Be the best.” That simple phrase, sent by Roy Lopez’s family before every game, has guided the Detroit Lions defensive lineman throughout his life. This weekend, he’ll display the motto on his cleats as part of the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign.

It’s also the guiding principle behind The Roy Lopez Foundation, which aims to uplift and support young athletes while promoting mental health and wellness. While sports are the centerpiece, the foundation focuses on much more than athletics.

“I literally have BTB tattooed on me,” Lopez shared. “It’s been a part of my life since I was a kid, passed down from my family. Now, it drives my foundation. Every game day, my family texts me, ‘BTB. I love you. Go get what you deserve.’

“We started the foundation because we realized that the message we live by is powerful and worth sharing. I’ve been fortunate to grow up hearing it, so why not give that to others?”

Lopez comes from a family deeply involved in football, from his father to his uncles. His sisters, who serve on the foundation’s board, continue to guide him both on and off the field. The family dynamic has shaped who he is today.

Now in his first season with the Lions, Lopez has been running the foundation with his family for five years. They organize an annual free youth camp in Phoenix, attracting more than 500 children and nearly 100 volunteers. Family members, former teammates, and coaches all play a role in the foundation’s work.

The foundation partners with organizations like the Special Olympics and Chicanos Por La Causa to assist underserved children, hosts holiday events, and plans to expand its efforts in Detroit.

For Lopez, the most rewarding aspect is connecting directly with young athletes. He wants them to see him as more than just an NFL player, sharing his story and making personal connections.

Whether supervising drills with a smile, carrying a water gun, or demonstrating a playful basketball move, Lopez brings energy, joy, and hard work to every interaction. His combination of focus and fun has made him a locker room favorite in Detroit.

Lopez applies the same “be the best” mindset to life off the field, whether in interactions with kids, friends, or teammates. “Being the best means being the best brother, sister, friend, teammate, or coach every day,” he told MLive. “Don’t take anything for granted.”

Growing up, Lopez’s family supported him at wrestling tournaments, sometimes starting at 6 a.m. and staying until evening. That dedication hasn’t faded; they continue to show up in some way at his games.

Born in Tempe, Arizona, Lopez played college football at New Mexico State and Arizona, and was drafted in the sixth round in 2021. He was also a standout wrestler at Mesquite High School, finishing with an astonishing 113-3 record.

“I used to cry after losses,” Lopez recalled. “But my uncles always reminded me to leave no doubt and be the best. I think about them and my whole family—it motivates me to make them proud.”

Lopez has made a significant impact during his first 10 games in Detroit. His wrestling background helps him excel in tight, physical matchups on the defensive line. Despite playing alongside higher-profile teammates, he has carved out an important role, showing consistent production and effort.

He has logged double-digit snaps in every game, recorded a sack, 19 tackles, and two tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus ranks him 18th among 124 interior linemen in run defense. He even played a key role against Philadelphia’s “tush push.”

Coach Dan Campbell praises Lopez as disruptive, occasionally unblockable, and quietly effective—a testament to his work ethic and skill.

Lopez views every teammate as a teacher, learning from veterans and rookies alike. Despite sharing the defensive line with highly paid players like Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, Lopez continues to grow by observing and competing.

He first caught Detroit’s attention during a game against the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, impressing coaches with his toughness and consistency. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard described him as selfless and “ultra-team” oriented, making the most of every opportunity.

Lopez, who has often flown under the radar, embraces the challenge of proving himself. “People didn’t know who I was in high school or college, but I’ve always just focused on being the best I can,” he said.

This weekend, when he sees his cleats or checks his phone, the familiar family text will be there: “BTB.” A simple phrase that has carried him from wrestling mats to the NFL—and continues to define his life and career.