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Apr 16, 2026, 3:05 PM CUT

NFL Hopeful Shares Update on Joining Dan Campbell’s Lions After Inviting Himself to Their Facility

Dan Campbell and Silhouette/ Images via Imago

He waited outside, went viral, and made his message impossible to ignore. But inside the building, the silence has only grown louder.

Former Eastern Michigan defensive back Freddie McGee III appeared on the NFL Good Morning Football on April 15. He shared that he still has not received any communication from head coach Dan Campbell or anyone from inside the building. 

“No, no, I didn't get to see any of those guys,” said McGee. “Like I said, just people driving down the road, fans honking their horns, saying that, 'hey, man, you're going viral, so keep at it.'”

It has been almost four days since the viral sign event, and the Lions have yet to acknowledge it.

According to the information McGee received from the indirect sources, the Lions have received his message but have not yet acted on it. 

"I haven't heard anything directly from anybody within the building," McGee added. "But what I can say is I heard that they did receive the message. They knew I was out there. They saw everything that was going on, so I guess that's a step in the right direction."

Lions Freddie McGee III

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

On April 13, McGee arrived unannounced at the Lions facility. He had hopes of seeking an opportunity with the Lions ahead of the 2026 NFL season. 

"This is grit/ No agent/ 14 int/ 25 PBU / DPOY in AFL," the sign read, as seen in viral photos.

Although he hasn't heard back from them, he sure has earned traction from the event going viral.

Hurdles Define Freddie McGee’s NFL Journey

Freddie McGee's college career ended after the 2021 season. But while aspiring to get drafted in the NFL, his struggle was far from over. 

According to him, despite all the efforts, his height is the primary reason for his not getting drafted.

“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.”

He also reiterated his stats during his interview on the NFL Good Morning Football on April 15. 

McGee has spent five seasons with Eastern Michigan under coach Chris Creighton. 

During his NCAA career, he recorded 65 solo out of 85 total tackles, while appearing in 47 games.

When he did not land a contract in the 2021 NFL Draft, he pursued his dream through the AFL. And per McGee, he led the league with 14 interceptions and 25 pass breakups.  

What are your thoughts on McGee looking for a spot with Dan Campbell and company? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore