Lions undrafted RB Anthony Tyus wants to 'make sure they can't get rid of me' in Detroit
Anthony Tyus III is one of the 10 undrafted rookie free agents signed by the Detroit Lions after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ohio Bobcats running back showed why Detroit had interest with a strong rookie minicamp debut on Friday.
Tyus is a power-style, one-cut back in the mold of two Lions ahead of him on the depth chart, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds. In Friday's rookie minicamp session, the 6-1, 225-pound Tyus demonstrated the decisive acceleration and dance-free aggressive style.
Putting on the Lions uniform was a dream come true for Tyus, a native of the Kalamazoo area two hours west of Detroit.
"It felt great (to put on the jersey)," Tyus laughed. "Wearing this Honolulu Blue, there ain't nothing like it."
Tyus spent several seasons at Northwestern before transferring to Ohio for his final year. He helped lead the Bobcats to a MAC title in Ford Field last December, rushing for 151 yards and a touchdown in Ohio's 38-3 romp over rival Miami.
"The Lions are my hometown team," Tyus told me after Friday's practice. "I'm excited. Friends are excited. Parents are excited."
Tyus continued,
"All you need is an opportunity and that's what I've got. I'm ready to roll with it ... God put me in the right place at the right time."
Tyus wins with balance, aggression and pacing to his running more than he wins with speed. Those qualities can be difficult to spotlight in an unpadded practice session. Tyus knows it's about the effort in Detroit.
When asked what he needs to show to stick with the Lions, Tyus didn't hesitate,
"Effort. Hard work. Grit. Relentlessness. Make sure they can't get rid of me."
As a fellow Ohio Bobcat alum, I needed to ask what his time in Athens taught him.
"Ohio allowed me to showcase my ability that I'm not just a big back, but I'm a big back that can be agile and move outside the box."
The engaging smile from Tyus didn't leave his face as he noted, "Coach (RB coach Tashard Choice) Choice knows about my hands." Tyus hauled in three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown in Ohio's bowl win over Jacksonville State, and he made a nice snag on a shoetop throw in drills on Friday, too.
Tyus is fighting to be the fifth RB on the Lions, a spot that typically resides on the practice squad. He outshone fellow UDFA signee Kye Robichaux, a more compact back from Boston College, on Friday. It's a promising start for a smart player who should look even better once the pads come on.
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