While he may not be talked about as much as the dancing, singing, juggling rookies. Lions wide receiver DJ Chark is beaming in his own way and that’s showing out on the practice field. 

Chark’s History

Born and raised in Lousiana, DJ Chark attended Alexandria High School before heading to Louisiana State University.  Chark played four years at LSU from 2014-2017 where he totaled 66 receptions for 1,351 years and six touchdowns.  His senior year he scored a touched down three different ways (receiving, rushing, returning) in a single season. Chark  joined only seven other players in school history to do so.

In 2018, Chark was drafted in the second round, 61st overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.  He played a rocky four seasons with the Jags before being signed by the Detroit Lions.  His most notable season comes in 2019 where he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards. He averaged 13.8 yards per reception and caught 8 touchdown passes.  Chark’s season was cut short last year when he broke his ankle in week 4 against the Bengals.  

DJ Chark and the Detroit Lions

Chark was signed to the Lions back in March and all of the sudden the song ‘Baby Shark’ rang throughout Detroit.  Some even calling it the Lions’ best off-season move and he hasn’t disappointed.  Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson says “I think everything we saw in him on tape has shown up. The vertical speed, the ability to separate at the top of his routes.”  Wide Receivers Coach Antwaan Randle El also commented on Chark saying “He’s come in and done what we’ve asked him to do and made those plays and now he’s been making them more consistently.”

While the hype was real when Detroit first got him, it quickly faded behind the Lions draft performance.  While many aren’t seeing much from Chark, he isn’t going unnoticed by the coaching staff.  In a press conference today, Coach Randle El says “He really took off a couple weeks ago and just kind of like kept showing up and kept showing up.”  He’s been looking very solid in practice, putting in extra work and his chemistry with Quarterback Jared Goff is definitely on point. 

His on-field action isn’t the only thing getting attention, Coach Johnson even noted “I think what I didn’t know, but I’ve come to appreciate is just how detailed he is in the meeting room,” also adding that he’s a great teammate. 

Chark signed just a 1-year contract with the Detroit Lions meaning now is the time to show up and prove his worth.  He will be player you will want to keep your eye on this season.

FUN FACT

While DJ Chark already raps and makes music, one of his life goals is to learn how to play the piano.