In a season where the Detroit Lions punted the fewest times in the NFL, Jack Fox still managed to set an incredible record. The Lions punted only 45 times in 2024, but when they did, Fox was nothing short of extraordinary, averaging 46.2 net yards per punt. This not only led the league but also set a new NFL record, surpassing the previous mark of 46.0 yards set by Johnny Hekker of the Los Angeles Rams in 2016.
Fox also led the NFL with an impressive 51.0 gross yards per punt. However, it’s the net yards that truly highlight a punter’s skill, as it takes into account factors like hang time and directional accuracy, making punts more difficult to return.
A key factor in Fox’s success this season was the strategy of Lions coach Dan Campbell, who rarely asks his punter to work from plus territory. While some coaches may call for punts from inside the opponent’s 45-yard line, Campbell’s philosophy is clear: once the Lions cross the 50-yard line, they rarely punt.
Though Fox may not be the primary reason for the Lions’ success this season, his remarkable performance has certainly contributed to the team’s overall strength. For any coach, having a punter of Fox’s caliber is invaluable—even one like Campbell, who admittedly doesn’t enjoy punting much at all.
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Ex-Detroit Lions WR to Host Revamped Edition of ‘Hollywood Squares’
Live from the studio, we have some exciting news for fans of both sports and game shows alike. Nate Burleson, the former Detroit Lions wide receiver, is taking on a new role as the host of the revived classic game show Hollywood Squares. Premiering Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS, the show brings a fresh twist to the iconic format.
As many of you may recall, Burleson spent the final four years of his career with the Lions, ranking 35th in the franchise’s history for receiving yards. Over the course of four seasons from 2010-2013, he caught 194 passes, totaling 2,083 yards and 12 touchdowns. But now, he’s trading in his football cleats for a microphone.
Hollywood Squares will feature contestants playing tic-tac-toe with a rotating panel of celebrity guests, all vying for cash and prizes. Of course, the fun comes with the unpredictability of what answers the celebrities might give—anything can happen!
Alongside hosting Hollywood Squares, Burleson continues his work as co-host of CBS Mornings and is an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for The NFL Today. His football career spanned 11 seasons, also playing for the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks. And let’s not forget, in 2024, Burleson was a part of the first-ever alternate telecast of the Super Bowl, which aired exclusively on Nickelodeon.
Each episode of Hollywood Squares will also feature a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, including Tyra Banks, Julie Bowen, Yvette Nicole Brown, Whitney Cummings, Tiffany Haddish, Oliver Hudson, Pete Holmes, Gabriel Iglesias, Jo Koy, Jay Leno, Justin Long, Kevin Nealon, RuPaul, Andrew Rannells, Kristen Schaal, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and more.
And here’s a heads-up: Hollywood Squares will move to a new time slot starting January 29, airing Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Don’t miss the premiere—Nate Burleson is about to bring his signature charm and energy to a game show that promises to be just as entertaining as his football career!
