Michael Brockers’ contributions to the Detroit Lions extended beyond the field. He played a crucial role in developing the team’s culture, particularly during some of its most difficult seasons. Brockers’ time in Detroit was defined not just by his defensive experience, but also by his development as a leader — and it was his leadership that contributed significantly to the Lions’ eventual comeback.
Brockers recently recounted a critical incident during an interview with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press on Radio Row at Super Bowl 59, when a teammate questioned his own actions and thinking. In the middle of the 2021 season, the Lions were suffering. Brockers, who had seen his fair share of victory in the NFL, had grown unhappy with the team’s lack of success.
Michael Brockers experiences a moment of humble realization.
The 2021 season had been challenging. At one time, the Lions were 0-7, and Brockers acknowledged to feeling distant from the team’s efforts. His dissatisfaction with the vanishing culture began to emerge, and he felt himself rather disoriented. That’s when a colleague, whom Brockers affectionately refers to as “CJ” (the only “CJ” on the squad at the time was CJ Moore), spoke out and confronted him during a team meeting.
“Man, Brock, I feel like you’ve checked out,” CJ stated bluntly.
Brockers pondered on that occasion during his conversation, noting how profoundly it affected him. “I had to put my big boy pants on and understand that whatever situation I’m in, these guys don’t have anything to do with it,” Brockers told me. “They deserve 115% of me if I say I’m a part of this team.”
This chat with CJ helped Brockers refocus his attention, and he quickly rededicated himself to the squad, pushing himself to give his all, even when the chances appeared stacked against them.
A Humbling Change of Direction
Michael Brockers reflected on how that talk was a turning point for him and the team. The knowledge that his actions and attitude were being studied by younger players — those who looked to him for leadership — prompted him to embrace his role in a new light. The humbling event taught him that his personal problems were subordinate to the team’s overall aims.
“I was somewhat checked out and you know, I had one of the players check us in the meeting,” says Brockers. “I think that was a watershed moment for the Lions because everyone bought in. Everyone understood it was larger than us.”
Brockers immediately embraced his job, working harder than ever to set an example for the younger guys in the locker room. His leadership in practice and on game days became an important element of the Lions’ path to improve and ultimately turn the season around.
Detroit Lions Kevin Zeitler
The Lions’ Cultural Shift
Michael Brockers’ tale demonstrates the power of good leadership in the face of adversity. While the squad suffered through difficult seasons, events like this paved the way for future success. The Lions began to embrace a culture that valued accountability, effort, and selflessness – values that Brockers exemplified.
“The team was bigger than ourselves,” Brockers admitted. This thinking shift helped the Lions become more cohesive, generating a strong locker room environment that was critical to their success in the following years.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Leadership
Michael Brockers’ leadership was more than simply physical presence on the field; it was also about mental and emotional resilience. His presence as a veteran with championship experience proved vital to the Lions, particularly during difficult times. His example of putting the team first — and humbling himself when necessary — helped to establish a new tone for the organization.
As the Lions prepare for the 2025 season, Brockers’ imprint on the culture is still visible. The lessons he taught, particularly to younger players, continue to form the team’s identity. Whether it’s Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Goff, or the many other budding stars on the team, senior leadership like Brockers’ continues to resonate in the Lions’ locker room.
While Brockers is no longer on the active roster, he leaves a legacy in Detroit of leadership, accountability, and selflessness, all of which are critical to the Lions’ future success.