Trevor Nowaske Player 'We Didn't Want to Lose'

Nowaske set to add depth to linebacker room.

The Detroit Lions surprised their undrafted rookie linebacker Trevor Nowaske by signing him from the practice squad to the active roster during the team's bye week. 

A Saginaw Valley State product, Nowaske performed well enough during the preseason to warrant a spot on the practice squad. After another team tried to poach him from the Lions, Dan Campbell and the coaching staff elected to keep the first-year player around by bringing him up. 

“Yeah, he was being poached, potentially,” Campbell said Monday. “We didn’t want to lose him. We felt like we had the flexibility to make that move. We felt like we’re going to need him before it’s all said and done. We like where he’s going. He’s another young guy that we’ve got on this roster that’s really developing and growing. That’s a good room, all seven of those guys, counting him. It’s an outstanding room, between what they’re able to do defensively, but special teams, too. We rely on them for a lot. So, he was a guy we didn’t want to lose.”

All Lions caught up with Nowaske Tuesday to discuss being added to the active roster and his reaction to his NFL rookie season. 

Q: What was your reaction to being signed to the active roster?

A: "I really didn’t expect anything on the bye week. I was just trying to get my mind off football. And then, obviously, some things happened, and I ended up getting signed to the active (roster). So, I’m super excited. I really appreciate how much value they see in me here. I’m excited for my future here."

Q: What were the first eight weeks on the practice squad like after your performance in training camp?

A: “They were great. Kinda getting acclimated to everything, kind of getting a routine down. Camp was kind of a whirlwind, so those first eight weeks were just getting used to the life of the NFL player. Feel like I’ve kind of got it down now and obviously I’ve got another step being on the active. I feel like I’m ready for it and whatever they need me to do, I’ll do.”

Q: What are your initial impressions of the others in the linebackers room?

A: “It’s been great. Everyone’s been a good resource to lean on. I’ve got the other rookie, Jack Campbell, we’re pretty good friends. It’s been good to kind of feed off each other, going through the same process and what not. Obviously now that we’re all active, they were kinda pumped for me, so it’s good to kind of see that feedback and see they care about me. So yeah, it’s been good."

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Q: What has been the message from Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard?

A: “I just see that they value me. Obviously, there was some things that happened where I could’ve went somewhere else. I wanted to be here, I see the growth and potential I have here and I’m glad we made it happen. I think that’s just the biggest thing, they value me.”

Q: What’s it like mentally on the practice squad, as you compete for an opportunity to make the active roster?

A: “I don’t see it as, you’re on the practice squad and you’re trying to do, I just try to go in every day and whatever they tell me to do, I’m gonna do it at the best of my ability. If that helps me get to the active like it did, I feel like that was my mindset. No matter what it is, scout team, tight end, linebacker, whatever. I’m just gonna do it to the best of my ability and if it helps the team win, then it’s great.”

Q: For those who may not know about your game, what do you bring to the table?

A: “I would say I’m pretty athletic for my size. Whatever you tell me to do, I’m gonna do it. I might not know what to do at first, but I’m gonna find a way, I’m gonna figure it out. Some way, some how, I’m gonna figure it out.”