Lions’ Penei Sewell Vows Redemption After 2023 NFC Championship Heartbreak

DETROIT — Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell has replayed the team’s crushing 2023 NFC Championship Game loss to the San Francisco 49ers at least 10 times, using the heartbreak as fuel for the 2024 season. The Lions, who blew a 17-point halftime lead in that game, are now focused on redemption as they enter the NFC divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night at Ford Field.

Sewell, 24, a first-team All-Pro selection, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Lions’ franchise-record 15-2 season. Drafted seventh overall in 2021 out of Oregon, he has played 1,115 offensive snaps this season, tied for the most among all offensive linemen, while allowing just five sacks. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been instrumental in Detroit’s success.

“Honestly, I’ve rewatched that 2023 NFC Championship Game a lot. I let it burn,” Sewell said in an exclusive interview. “It was constantly on my mind. Every time [my] kids went down for a nap, I was just like, ‘I’ve got to watch it to see what happened.'”

The loss to the 49ers was a turning point for Sewell and the Lions. “I felt all the emotions going through my body after that loss, but at the end of the day, I just channeled it into motivation,” he said. “When I said those words ‘it’s on,’ I just knew what it looked like coming back and then doing it all over again, but this time going to the top with it.”

This season, the Lions have embraced a collective mindset of accountability and brotherhood. Sewell emphasized the importance of mental toughness, particularly in high-stakes games. “In a game of that magnitude, there’s a lot of emotions, waves, and momentum. You can’t fall into that trap,” he said. “You’ve just got to be the same guy, the same heartbeat, and just keep your head.”

Head coach Dan Campbell has been a driving force behind the team’s resurgence. “Coach Campbell preached it throughout camp about how important it was for us to get the No. 1 seed,” Sewell said. “At the end of the day, whatever that man says, we’re going to do it.”

As the Lions prepare for their playoff run, Sewell remains laser-focused on the ultimate goal. “I haven’t done a lot of reflecting on the season that we’ve had. I’m locked in. We’re trying to go all the way,” he said. “I can definitely see a Super Bowl. I saw it from the moment in camp.”

For Lions fans, Sewell has a simple message: “Be Detroit. If you talk, talk. If you’re just rowdy, be rowdy. At the end of the day, that’s all I want. I want everyone to come out and have fun.”