In this holiday season, like many before, we are drawn to the classic stories on our televisions. One story we see year after year is that of the island of misfit toys. This year there’s a new version of this tale showing in primetime each week.

The Detroit Lions star in this year’s edition. The classic island is a place full of design flaws, unwanted castaways, and broken parts. The leader of the island, King Moonracer, searches the world to find other unloved toys to bring to his island.

Brad Holmes has brought together the misfits and cast-offs of the NFL to play at Ford Field. The toys of the classic movie sing, "If we’re on the Island of Unwanted Toys … we’ll miss all the fun with the girls and the boys." This team Brad Holmes has pieced together hasn’t missed any of the fun with the boys and girls.

The misfits that make up the Lions come from a variety of playing histories, backgrounds, and past hurdles. Some pieces have been here for a few years, and others are recent additions picked up to fill in for injured players.

Jared Goff was cast-off by the Rams to start this collection of players. Goff was a two-time Pro Bowl QB in his five seasons with LA. The Rams were done with him and saw no potential for turning it around, so the Lions were able to get Goff, two first round picks, and a third-round pick in exchange for Matthew Stafford. The Rams did get their Super Bowl after the trade. The Lions got a building block QB that is now fully in the MVP discussion as he leads this top-ranked offense – and team.

Aidan Hutchinson was passed over by the Jacksonville Jaguars who held the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He was told that his arms were an inch too short. The Lions were happy to see him drop in their lap at number 2. This year, prior to his injury, Hutchinson was among the league leaders in sacks and QB pressures. This put him at the top of the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year as well.

Jake Bates, who has hit three game-winning field goals this season, came to the Lions from the Michigan Panthers of the UFL. Bates has taken a different-than-normal approach to his place on this team. He never attempted a field goal or extra point in college; he was the kick-off specialist. He was briefly on the Houston Texans practice squad in the 2023 season, and he spent time selling bricks in the Houston area. He made the Michigan Panthers roster, which allowed him to make a name for himself by nailing multiple 60-plus yard field goals.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is now regarded as a top receiver in the NFL, but he didn’t come into the league with that same esteem. St. Brown was drafted in the fourth round (112th overall) and was the 17th receiver drafted in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Lions have spent a lot of time this year scavenging from other teams practice squads and the waiver wire.

Tim Patrick was released by the Broncos after missing the last two seasons with injuries. He looked to be rebounding to play again in Denver through training camp and preseason. He did not make their initial 2024 season roster. He had played 7 seasons in Denver before missing the last two. Patrick has been a clutch addition to the Lions receiving corps in 2024.

Recent additions from other practice squads include former Pro Bowl players and All-Pros: Kwon Alexander, Jamal Adams, and David Long Jr.. Long was voted a team captain for the Dolphins at the beginning of the 2024 season and was the Dolphins leader in tackles in 2023. Alexander was pulled from the Broncos practice squad. Adams was released by the Titans in mid-October and sat unsigned for 6 weeks despite being a former All-Pro and three-time pro bowler. Each of these defensive additions have contributed in key plays since joining the 2024 Lions.

The Lions’ Island of Misfit Players come to work each week with that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality driving them to fight the full 60 minutes. This Island sits atop the league at 12-2. King Moonracer, er, Brad Holmes has done a great job collecting the cast-offs and not-good-enoughs for this team and this town.