Detroit, MI – June 27, 2025
The Detroit Lions’ $27 million defensive tackle expressed unbridled joy at joining the team, vowing to chase Super Bowl LX with his “second family.” His commitment signals a championship push.
DJ Reader, 30, shared on Lions Den Podcast: “I turned down more lucrative offers to join the Lions, but 2024 was a tough year for me. Though I didn’t meet expectations, Goff always encouraged me and urged teammates to embrace me. I love this team; it’s my second family.”
Signed from the Bengals in March 2024 for two years, $27.25 million, Reader recorded 12 tackles and one sack in 10 games. Injuries limited his impact, per Pro-Football-Reference.
Jared Goff, with 4,103 passing yards in 2024, championed Reader’s integration. “DJ brings grit and heart,” Goff said, helping him bond with Aidan Hutchinson, per The Athletic.
Reader’s 2024 struggles, including a quad injury limiting snaps to 45%, didn’t dim his love for Detroit. “The culture here is unreal,” he told ESPN, contrasting his Bengals tenure.
With $42.36 million in cap space, Detroit’s 2025 roster, bolstered by D.J. Reed and Tyleik Williams, eyes Super Bowl LX. Reader’s 34 career sacks position him as a key run-stopper, per NFL.com.
His commitment, amid Alex Anzalone’s contract talks, uplifts a 15-2 squad. “This is home,” Reader said, echoing Dan Campbell’s culture, per MLive.
As the Lions gear up for their September 8 opener, Reader’s resolve strengthens their title chase. Can he spark a Super Bowl run? Follow ESPN for updates!
