ALLEN PARK — For the first time under coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions have more than six captains.
And for the first time in his professional career, defensive tackle Alim McNeill is one of them.
The seven-man crew of 2026 captains — McNeill, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell and punter Jack Fox — was determined through a democratic process, with players submitting their nominees on a piece of paper. Those with the most votes received the honor.
"Yes and no," said McNeill on Tuesday, Sept. 8, asked if he was surprised by the recognition from his teammates. "I feel like I worked and put the work in to be a captain, but I wasn't necessarily looking for it when we did it, and they chose me. I'm thankful, grateful."
Whether McNeill can return to form is one of the most crucial pivot points for the Lions in 2026. He was impactful and ascending when the team awarded him a four-year, $97 million extension in October 2024, but he tore his ACL two months later, sidelining him for the final stretch of Detroit's 15-2 season.
#mcneill #campbell #jack #captains
And for the first time in his professional career, defensive tackle Alim McNeill is one of them.
The seven-man crew of 2026 captains — McNeill, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell and punter Jack Fox — was determined through a democratic process, with players submitting their nominees on a piece of paper. Those with the most votes received the honor.
"Yes and no," said McNeill on Tuesday, Sept. 8, asked if he was surprised by the recognition from his teammates. "I feel like I worked and put the work in to be a captain, but I wasn't necessarily looking for it when we did it, and they chose me. I'm thankful, grateful."
Whether McNeill can return to form is one of the most crucial pivot points for the Lions in 2026. He was impactful and ascending when the team awarded him a four-year, $97 million extension in October 2024, but he tore his ACL two months later, sidelining him for the final stretch of Detroit's 15-2 season.
#mcneill #campbell #jack #captains
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