Ever since Hard Knocks, the Detroit Lions have received plenty of national attention, eventually turning into a team many found easy to root for. Mainly the focus surrounded the coaches and high-profile players like Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown. But what many didn’t see is that there was another receiver that many might’ve overlooked but is now turning into a reliable weapon for the Lions.
Kalif Raymond might not be the tallest receiver in the pride, but he more than makes up for it in heart and grit, something this team values in their players. As the season progresses, it is very easy to see why the Lions re-signed him to a two-year contract, even though it might’ve come under scrutiny. Outside of St. Brown, Raymond has been a dependable target for Jared Goff, who is always finding a way to move the sticks in the direst situations and always seems to be one step away from popping off a punt return.
Well, he finally managed to break one against the New York Jets, which turned out to be more crucial after the fact.
Raymond off to the races!#DETvsNYJ 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/8HbJYptojg
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 18, 2022
Before he was with the Lions, Raymond was with the Jets but was cut due to fumble issues. Fortunately for the Lions, he has cleaned up those problems and turned into one of the better returners in the league. Currently, he is averaging 14.6 yards per return, which is good for second-best in the league behind Eagles Avery Williams (16.2 yards). He is also only the third player to return a punt for a touchdown this season, with Patriots Marcus Jones and Browns Donovon Peoples-Jones.
Raymond is probably one of the most humble guys you will come across. Instead of celebrating his accomplishment, he would rather celebrate the players around him that made it possible for him to achieve those particular accomplishments.
“The first wave, the first 10 yards, I tell the guys, ‘I’ll take two of the first 10, but the rest is of that is you guys,” Raymond said after the game. “And it is. That’s those guys blocking hard. When you see me catch it, the guys on the outside, it was Jerry Jacobs and Amani (Oruwariye), held up their guys. It was almost like a wall. I barely had to do anything, it was all those guys.”
Raymond might’ve turned into one of the best punt returners in the league, but he is also a reliable target when the offense might be in a pinch. He may get forgotten with the big names surrounding him, St. Brown, Jameson Williams, DJ Chark, and Josh Reynolds. But when the Lions need a crucial play to keep the drive moving, Raymond seems to be on the other end of the deal. Raymond has the second-most receiving yards (454) behind only St. Brown, which should speak to the level of consistency Raymond brings to the table, and the Sun God recognizes greatness when he sees it.
“Leaf’s been a baller all year. Every chance he gets, I feel like he makes the most of it. One of the best teammates I’ve ever been around my whole life, from high school to college to the league,” St. Brown said. “He’s one of the best dudes. Close friend of mine, I love Leaf. I’m super happy for him. I know he’s been waiting for this punt return his whole life.”
"I think (Kalif Raymond) should be in the Pro Bowl for sure," Amon-Ra St. Brown said. And it's getting harder to disagree.
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) December 19, 2022
Raymond might not be grabbing the highlights or putting up the gaudy numbers, but his contributions have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, especially with Coach Campbell, who rewarded him with the game ball after the contest,
“He’s our iron man. He does everything for us. He’s been in there through some of the injuries we’ve had at receiver. He’s just been there every day, for every game, for every practice. He just goes. He is selfless, he’s disciplined, he’s a hard worker, he’s smart, he’s productive, he endears himself to his teammates and he’s versatile. He can block, he can play in the slot, he can play outside, he’s got run after catch, he’s a damn good punt return.”
If there is anything you can take away from the Lions this year, this team believes they can compete with anyone at any time and anywhere. They put in the work, and the results are paying off, and Raymond is one of those players. He is an easy player to root for and one of the players that silently makes play after play that helps the team win. Even though he is one of the better games of his career, he would rather celebrate the players around him. The selflessness and grit mindset is in a plethora with the Lions, especially with Raymond.
We some dogs#OnePride pic.twitter.com/7rBLclJAb5
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 19, 2022
