Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Sweet Tea Ritual and Ben Johnson’s Legacy Fuel Lions’ Quest for Redemption Against Bears
Amon-Ra St. Brown knows the importance of routine, especially when it comes to his favorite beverage. The Detroit Lions wide receiver has made it clear that without his beloved sweet tea, he can get a bit “cranky.” This personal quirk is now a part of the initiation process for rookie Isaac TeSlaa, who is navigating the challenges of being a newcomer in the NFL.
Rookie Hazing and Sweet Tea Obligations
As part of the traditional rookie hazing rituals, TeSlaa has the responsibility of stocking the meeting room with snacks to keep everyone energized during long hours of film study. However, his attempt to use DoorDash for a vast candy order did not sit well with St. Brown. “I said, ‘Nah, nah, nah. Ain’t no DoorDash, you gotta go pick it up,’” St. Brown recalled, emphasizing the importance of hands-on involvement in these team bonding moments.
But perhaps more pressing for TeSlaa is ensuring that St. Brown gets his sweet tea fix. “Saint loves the sweet tea, so when he doesn’t have the sweet tea he gets a little cranky,” TeSlaa shared. While the receivers’ room may be filled with sugary snacks, TeSlaa is trying to adhere to a stricter diet, but he knows that keeping St. Brown happy is a top priority.
The Impact of Ben Johnson
St. Brown’s rise as one of the premier pass-catchers in the NFL can be traced back to the influence of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Johnson spent three seasons honing Detroit’s offense and maximizing St. Brown’s talents. The results from last season speak volumes: St. Brown recorded 115 receptions, amassed 1,263 yards, and scored 12 touchdowns, all while earning his third Pro Bowl selection and a second consecutive first-team All-Pro nod.
Reflecting on Johnson’s impact, St. Brown said, “I love Ben, man. I’ll never really have anything bad to say about him, just because of what he did for me as a player, what he did for this team.” St. Brown’s connection with Johnson evolved from the tight ends coach to pass game coordinator, and ultimately to offensive coordinator, during St. Brown’s rookie year. This evolution was pivotal in the wideout’s development, as he noted, “Ever since he stepped in that role, I got more catches, more opportunities.”
Johnson’s ability to creatively scheme around St. Brown’s strengths allowed him to flourish as Jared Goff’s most reliable target and solidified his status as a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense. Now, with Johnson leading a divisional rival, St. Brown anticipates the unusual sight of seeing his former mentor on the opposite sideline when the Lions host the Bears this Sunday.
A Competitive Spirit Ahead of the Divisional Clash
While St. Brown maintains a deep respect for Johnson, he also acknowledges the competitive nature of their upcoming match-up. “I love Ben, but there’s two games out of the year where I want him to fail,” he candidly admitted. This Week 2 clash carries extra significance for the Lions following a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers in their season opener.
St. Brown recognized that the defeat was a wake-up call for the team, stating, “After taking a loss like we did last week, I think it kind of woke guys up.” His assertion reflects a renewed sense of urgency within the locker room. “So, I think we needed that. Guys are excited, we’re fired up,” he noted, highlighting the intensity during practice leading up to this crucial game.
With high stakes and a familiar face on the other side, the Lions aim to reclaim their momentum against the Bears, fueled by St. Brown’s sweet tea ritual and the legacy of Ben Johnson.
