Apr 16, 2026, 2:21 PM CUT

NFL Hopeful Offers Explanation After Showing Up Unannounced Outside Lions’ Facility

NCAA, College League, USA FOOTBALL: Eastern Michigan vs Buffalo SEP 15 September 15, 2018:Eastern Michigan Eagles defensive back Freddie McGee III 35 can t keep up with Buffalo Bulls wide receiver K.J. Osborn 8 who looks to catch the ball on this 75 yard touchdown reception during the first half of play in the NCAA football game between the Eastern Michigan Eagles and Buffalo Bulls at UB Stadium in Amherst, N.Y. Buffalo defeated Eastern Michigan 35-28 to improve their record to 3-0 for the first time as an FBS program. Nicholas T. LoVerde/Cal Media Amherst N.Y. USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20180915_zaf_c04_825.jpg NicholasxT.xLoverdex csmphototwo431612

He didn’t have an invite, a meeting, or a guarantee. Just belief. Sometimes, chasing an NFL dream means showing up anyway and refusing to leave.

Embracing a 'whatever it takes' mindset to earn one shot, Freddie McGee III showed up unannounced at the Detroit Lions training facility on Monday, April 13, seeking a chance to make it to the team.

"I've been overlooked my whole life," McGee said, per Crunch Time Sports on X. "This particular day, I woke up early...And then I'm like, you know what? Let me just pull up to the facility. It's like 15 minutes from where I stay. So I was like, let's see what comes about what comes out of it."

As seen in viral photos, McGee was holding a sign with "This is grit/ No agent/ 14 int/ 25 PBU / DPOY in AFL, need 1 shot" written on it.

The defensive back was hoping to "get the attention of some scouts," ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

"I got out there around 8:45 am, probably left at around 5:30 pm, so that was my 9-5 for the day," said McGee, sharing his story on NFL Network's Good Morning Football.

McGee joined Eastern Michigan without an athletic scholarship as a walk-on, earning the scholarship in his sophomore year. He played for coach Chris Creighton over the span of five seasons.

Former DB started his collegiate career in 2017 as a freshman. The 27-year-old has played for 47 games and recorded 85 tackles (65 solo).

But with this production, he said, “didn't get a shot" coming out of college and "had to take the (Arena Football League) route" to continue playing.

The 5 ft 8 in tall DB did not hear from the NFL teams after his collegiate career ended in 2021.

In AFL, he led the league with 14 interceptions and 25 pass breakups. Also, earned the AFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. But because of no agent, he is still struggling to land a chance in the NFL.

"I don't know what's gonna come about from it, but just hopefully the right pair of eyes can land on me, get to know me, and take a chance on me," he said on the show.

He embraced the support from his fans and awaits an opportunity to prove his grit.

How Freddie McGee Embodies the Grit That Lions Value

Even after not getting a chance, McGee is still determined to pursue his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.

“If you turn on the tape and just look at it for what it is, you’ll see that there’s a ball player sitting here,” McGee said. “I’m a diamond in the rough.”

McGee is actively working towards becoming an NFLPA-certified agent. He acknowledged that his height is a major concern for him, as he has not been getting a chance.

“On paper, you might see a 5’8”, 5’9” DB and immediately cross me out, cross my name out, disregard me,” he said. “If you turn on the film and really evaluate it, you’ll see that you got a ball player and I play taller than my height.”

McGee hasn’t heard from anyone in the NFL yet, but he’s ready for the call.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore