Richard Sherman said he turned down the Lions because of Matt Patricia’s ‘Patriots’ way’ approach
"That’s not the kind of football I want to play."
Richard Sherman has never had a problem speaking his mind, and recently elaborated on why he didn’t choose to sign with a team in free agency that has ties to the Patriots.
Sherman, 31, is on the verge of playing in his third Super Bowl. His first two came with the Seahawks, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Yet after he became a free agent following the 2017 season, Sherman had multiple choices.
Since he represented himself, his football future was completely in his own hands. One possible destination was the Detroit Lions, who had just hired a new head coach: Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Sherman recently explained how the Lions offered more guaranteed money than the 49ers, who Sherman eventually signed with.
The reason for why the talented cornerback didn’t simply take the larger upfront offer was notable: The Patriot way. As Sherman noted to Dave Lombardi of The Athletic, he didn’t see himself fitting in with Patricia’s team, since he believed the ex-Patriots coach wanted to mimic Bill Belichick’s style of team management.
“That’s not the kind of football I want to play,” Sherman said. “The way you run their scheme, your culture. You want to do it the Patriots’ way and that’s really not the way I do football.
“I have fun,” Sherman continued. “I like music at practice. I like to hang out and be relaxed in meetings. I don’t like the stressful environment in football. [The Lions] condition every day after practice. My body isn’t built to run all day and night. I’ll be prepared, but I don’t have to be run into the ground.”
Sherman has obviously worked out in San Francisco’s system. On top of being ranked as Pro Football Focus’ top cornerback during the regular season, he helped the 49ers march into the playoffs as the NFC’s top seed. Now, he’s preparing with his teammates to play the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
The Lions, meanwhile, have struggled under Patricia. In two seasons, Detroit is 9-22-1 with the former Patriots assistant as head coach.
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