Faith, patience and support fuel the running back’s return to the Lions’ active roster

ALLEN PARK — From the way the coaching staff talks about his work ethic to how his teammates interact with him in the locker room, it’s clear that Jermar Jefferson is highly regarded in the Detroit Lions organization.

A seventh-round pick of the Lions in 2021, Jefferson has remained with the organization since then — albeit mainly on the practice squad — despite changes in the Lions’ backcourt over the past few seasons.

His inactivity changed last Sunday against the Chicago Bears. With David Montgomery sidelined by an MCL injury, the fourth-year running back was promoted to the active roster for backfield depth as he saw his first regular-season action since his rookie year.

“It felt great. It’s been a while,” Jefferson told MLive. “I remember coming out there and telling them, ‘Man, I’m back!’ My energy and I was just full of excitement just to be back on the field.

“I’ve been excited. I was excited for the (Bears) game before I stepped on the field … hopefully I put on good film.”

Against the Bears, Jefferson had a solid performance in limited play, showing his versatility. Jefferson saw 19 snaps between offense and special teams. He finished the day with three carries for 13 yards and a catch for 10 yards.

Although he hasn’t been in Detroit with Jefferson the entire time, Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery likened Jefferson to a heavyweight boxer waiting for his opportunity when discussing the team’s depth at the position. Montgomery praised Jefferson’s work ethic earlier this week and shared with MLive that he was pleased with what he saw from him when he got the chance to play.

“The things we’ve seen to this point, I mean, we’re really happy. We think he’s an all-purpose guy,” Montgomery said. “Obviously we can run him, we can throw him the ball out of the backfield, but the biggest thing is that he hasn’t had many reps with our starting unit. But when he gets in there and he doesn’t miss a beat, man.

“So it’s a big deal when a guy can’t get a lot of reps, come in, understand protection, understand the run game. But he’s been doing this for a long time, so we weren’t surprised at all.”

The words Montgomery uttered about Jefferson are all the 24-year-old Los Angeles native was looking for. He didn’t care where the Lions placed him or how he was used. For him, he just knew in his heart that he belonged on the field.

And his belief never wavered that he would one day showcase his skills again in a Lions uniform.

“I just had to be patient. I prayed,” Jefferson said. “I’m very close to God, so I just kept coming in here, kept coming to work, put my head down and go to work, just wait patiently. That’s what I’ve learned through this whole process they last three years – patience is the key.”

Carrying this mindset presented some challenges that Jefferson had to deal with as it was not easy to see the field. In addition to having a strong and devoted belief in a higher power, Jefferson relied on a solid support system.

At first, his family was in his corner, saying, “They’re the ones who keep me comfortable.” He talked to his mother, Tracy Green, regularly and his father, Herb Jefferson — who played football at Sonoma State — daily.

But another tool at Jefferson’s disposal, one that some players don’t tend to be aware of, was therapy. He said that during his first two years with the Lions, he would meet with the team psychologist, Dr. Michelle Garvin, at least twice a week.

“I was really close with Dr. Garvin. I used to meet with her a lot and just talk about things on and off the court,” Jefferson said. “I feel like she helped me mentally through the whole process.

“And just past coaches that used to be here like Duce (Staley) — and also Scottie — helped a lot. I’m still talking to my college coach (Michael Pitre) right now, the running backs coach on the (Atlanta) Falcons. So I talk to him a lot and he just says, ‘Be patient and be ready when that opportunity comes.'”

As he prepared for the opportunity, Jefferson focused on learning all the intricacies of the Lions’ offense, from the passing game to pass protection, not just running the way Staley or Montgomery wanted him to. Knowing that the Lions’ coaching staff preaches a “next man up” mentality, Jefferson took his practice reps seriously.

The work he’s put in over those four years will have another chance to be on display when the Lions face the 49ers in a rematch of last season’s NFC title game. With Montgomery still out, Jefferson is expected to see snaps — along with Craig Reynolds — to ease the load on starter Jahmyr Gibbs.

“I’m very excited about that game,” Jefferson said. “Monday night, first time playing in a primetime game, so it’s going to be exciting. Just know I’m going to have the most positive energy Monday night.”

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