Sewell: Whatever Is at Top, We Want It

Penei Sewell Q&A.

The Detroit Lions' offensive line finally had the opportunity to play together in the team's 2023 season opener. 

Right tackle Penei Sewell was named a team captain, and is steadily growing as a team leader. 

"He’s growing as a leader. He’s not always the most vocal, he has a lot of passion," said offensive line coach Hank Fraley. "He allows his passion to shine game day or practice. I get to be around him a lot more than other people. It just shows, the work he’s put in. I was really excited for him because it just shows you people are paying attention. He’s not always the vocal guy, he’s not always gonna call up the team, but he’s gonna do it by his play and his work ethic.”

Here is the conversation that Sewell had with All Lions after practice this week, discussing the offensive line and the upcoming home opener for Detroit.

*Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity. 

Q: How does it feel to be playing at Ford Field after a big win?

A: “Oh, man, it feels really good. I can’t wait to get in front of the fans, I know they’re ready. Everyone’s excited, so I just can’t wait to feel the energy.”

Q: What was your reaction to that Kansas City win?

A: “It was a great win, so I was very happy, very excited. But now, we’re on to Seattle, so we’ve got to handle business there.”

Q: Dan Campbell has said this is a football team that expects to win every game. What goes into that mindset?

A: “I think it just starts with the work, each and every day, before gameday. I think everyone has to come to approach that we’re trying to get better. Do not take these days for granted, because all those days add up to Sunday. We’ve just got to come out here, not take anything for granted and be grateful for what we’re doing.”

Q: What did it mean to you to play amongst the core five offensive linemen for the first time in two seasons?

A: “Nah, it meant a lot, for real. Just because I knew when I was drafted here, I wanted to play with everybody. To finally get that chance, it was just like a breath of fresh air really. Just all that moment that was past that we didn’t have the opportunity to play with each other, it just finally happened. So, it was really fun. Me and 'V' (Halapoulivaati Vaitai) had a blast like always. Frank (Ragnow) did his thing, Jonah (Jackson) does his thing and 'Deck' (Taylor Decker), that’s big dog, so he’s always gonna hold it down.”

Q: What do you believe the potential of this team can be behind your offensive line?

A: “I don’t have like a picture-perfect word for it, but I think if we’re all as hungry as I think we are, we want it all. I mean, just playoff games at home, to wherever really. So, whatever is at the top, we want it.”

Q: You were recently named a team captain for the first time in your career. What has changed about your approach as a leader, if anything? 

A: “I think it’s just, nothing else changes. My relationship with the guys maintains the same, but I’m a lead-by-example guy. I’ll get in front of the group and say some words, too, and get them going. But, I think my strong suit is really by example. I think that’s the best way to do it, and that’s the best way for me to show it.”

Q: What are your thoughts on playing Seattle, a team that won last season at Ford Field?

A: “First thing that comes off the bat is that they’re kind of different, personnel-wise, with all the different players that they added and kind of lost. So, they’re really fast. That’s the one thing that comes off the tape. They got Bobby Wagner back, their linebackers are really good. So, we’ve just got to come out and handle business. I know they’re gonna come out with their, really ready to go, trying to bounce back from their first week. So I’m looking forward to the challenge, and it’s gonna be a fun one.”

Q: What has it been like working with two new running backs: David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs?

A: “Those two are special, man. I think we’re just kind of scraping the top of what they’re capable of doing. So, I’m just grateful that they’re on my team and that I get to watch them each and every day grow into a player that, shoot, we don’t know yet and that’s a dangerous thing. I just can’t wait for them to go out and have another opportunity to play with them.”