A former University of Alabama defensive lineman is on the move to a new NFL team.
Isaiah Buggs, a Louisiana native, enjoyed his time with the Detroit Lions.
He helped head coach Dan Campbell turn the franchise around as the Lions are NFC North Champions for the first time in 30 years. Buggs signed a two-year, $6 million extension on March 13, 2023, but he got released on Tuesday.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the story and Buggs shared a heartfelt social media post to Lions’ fans. He recorded 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery through 10 regular season games in 2023.
The #Lions are waiving veteran DL Isaiah Buggs, per source.
Coach Dan Campbell said DT Alim McNeill could be back from IR this week and this makes room.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 2, 2024
Thank You Detroit For Everything🙌🏾But This Move Is The Best Move For Me And My Family❤️ To The Amazing Fans Of This Great City of Detroit Its Been Amazing! Thank You For Your Support For The Past 2 Years 🤝🏾 96 Out ‼️#96BALLFOREVER #GODSCHILD #GODSPLAN pic.twitter.com/Lb8ETPJwRv
— Isaiah D. Buggs (@BigPooh_91) January 2, 2024
Buggs came to the Crimson Tide from junior college in 2017.
He played two years as a defensive end under Nick Saban, propelling Alabama to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017.
Buggs had 51 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries that year.
He had 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks (team-high), six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles on Alabama’s 2018 Southeastern Conference Championship team.
Hopefully, Buggs finds a new home in the NFL.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
