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DB Goes Viral After Showing Up at Lions Facility Holding Sign
TL;DR
Freddie McGee III, a former Eastern Michigan University defensive back, is trying to catch the attention of the Detroit Lions by showing up at their facility with a sign. He hopes to secure an opportunity with the team.
Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity.
Former Eastern Michigan University defensive back Freddie McGee III is hoping that opportunity comes with the Detroit Lionsāand heās making sure the team notices him.
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Betting on Himself
Early Monday morning, McGee showed up outside the Lionsā facility with a clear message.
No agent. No guarantees. Just belief.
According to Eric Woodyard, McGee arrived around 8:45 a.m. holding a sign highlighting his accomplishments and his determination to earn a shot at the NFL.
āGod put it on my heart. Iāve had this goal since I was 5,ā McGee said.
That kind of mindset? Itās hard not to respect.
Former EMU DB Freddie McGee III arrived outside of the #Lions facility around 8:45 a.m. with this sign and is hopeful for an NFL shot. He doesn't have an agent, but says he's in the best shape of his life. "God put it on my heart. Iāve had this goal since I was 5," he told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/uVCm7y8TyG
ā Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) April 13, 2026
A Resume Worth Noticing
McGee isnāt just chasing a dream, heās got production to back it up.
- 2024 Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year
- Led the league in pass breakups (22) and interceptions (11)
- Former standout at Eastern Michigan, where he worked his way from walk-on to scholarship player
At EMU, he totaled 85 tackles, showing heās not afraid to get involved in the run game either.
In the AFL, he took it to another level, becoming one of the most disruptive defensive backs in the league.
The Road Less Traveled
At 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, McGee doesnāt fit the typical NFL prototype, but his story is built on proving people wrong.
Heās gone from walk-on to playmaker. From overlooked to award-winning.
And now, heās literally standing outside an NFL facility asking for a chance.
Will the Lions Take Notice?
Detroit has built a reputation under Dan Campbell for valuing grit, effort, and mentality as much as talent.
McGeeās approach? It fits that mold perfectly.
Whether it leads to a tryout or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:
He made his shot known.
The Bottom Line
Freddie McGee III isnāt waiting for an opportunity to come to him.
Heās chasing it.
And sometimes in the NFLā¦ thatās exactly how stories begin.
Q&A
Who is Freddie McGee III and what is he doing at the Detroit Lions facility?
Freddie McGee III is a former defensive back from Eastern Michigan University who visited the Detroit Lions facility holding a sign to attract attention for a potential opportunity with the team.
What team is Freddie McGee III hoping to join?
Freddie McGee III is hoping to join the Detroit Lions.
Why did Freddie McGee III go viral?
Freddie McGee III went viral for his creative approach to getting noticed by the Detroit Lions, showcasing his determination to secure a spot on the team.
