Jason Cabinda: Lions 'Have a Window' to Compete

The Lions fullback discussed his hopes for the 2023 season.

Jason Cabinda isn't concerned about individual statistics.

Instead, he's concentrating on finding ways to help the Detroit Lions meet the lofty expectations set for them in the offseason. 

Detroit has been projected to win the NFC North division by many, thanks to an improved roster and a strong finish to last season. 

During a recent appearance on "Off the Record" on the team's website, he explained that his individual goals for the season are taking a backseat to ensure the team meets its collective goals. 

"I'm just so excited to win," the veteran stated. "I want a Super Bowl. That's really all I care about. I don't care about stats, I don't care about catches, I don't care about yards. Obviously, if that's what I'm asked to do, I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability without a doubt." 

The Penn State product is confident in his team's revamped roster to be able to win big games. With many additions through free agency, the team has added starting-caliber talent to several key positions that were in need of help.

Now, the team is solidified to the point where Lions players are starting to believe they have enough firepower to make a playoff run.

"My absolute biggest thing is just winning," Cabinda explained. "I truly feel like we're in one of those time periods where we have a window. Where I truly feel like our roster is really talented enough, we really have enough in this building to do what we want to do."

Thoughts on rookies

Because he's a fullback, Cabinda splits his time in meetings amongst a pair of position groups.

He's one-part running back and the other part tight end, meaning he attends meetings in both rooms. Lately, he said he's been spending more time with the ends. 

Because of this, he's gotten an early look at second-round rookie Sam LaPorta. The Iowa product has impressed his teammates to this point with his variety of skills. 

"Catches the ball super naturally. His catch-to-tuck and get his eyes upfield, getting ready to be a runner, are impressive for a rookie," Cabinda explained. "I truly believe he can have that same T.J. effect that he had on our offense without a doubt. He's gonna help us a lot in the passing game." 

Additionally, he's locker mates with first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. Much like LaPorta, the running back has his teammates believing in a big future for the offense. 

"He's good, he's good. Saw him out there at practice today. Also natural hands, also the type of guy that looks like he's gonna be a threat in the receiving game. He's got speed, he's got home-run speed."

Broadcasting future

Cabinda has invested resources in his future throughout his career as a pro. 

An economics guru, he has a solid foundation and understanding of where to invest and what to invest in. One may think this would lead him down a path away from football after his career is over. 

However, he's got his sights set on joining a broadcast booth once he's done playing. 

"That's one-thousand percent the next thing I want to conquer," Cabinda explained.

The six-year vet stated that his love for broadcasting spawned from an interview he conducted in his junior year at Penn State. It was met with praise from his peers, and he continued to look into it. 

Eventually, he wound up calling Super Bowl LIV for the United Kingdom's talkSPORT. 

"I think my goal would be a Kirk Herbstreit type of role. I would love to be on the road a lot, covering the best games, either college or NFL," Cabinda stated. "Also, being able to have some sort of studio analyst type of role, where we're really analyzing games. That would be my perfect scenario."