New Account Reveals Key Cultural Rift During Matt Patricia’s Tenure in Detroit
As the Detroit Lions flourish under head coach Dan Campbell, former players are shedding light on the turbulence of the Matt Patricia era. The latest voice to speak out? Former fullback/linebacker Jason Cabinda, who recounted a pivotal moment that many believe shattered the team’s unity.
The Incident That Marked a Turning Point
In a recent interview, Cabinda shared a behind-the-scenes account that illustrates how Patricia lost the locker room — centered on a deeply humiliating moment involving then-star cornerback Darius Slay.
According to Cabinda, Patricia was displeased after Slay was seen casually talking with Odell Beckham Jr. in a friendly exchange. Patricia’s response: create a lowlight reel of Beckham dominating Slay in practice, and show it during a team meeting — an incident Cabinda described as a breaking point.
“That’s when he lost the locker room,” Cabinda said.
Other former Lions, including Quandre Diggs, chimed in after the clip resurfaced on Instagram. “Once he did that to Slay, he lost the team!” Diggs wrote.
Slay: “That’s When I Lost All Respect”
Slay has previously spoken about his rocky relationship with Patricia, citing two moments in 2018 that changed everything:
A private meeting where Patricia told Slay he wasn’t “elite” — despite Slay earning All-Pro honors and tallying 8 interceptions that season.
A public team session where Patricia mocked Slay for a photo with another receiver, using the aforementioned highlight video and a crude analogy to demean him.
“That’s when I lost all respect for him as a man,” Slay said later.
An Unexpected Reconciliation in Philly
In a twist few saw coming, Slay and Patricia were reunited in Philadelphia in 2023 when Patricia joined the Eagles as a defensive assistant. Slay admitted he was initially wary, but open conversations helped repair their relationship.
“I told [the Eagles] whatever helps the team win, I’m in,” Slay explained. The two even shared a hug at the NovaCare Complex — a gesture that symbolized personal growth and reconciliation.
“He’s definitely a different guy than he was in Detroit,” Slay added.
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TL;DR:
Jason Cabinda shared that Matt Patricia once embarrassed Darius Slay in a team meeting using a lowlight video.
Slay confirmed the story, saying it marked the end of his respect for Patricia.
The two later reconciled while working together with the Eagles in 2023.
The Lions’ culture has drastically improved since Patricia’s departure.
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The Big Picture
Today’s Lions are a far cry from the dysfunction of the Patricia years. Under Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes, the organization has embraced a culture built on respect, accountability, and trust — a stark contrast to the atmosphere players describe under Patricia.
Cabinda’s story serves as yet another reminder: Detroit’s resurgence isn’t just about talent — it’s about leadership.
The Bottom Line
Matt Patricia may have been brought in for his strategic acumen, but his downfall in Detroit stemmed not from schematics — but from a lack of leadership. In a league where culture is king, the Lions are finally getting it right.
