The NFL season is made up of a bunch of little moments. And while those moments didn’t add up to enough for the Detroit Lions, there are still some plays worth celebrating.
Next on the list of our Pride of Detroit awards is Play of the Year. Below are our staff’s nominations for the award, but your vote will decide the winner.
Previous awards (voting still open!)
2025 Detroit Lions Play of the Year
John Whiticar: Isaac TeSlaa one-handed touchdown vs. Packers
I had to specify “touchdown” because TeSlaa has a knack for making catches with as few digits as possible. The first catch and touchdown of his career, however, was a thing of beauty. An Odell Beckham-like outstretched arm combined with a double heel tap while falling out of bounds? A thing of beauty. The only downside is that it came in the final minute of a brutal Week 1 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers-if this happened in a more competitive game, we would be talking about it for decades.
Meko Scott: Jameson Williams’ 37-yard TD vs. Vikings
While the outcome of the Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings game in Week 9 wasn’t great this play was absolutely incredible by Jamo. It all starts with an amazing throw by Goff and from there we get to witness the playmaking ability of Williams as he runs away from a defender and Superman dives at the goal line. I’m still not sure how Jamo was able to stay in bounds on this play but it was once again a reminder of how special he is and why the Lions chose to extend him last offseason.
Jeremy Reisman: Isaac TeSlaa one-handed touchdown vs. Packers
I hate to pick a play that literally had no impact on the game and came in garbage time, but this catch probably goes down as a top-five catch in Detroit Lions history in terms of skills alone. And for him to do it in literally his NFL debut on his first catch in the league makes it even more special.
Al Karsten: Jahmyr Gibbs OT game-winning TD vs. NYG
Gibbs sealed a surprisingly tight battle with the Giants with a 69-yard rushing touchdown in overtime, delivering the game-winning score. The matchup was one of several midseason games where Gibbs showcased his ability to take advantage of even a little daylight, proving he can be the best player on the field and break an opposing defense with his game-changing ability.
Erik Schlitt: Jahmyr Gibbs OT game-winning TD vs. NYG
The Lions clawed their way back into a game they should have won big, but when the game went into overtime, and they needed someone to step up, Gibbs took care of business on one play with a 69-yard run up the middle, going untouched for a touchdown.
Brandon Knapp: Aidan Hutchinson intercepts Matthew Stafford
It would’ve been perfect to get a pick six, but the interception was still a great play by Aidan. The fact he can not only help stop the run, get to the quarterback, but also drop back in coverage and snag the ball is impressive. Against the former Lions QB too made it even more special.
Ryan Mathews: Jameson Williams’ 37-yard TD vs. Vikings
Jamo’s acrobatic catch against the Vikings was one of the most ridiculous grabs that you’ve probably forgotten about because the Lions lost that game in the most frustrating manner–losing to J.J. McCarthy. Williams’ adjustment to the ball in the air, the catch itself, and the wherewithal to turn and extend himself to the goal line was one that will certainly sit at the top of his career highlights.
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