Detroit Lions Linebacker Returns After Injury: ‘A Blessing to Play Again’

Published: January 8, 2025

Detroit Lions Linebacker Returns After Injury: ‘A Blessing to Play Again’

By Movieguide® Contributor

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone finally made his return to the field after he broke his left forearm in mid-November, and he couldn’t be more grateful.

“Despite wearing a carbon-fiber cast, the defensive terror with his distinctive long, blonde locks picked up right where he left off,” Sports Spectrum said. “The 30-year-old recorded a team-high seven total tackles, as well as a pass deflection. Fueled by his return, Detroit’s defense held Minnesota without a touchdown and a season-low nine points.”

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“[Anzalone’s return] was huge,” Lions head coach Dan Cambell said of the linebacker’s performance. “Look, I’ve said it before, he’s really our quarterback on defense…There’s a lot of confidence he brings, a lot of energy. He can calm the storms. I thought it was going to take him a minute to work himself back in, and it didn’t take long at all. He was back to what he was before he got injured.”

Anzalone then spoke about his return to the field after the game exclaiming how his team is good enough to win a Super Bowl.

“Tonight was a statement,” Anzalone told the media. “I think it was an opportunity to change the narrative against a really good offense — against great weapons, a great running back, a quarterback that’s really hot right now. There was an opportunity for us to affect that narrative that everyone else is talking about.”

When Anzalone learned how severe his forearm injury was, his faith in God remained the same.

“God is good,” he commented, adding, “Thank you everyone for the well wishes! As an athlete, a lot of times you think ‘Why did this have to happen?’ But I like to think about all the countless reps something bad didn’t happen. I’m beyond blessed! I’ll be back in no time, fresh legs and all.”