When the Cincinnati Bengals went on the clock with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Penei Sewell thought he knew what was about to happen.
“You just have that feeling when something’s about to happen or you’re about to get a call of some sort, so you just have that anticipation,” Sewell told the
Detroit Free Press. “But, yeah, it never came.”
Instead of drafting Sewell, Cincinnati took wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, reuniting him with his LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase has since blossomed into one of the league’s most dominant pass-catchers, while the Lions’ “consolation prize” at No. 7 has turned into one of the best offensive tackles in football.
And for Sewell, the way things played out couldn’t have been better.
“This is where I was meant to be from draft day on,” Sewell said.
The Lions travel to Cincinnati this Sunday, marking Sewell’s first game at Paycor Stadium since that fateful draft night. While some might expect him to carry a little extra edge against the team that passed on him, Sewell brushed off the idea.
“It’d be very different,” he said when asked about a world where he was drafted by the Bengals. “That’s all I got to say.”
And when pressed about whether this matchup means more because of the draft connection, he made it clear he’s not hung up on what could have been.
“I thought I was going to Cincy,” Sewell admitted. “There was a lot of talk between my agents and stuff like that. There was the possibility of going there, but here I am.”
Lions’ Cornerstone
“Here” has turned out to be exactly the right place. Sewell has become the anchor of Detroit’s offensive line, a two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most important pieces of the Lions’ rise into Super Bowl contention under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes.
So while Bengals fans may be thrilled with Chase, Lions fans know they ended up with the perfect fit, and Sewell knows it too.
“This is where I was meant to be,” he repeated. And on Sunday in Cincinnati, he’ll get a chance to remind everyone why.
Jaxson Dart Explodes After Every Setback: ‘Never Give Up, No Matter How Tough It Gets!’
In the world of professional football, the line between success and failure often feels razor-thin. However, for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, that fine line became a symbol of his resilience and unyielding spirit. After facing numerous setbacks, both personal and professional, Dart delivered a performance that not only secured his team’s first win of the season but also sent a powerful message to everyone watching: no matter how many times you fall, the key is to get back up.
Following a tough start to the season, the New York Giants found themselves at a crossroads. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Dart’s debut was a do-or-die moment for the team. His response? He rose to the challenge, leading the Giants to a 21-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The win wasn’t just a statistic in the books — it was a testament to his character, his commitment, and his refusal to back down.
“It’s not just about the victory today,” Dart said after the game, his voice brimming with determination. “It’s about overcoming every obstacle, every doubt. I’ve faced challenges in my career, but standing here today with a win, I know that every setback was just a stepping stone to this moment. Don’t ever give up, no matter how tough it gets. This team is capable of more, and we’ve just scratched the surface.”
Dart’s numbers — 13 completions for 111 yards, 54 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns — might not scream “elite performance,” but it’s the context that makes this victory so significant. His leadership on the field was undeniable, and his calm under pressure turned what could have been another disappointing game into a defining moment of his young career.
This victory, however, wasn’t without its bittersweet elements. The Giants lost star wide receiver Malik Nabers to a season-ending ACL injury during the game, casting a shadow over the team’s newfound hope. Despite this setback, Dart’s performance was a rallying point for the Giants, proving that even in adversity, there’s always room for growth and improvement.
As the Giants now look forward to their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, all eyes will be on Dart to see if he can continue this momentum. The victory was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in the rookie quarterback’s career.
