Editor’s note: This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering leadership, personal development and performance through the lens of sports. Follow Peak here.
Cliff Avril played 10 seasons in the NFL. As a rookie in 2008, he was on the 0-16 Detroit Lions. He then won a Super Bowl with the 2013 Seattle Seahawks.
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When the Detroit Lions drafted me in 2008, my uncle told me, “Go be the reason why things turn around for the Lions. Go be the reason why.” I knew the Lions hadn’t been good in a while, but I was excited.
As a rookie, I was just trying to learn. I’m the kind of guy who sits in the locker room and pays attention to the veterans.
One time, we were watching film in the defensive meeting room.
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