Dan Campbell: Bruce Irvin Has 'Superhuman Genes'

Irvin brings veteran experience to Detroit's pass rush.

After nine games this season, the Detroit Lions understand their pass-rush needs more assistance. 

By signing Bruce Irvin, the Lions have added an experienced veteran who has also won a Lombardi Trophy. 

The Lions signed Irvin to their practice squad after a workout Tuesday, along with fellow veterans Michael Schofield and Kindle Vildor. 

In Irvin's case, specifically, there's hope that he can energize a pass-rush that has lacked consistency. Aidan Hutchinson leads the team with 4.5 sacks, while Julian Okwara, John Cominsky, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, and Romeo Okwara have combined to equal that total. 

With talented second-year rusher James Houston out for the foreseeable future, the Lions decided to add depth in the form of the former Super Bowl champion.  

“You can never have too many rushers in your building. So, it brings a guy, we’ll just see what it is. He still certainly shows that he’s got a quick first step, he’s got power and he can bend," Dan Campbell said. "We’ll see where it is. I would say there’s been, most of the games we’ve played this year, our pressure has been very good. We’re getting to the quarterback. And then, we’ve had a couple games where it doesn’t. I think we’ve got to be careful we don’t judge everything off of one or two times here. I’ll start with what I just said, you can never have too many guys that you feel like can affect the quarterback.” 

Alex Anzalone Has Found 'Great Home' with Detroit Lions

The priority for Irvin will be getting in adequate shape. The 36-year-old hasn't played a down this season, and last suited up for 11 games with Seattle in 2022. 

Still, his resume speaks for itself. He's logged 55.5 sacks since entering the league in 2012, and could still aid the Lions' efforts against the pass. 

"He’s no different than adding Schofield. Let’s get some veteran guys that we feel like, it’s hard to find players as the season goes on here that you may need. We added both those guys to the vet squad, we’ve got Kindle Vildor as well," Campbell explained. "That gives us some veteran guys that have played some football that we have some interest in. They have versatility, and that’s really what it is right now. Let’s see where it is. For a guy like Bruce, for example, he came in and gave us a little workout yesterday, enough to see where he’s at. He’s got superhuman genes, by the way. This guy, he takes great care of himself, but he’s not in football shape. He’s in shape, but he’s not in football shape. So, we’ve got to get him there first, and then we’ll see where it goes.”