The Detroit Lions are just days away from their 2025 preseason opener as they make their final preparations for their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
Monday morning, the Lions announced they had signed a UFL standout to a contract to join the team in training camp. Once his contract was signed, sealed, and delivered, the former Division II star hit the practice field and immediately started making plays against veterans who have been in the Motor City for quite some time.
While it is just the first practice with Detroit's defense for the 25-year-old, he is certainly turning heads to start his tenure with the Lions.
New Lion Nick Whiteside Immediately Picks Off Hooker at Training Camp
Nick Whiteside last played in the NFL as a member of the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season. After a successful run with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL, the former Saginaw Valley State University standout is now in training camp with Detroit and immediately introduced himself to Hendon Hooker by picking off the QB during a drill.
Whiteside picked Hooker in tight red zone one on one
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) July 28, 2025
A two-time Division II All-American selection, Whiteside will have to perform at his best if he wants to crack the Lions' final roster. There is no doubt that he is off to a great start with this type of showing in his first taste of action in Detroit's training camp, though.
One thing that could be working in Whiteside's favor, however, is that Dan Campbell has consistently shown a willingness to allow any player to prove their worth on Sunday if they put in the necessary work and impress on the practice field.
With the Lions playing an additional preseason game this fall due to their inclusion in the Hall of Fame Game, Whiteside's first opportunity to prove himself against live competition could come as soon as this Thursday.
If the defender can show the kind of skills that led him to such a successful collegiate career, you don't just luck your way into 131 tackles, 26 pass breakups, and 12 interceptions over 43 games, then he could wind up sticking around the Motor City into August.