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WATCH: Aidan Hutchinson discusses 'Billie Jean' performance from Hard Knocks

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•08/12/22
Aidan Hutchinson
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

It’s only been a few days since former Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson made quite a splash on HBO’s Hard Knocks with his performance of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” in front of his new Detroit Lions’ teammates. Following the Lions’ 27-23 preseason loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, the freakish defensive end finally got the chance to talk about his musical performance with reporters.

“You know, I’m sure that song will stick with me for the rest of my life now. But…you know…I’m fully prepared for that and…I love that song. So, you know, I got my opportunity in front of the team meeting and I did it. And ummm, yeah, it’s gonna follow me wherever I go, so now I can buy into it a little bit,” Hutchinson said.

On Friday night, when he made a nice tackle in the backfield against the Falcons, the former Michigan star even paid homage to Michael Jackson following the play with a leg kick.

Aidan Hutchinson is vital to the Lions

In 2021, Michigan could trace much of its success to the dominant pass rush that Aidan Hutchinson provided. The constant pressure he put on opponents changed how teams had to play the Wolverines and helped his defense on the back end.

The Detroit Lions are going to need similar help from Aidan Hutchinson in 2022. NFL.com even named Hutchinson the team’s non-QB MVP.

“But what if the homegrown talent dominates out of the gate, racking up sack after sack for a previously toothless Lions defense? If Detroit is to go worst-to-first in the NFC North, the defense must be better, and that starts with Hutchinson having one of the greatest seasons in club history after setting the single-season Michigan sack record,” Kevin Patra writes.

“Obviously, we’re very excited to have him, but I think he’s a better athlete than I thought he was,” Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash said.

Aidan Hutchinson has even been battling it out with last year’s first-round pick Penei Sewell. The pair have been battling in practice and it’s been incredibly competitive. That’s something that people have been excited to watch as much as possible and can be seen here.

On3’s Daniel Morrison also contributed to this article.