Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison, who played 25 games with the Detroit Lions between 2018 and 2019, recently shared his thoughts on the stark changes within the organization since his time there. The retired NFL defensive lineman, who has seen many teams throughout his career, was amazed at how differently the Lions operate under the new regime compared to when he was on the roster.
He specifically pointed out the recent treatment of Za’Darius Smith, Detroit’s newest arrival, as an example of how much the team has changed.
Harrison, who went undrafted but went on to have a successful nine-year NFL career, recorded 299 total tackles while playing for the Jets, Giants, Lions, Seahawks, and Packers. His time with the New York Giants was arguably the most productive of his career, and it was his success in New York that led to his trade to Detroit in October of 2018.
However, his experience with the Lions under the previous regime left much to be desired, something that stands in stark contrast to how the team now treats its players.
The recent acquisition of Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, by the Detroit Lions highlights the shift in the team’s approach. On November 5, 2024, the Cleveland Browns traded Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Lions in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Smith, who is 32 years old, is expected to play a crucial role for the Lions, especially after star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season with a knee injury. The acquisition of Smith was seen as a savvy move for a team aiming to stay competitive.
What surprised Harrison the most was how Smith was treated upon arrival. Smith was traded to Detroit on a Tuesday, and his new head coach, Dan Campbell, decided to give him a few days off to get settled and get his affairs in order before having him join the team on the practice field.
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Smith made his debut with the Lions at practice on Friday, and it remains to be seen whether he will play in Sunday’s game. Campbell and the coaching staff have made it clear that they are prioritizing Smith’s comfort and readiness, and they are leaving the decision about whether or not he will play up to him and how he feels after a whirlwind week.
Harrison, reflecting on his own experience with the Lions, noted that his treatment was very different. When Harrison was traded to Detroit in 2018, then-head coach Matt Patricia did not give him any time off to adjust. There were no discussions about easing into his new role or allowing him time to settle in—he was expected to immediately get on the field and contribute. Harrison’s arrival in Detroit was marked by a lack of empathy and a sense of urgency that disregarded the challenges that come with transitioning to a new team in the middle of a season.
Times have clearly changed in Detroit. The Lions, once known for being a franchise where careers were often derailed or players were driven into early retirement, are now taking a much more player-friendly approach. Harrison pointed out the stark difference between his experience and what players like Smith are experiencing today.
Under new leadership, led by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have made a conscious effort to prioritize the well-being of their players, and it seems to be paying dividends.
The Lions have a history of mishandling some of the league’s most talented players. Legendary figures like Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders both chose to retire early rather than continue playing for Detroit, while others like Kerryon Johnson, Joey Harrington, Ndamukong Suh, and Herman Moore saw their careers stunted by their time with the organization.
The old regime’s reputation for poor player treatment was well-known, and it led to a perception of the Lions as a franchise that was unable to take care of its stars.
Under the current leadership, the Lions are rewriting that narrative. They are showing that they value their players as people, not just as assets.
The decision to give Za’Darius Smith time to get settled after his trade is a clear example of this new philosophy. It may seem like a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about the culture shift within the organization. Detroit is no longer a place where players are pushed to the breaking point without regard for their well-being.
Unfortunately, Harrison is among the many players who did not benefit from this new approach. His time with the Lions was marked by the challenges and struggles that characterized the old regime’s way of doing business.
Still, he recognizes and appreciates the positive changes taking place in Detroit today. The Lions are building a culture that values player health, mental well-being, and overall happiness—something that was sorely lacking in the past.
As the Lions continue their journey under Dan Campbell, they are proving that a new culture can lead to success on the field.
The respect and care they are showing their players are creating a foundation for sustained growth, and the results are beginning to show. For players like Harrison, it’s bittersweet to see these changes come after their time with the team, but it’s also a hopeful sign that the franchise is finally moving in the right direction.
