Merriweather, a native of Michigan, had the chance to return home and play for a Super Bowl contender when the Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad on November 20, just two days after the Buccaneers released him.

In 2023, Merriweather joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent from Iowa, making two starts in his debut season. He primarily played special teams in his nine games with the Buccaneers in 2024, which might immediately make him important to the Lions.

After Merriweather signed with the Lions, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com noted on November 20 that Merriweather played at both Romulus and Belleville high schools, concluding his career at the latter. He excelled in football and basketball before joining Iowa as a defensive back. During his four years with the Hawkeyes, the Michigan native recorded 118 tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Born in Michigan, I grew up supporting the Lions.

Being fired by the Bucs would seem like a blessing if Merriweather returned home and won a Super Bowl, so it’s possible that he ended up landing a better job as a result of losing his job.

Additionally, he grew up supporting the Lions, which should demonstrate his devotion. Merriweather, who was born in December 1999 in Belleville, Michigan, would have grown up witnessing some genuinely awful football. It wasn’t until 2011, when Merriweather was twelve years old, that the Lions had a winning season after 2001.

At the 2023 NFL combine, Merriweather told Raven, “I definitely take pride in it; I think, you know, there’s me and two or three other people (from Michigan here),” she said. Therefore, I am quite proud of it. I’m proud to be among the few individuals from the state of Michigan representing well here, as I believe there was a lot of potential in my class leaving Michigan. I was a Lions fan growing up. I can’t believe how much has changed. They had a building season this year, in my opinion, and I have no doubt that they will have a better season the next year. They will simply continue to expand on what they have already accomplished, in my opinion.

Backfield Defence for the Buccaneers Among the worst in the NFL

Due to a slew of injuries and one of the NFL’s worst defences, the Buccaneers are 4-6 after four straight losses and are clinging to their postseason hopes. Tampa Bay, which is rated 31st in the NFL in team defence going into a Week 12 road game against the New York Giants, has allowed 21 passing touchdowns in 10 games, which is 30th in the league.

This situation has happened to the Buccaneers previously. In the final season of famous quarterback Tom Brady, they came back from a 6-8 start in 2022 to finish 8-9 and earn a spot in the NFC Wild Card Round. Before going on a late-season push to finish 9-8 and win the NFC South Division, they finished 4-7 in 2023. They then defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.