong as ever.

Ebron recently returned to the area for the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational at Wyndgate Country Club. The one-time Pro Bowler reflected on his time with the Lions and made it clear that Detroit held a special place in his heart during an interview with The Detroit News.

“Detroit means everything to me. 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 has been a pleasure,” Ebron said.

Ebron also talked about his experience early on in his career and being able to play with amazing players.

“It was awesome to get drafted and come here and play with Megatron (Calvin Johnson), Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush,” Ebron added. “It was eye-opening to be around that caliber of players, especially as a young person, and we were winning.”

He also mentioned how he was still a fan and close with certain Lions players.

“Amon-Ra St. Brown is my boy. We were just enjoying a night out a couple of months ago,” said Ebron. “Jared Goff is always my boy. I can’t wait to get him on a golf course.”

Ebron accumulated 186 receptions for a total of 2,070 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, he also developed a reputation for dropping passes, which led to him eventually being cut in 2018.

He would go on to sign a two-year $13 million contract with the Colts, where he earned his only Pro Bowl nod and a two-year $12 million contract with the Steelers before eventually retiring on December 4, 2024.

However, Ebron was not the only ex-Lions player at the event.

Former Lions Lineman Opens Up On Detroit

Former Lions offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus was also on hand, echoing similar sentiments regarding his profound respect for the local community.

“It was the best place for me. The type of blue-collar city it was, the type of folks I had the chance to be around.”

Cherilus was also asked about whether the Lions could beat the Rams in their Super Bowl pursuit.

“It’s nothing they haven’t done before.” He said in reference to the Lions having beaten the Rams during their 2023 run to the NFC Championship Game.

“I’m taking the Lions all the way,” added Cherilus.

Cherilus played five seasons for the Lions from 2008 to 2012, with 70 appearances, of which 66 were starts. He would go on to play for the Colts and Buccaneers as well.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Koushik Biswas