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Just Signed With Patriots, Former Lions RB Stuns Everyone With Emotional Tribute – Declares ‘The Lions Will Forever Be the Most Beautiful Story in Me’

Detroit, Michigan – 12/02/2025

Moments after signing with the New England Patriots, former Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds instantly became the center of attention – not just for his new destination, but for the deeply emotional tribute he paid to the team that brought him into the NFL spotlight. Reynolds – the man who once wrote a true “fairytale” with his 112-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 – has never forgotten the difficult journey that took him from practice squad to the hearts of Detroit fans.

Almost like a Rocky story': How Lions RB Craig 'Netflix' Reynolds went from  practice squad to 100-yard rusher - ESPN - Detroit Lions Blog- ESPN

The Patriots added Reynolds to the practice squad to add depth to the running back room while leading the NFL with a 10-2 record. Yet amid the competitive atmosphere in New England, Reynolds chose his very first moment after the contract to turn back toward Detroit – the place where he fought, grew, and left his mark over five seasons. It was his relentless spirit and never-quit playing style that made him the embodiment of “grit” in Motor City.

When asked about his feelings on the day he parted ways with the Lions, Reynolds could not hide his emotion. Unforgettable memories with Amon-Ra St. Brown, D’Andre Swift, and those special-teams runs alongside his closest teammates remain vivid inside him. Even though the road ahead now leads to a Super Bowl contender, Reynolds’ heart still points toward Detroit – the city that gave him a chance when almost no one else believed in him.

In the interview, Reynolds shared with a voice full of gratitude: “The Lions will forever be the most beautiful story in me. They gave me a chance when nobody else did. Detroit taught me how to become the best version of myself – not just on the field, but off it too. The people there, the way they believed in me… that’s what I’ll carry for the rest of my career.” Those words left all of Lions Nation choked up and earned respect across the entire NFL.

Whether his future in New England leads to an elevation to the active roster remains unknown, but Reynolds’ fighting spirit is expected to bring immediate value to the Patriots. For the Lions, the legacy Reynolds leaves behind is one of relentless fight – a symbol of perseverance, proof that an ordinary player can become an inspiration for the entire league. And now, even as his path has turned in a new direction, Craig Reynolds still carries Detroit with every step he runs.

Bears Sign Promising Young DE with Over 200 Career Tackles to Replace Star Dayo Odeyingbo After Potential Career-Ending Injury
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 In a crucial move to strengthen their defensive line, the Chicago Bears have signed Jamree Kromah, a promising young defensive end with over 200 career tackles, to a futures contract for the 2026 season. This agreement comes after Dayo Odeyingbo, the team’s star defensive end, suffered a severe injury that could potentially end his career prematurely. Kromah, 25, spent the early part of his career with the Tennessee Titans and later learned under Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love in Green Bay. Recently, he joined the Bears after being waived by the New England Patriots. Signing Kromah is a move by the Bears to fill the gap left by Odeyingbo. With Odeyingbo’s uncertain future, Chicago is looking to Kromah as a long-term solution for the position. Kromah, a standout at James Madison University, recorded 97 tackles for loss and 14 sacks during his college career. His ability to disrupt the backfield was noted by scouts, and he has shown that same potential in his brief appearances in the NFL. With over 200 career tackles across various stints with different teams, Kromah brings valuable experience to the Bears’ defense. The Bears, known for their strong defense, now need Kromah to step up and fill the void left by Odeyingbo, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s defensive front for years to come. While Kromah can’t immediately replace Odeyingbo’s leadership, he is a young player with the physical tools to make an impact. In his introductory press conference, Kromah shared his excitement about joining the team he’s dreamed of playing for since childhood: “Getting to play for the Bears is a dream come true. Growing up in Chicago, I’ve always admired this team and the great players they’ve had. Now, to be part of this team and give everything I’ve got for the success of the Bears, I can’t even express how I feel. I’ll do everything I can to not let this team down and help the Bears get back to the top.” Signing Kromah shows the Bears' commitment to developing talent, especially when faced with injuries that can derail their plans. Kromah now has the opportunity to prove himself in the Bears’ defensive system, competing for a starting role as the team prepares for a crucial offseason of rebuilding and strengthening the roster. With Dayo Odeyingbo’s future uncertain, all eyes will be on Kromah to see if he can live up to the potential he displayed during his college career and continue to develop in the NFL. With the pressure to fill the shoes of a star, Kromah will need to quickly adapt and help the Bears maintain their momentum in their push for playoff contention.