Detroit Lions – Five things to know about guard T.J. Lang who is returning home

Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang takes a break on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

By Paula Pasche | The Oakland Press

PUBLISHED: March 13, 2017 at 10:56 a.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 6:29 a.m.

T.J. Lang made the big decision to come home and play football in part because he believes in the future of the Detroit Lions. Also because it was a great move for his family.

Lang once played football at Brother Rice and Eastern Michigan University.

In the fall he’ll be the new right guard for the Detroit Lions.

“Just the fact that it was the best move for my family and combined with my thought that how Detroit is ready to win and be in contention and win championships,” Lang said in a conference call after he signed on Sunday. “Those two things ultimately trumped everything else. It became clear to me this morning and I wanted to get it done as soon as I could.”

Five things to know about Lang:

1. He grew up a Lions fan. “The first memories are of watching Barry Sanders play, watching him run the ball, watching Herman Moore catch those passes. I had a Scott Mitchell jersey when I was a kid and all those things. I don’t remember a specific game,” Lang said. “I remember the first time in high school playing at Ford Field, that was a special moment to play where the guys you watch every Sunday are playing. … A lot of people don’t get a chance to come home and play football, I’m so blessed with this opportunity.”

2. He understands how Lions fans are so desperate to win. “I’ve been away for so many years. This is where I grew up. I understand how fans around here are so hungry to have a championship football team. I was one of them when I was a kid,” said Lang who spent the last eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers. “I think it’s every kid’s dream, obviously, not to be cliche, but every kid dreams about playing for their team. I was no different. When this opportunity came about I got really excited about it. …”

3. He didn’t know his new teammates on the offensive line – including new right tackle Rick Wagner – but has already has started the getting-to-know-you process. “I don’t really know a whole lot about Ricky yet other than the fact he’s one of the best at what he does …. I’m kind of hearing some things about him. And getting a chance to meet him at dinner last Thursday night when I was here for a visit. He’ a great guy, we share a lot of the same thoughts and same mentality about why Detroit was interested in both of us. We’re both very competitive and want to win. He’s proven he’s an established (tackle) and getting a chance to work with all those other guys – (Graham) Glasgow, (Laken) Tomlinson, with (Taylor) Decker, with (Travis) Swanson. I spoke with all those guys a little this morning. I let them all know I’m excited to work with everybody here, I’m excited to work with you guys, I’m excited to answer any questions you may have about my experiences,” Lang said. “The last thing I relayed to them all is I really feel we can form one of the best units in the league with all the talent we have. I thought it was very impressive last year with how much shuffling they were able to do and how they were still able to handle it being a pretty young group …”

4. Lang is coming off hip surgery but has no worries. “I’ll definitely be ready by training camp, I know that was a big story the last couple weeks. For me, it was nothing but a positive this is something I’ve been dealing with for a number of years, it’s alway caused me a pretty good amount of pain at some point during the season. It’s really been three or four seasons since I’ve come to training camp just 100 percent healthy and I really feel that’s where I’m going to be this year,” Lang said. He noted that he will be around, just not able to be on the practice field until late July. “It’s important being here, being new to the team, taking a lot of mental reps and make sure I’m doing everything I possibly can to prepare myself in the classroom and watch guys work on the field so I can jump right in when training camp tarts and not miss a beat,” Lang said.

5. After spending eight years in Green Bay, including winning the Super Bowl in the 2010 season, it’s not easy to leave. The Packers made Lang, a Pro Bowler in 2016, an offer to stay. He also visited with the Seattle Seahawks. “I think it’s been a pretty bittersweet today, very excited about this opportunity to come to Detroit and play with another elite quarterback, but at the same time texting with some of the friends, I consider them blood brothers. At the same time It was tough I made a decision, I can’t look back on it. It was tough, I’m ready to start this new chapter in my life and I’ll always have contacts with those guys we’ll always have that friendship and I’m looking forward to building some more here.”