Nick Fairley’s demotion to second string was a wake-up call, the Detroit Lions defensive tackle said Monday. He had struggled with his weight in the preseason, drawing the ire of coach Jim Caldwell.
Fairley got the message and on Monday was told he would start alongside Ndamukong Suh against the New York Giants in the season opener on Monday night.
He weighed less than 300 pounds in the spring, but reported to training camp heavier than the 315 pounds he purported to be. The Detroit Free Press said Fairley weighed at least 320 pounds. He was listed on the unofficial depth chart on second string behind C.J. Mosley.
Back then, Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew admitted that the move would hopefully motivate an underachieving Fairley to be more consistent. In his three seasons at Detroit, the former Auburn star played in 38 games and compiled 84 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Fairley blamed his weight gain on bad eating habits and vowed to reclaim his starting position.
Even Suh, a three-time Pro Bowler, said Fairley could play better.
Fairley got the message and now will start on Monday.
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) gets pressured by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) at Soldier Field. Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
