Immediately after parting ways with the Baltimore Ravens, the “cornerstone” who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl title expresses desire to join the Lions — willing to accept a smaller role to help Detroit finish what it started

Houston, Texas – January 3, 2026 Just days before a matchup that could shape the AFC picture, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans turned up the heat with a blunt assessment aimed at Riley Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Inside the press conference room, Ryans didn’t dodge the question — and he didn’t soften his words: “I don’t think he’s as special as people are making him out to be. In this league, nobody wins games on their own without the system lifting them. If we stay disciplined, stay sound, and don’t create space for ourselves, then everything people are praising disappears pretty quickly — because football doesn’t operate on names, it operates on who makes mistakes first.” One quote.One breath.Enough to make the entire NFL pause. Ryans framed the comment as a reflection of his belief in structure, detail, and discipline — the pillars he believes decide the biggest games. From his perspective, no individual player can tilt a matchup if the Texans execute their principles, maintain leverage, and communicate cleanly. But given the timing, the words landed unmistakably as a calculated mind game ahead of kickoff. Because Riley Leonard is no longer a secondary option. This season, Leonard has become Indianapolis’ stabilizing force — the player trusted in critical moments, relied upon to control tempo, and leaned on when precision matters more than spectacle. No theatrics. No loud headlines. Just consistent execution, repeated often enough to wear defenses down. When asked about Ryans’ remarks, Leonard didn’t fire back.He didn’t argue.He didn’t look offended. He answered with seven words — and the response immediately echoed across the league: “I’ll let Sunday answer that question.” No bravado.No challenge.Just the quiet confidence of a player who trusts the work to speak. For the Texans, Ryans’ words were a declaration of faith in their identity and discipline.For the Colts, they became quiet fuel. This Sunday, the story won’t be written in press rooms or headlines.It will be written on the field — where AFC positioning, momentum, and league-wide respect are waiting for a final answer. And this time, the field will have the last word.