There’s a heavier-than-usual sense of significance surrounding this week for Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone.

As the Lions prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in what could be their final home game of the 2025 NFL season, Anzalone acknowledged the moment may carry meaning beyond playoff implications — potentially impacting his own future in Detroit.

“I thought about it over the weekend a little bit,” Anzalone said during an appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. “It’ll be interesting. We’ll see how I feel. Hopefully it’s not, but we’ll see. I gotta treat it as such… just being in the moment. It’s kind of crazy.”

Anzalone Aware Sunday Could Be His Final Home Game

Anzalone is set to become a free agent after the season, and while no decision has been made about his future with the Lions, he understands the reality of the situation.

Sunday could mark the final time he runs out of the Ford Field tunnel wearing Honolulu blue — a possibility that hasn’t been lost on him.

When asked about potentially being introduced with the defensive starters for the last time, Anzalone smiled.

“Maybe that’s when I’ll get all the feels.”

Detroit has become home for Anzalone and his family, making the game even more meaningful. His son, Cooper, will be in attendance despite the late kickoff.

“They definitely wanted to be at this one,” Anzalone said.

A Key Piece of the Lions’ Rebuild

Anzalone joined the Lions in 2021, arriving at the start of the Brad Holmes–Dan Campbell rebuild when expectations were low and patience was required.

Reflecting on his journey, the veteran linebacker credited perseverance and timing.

“I feel like if you ask my coaches and scouts and GM, and even talking to Brad when I got here, it was always in me,” Anzalone said. “I was able to turn the injury corner and just put it all together consistently. It’s just timing.”

From a three-win season to division contention, Anzalone has been a steady presence and leader on defense, particularly in a linebacker room that once lacked stability.

“I feel like what I’ve done here is brought some sort of consistency in the linebacker room,” he said. “Growing up, my dad would always say you want a place to be better if you were there than if you weren’t… so I feel like that’s my legacy.”

Veteran Linebacker Feels He Has Years Left

Despite his contract uncertainty, Anzalone made it clear he’s not thinking about slowing down.

“I feel like I got a solid three or four more in me — like four years, honestly,” he said. “As far as how my body feels and my want-to, I feel like I’m still playing the best football I’ve played.”

Although extension talks didn’t come together this past offseason, Anzalone said he hopes to remain in Detroit.

“Oh yeah, that’s what I’m hoping for,” he said. “That door’s not closed… My focus is just taking it all in this week and trying to get these three wins.”

Lions’ Playoff Push Comes First

For now, Anzalone’s attention is locked solely on the task at hand. The Lions must win out to keep their playoff hopes alive, and the margin for error is gone.

“We just gotta get in,” he said.

Whether Sunday marks a farewell or simply another chapter, Anzalone is approaching it the same way he always has — focused, grounded, and fully committed. And if it does end up being his final game at Ford Field, he’s determined to make it count.