For Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, the bitter taste of the team’s heartbreaking NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 still lingers. The 24-year-old All-Pro admits he’s replayed that crushing defeat, in which the Lions squandered a 17-point halftime lead, at least 10 times during the offseason. It’s become the ultimate fuel for his burning desire to lead the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl title.
“I want that Super Bowl bad,” Sewell confesses, his voice brimming with determination. “I saw it from the moment in camp. When Coach [Dan] Campbell starts to lay out that picture, I’m right with him.”
Channeling Heartbreak Into Motivation
Sewell, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a pillar of the Lions’ resurgence. His impassioned pregame speeches and ferocious style of play have earned him the respect of teammates and a captaincy role. But it’s the painful memory of falling just short of the Super Bowl that drives him.
I felt all the emotions going through my body after that loss to San Francisco, but at the end of the day, I just channeled it into motivation.
Penei Sewell
That motivation has translated into a franchise-record 15 wins and the NFC’s top seed for the Lions in 2024. Sewell’s stellar play anchoring the offensive line has been a key factor, as he’s allowed just 5 sacks despite playing a league-high 1,115 snaps.
Uniting a Brotherhood
Beyond his individual growth, Sewell has taken on a leadership role in solidifying the team’s chemistry and mental toughness. He’s held heart-to-heart conversations with teammates on both sides of the ball, reinforcing their shared mission.
Whatever’s happening, it’s just the next play. We’re truly a brotherhood now.
Penei Sewell
That unity has the Lions laser-focused as they prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. Sewell sees shades of destiny in this team, a group galvanized by the bitter lessons of 2023.
Embodying Detroit’s Pride
As the Lions stand on the cusp of history, Sewell feels the weight of the city’s hopes and dreams. He’s embraced Detroit’s gritty ethos and wants nothing more than to deliver the Lombardi Trophy to the team’s long-suffering fans.
We just try to embody what Detroit’s about and go in each and every game with the city on our shoulders.
Penei Sewell
With Sewell setting the tone, the Lions are poised to make a deep playoff run. The young tackle’s journey from crushing disappointment to unwavering resolve epitomizes the team’s transformation into a Super Bowl contender. As Sewell puts it, for these Lions, “it’s on.”
