Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew had his worst season from a statistical standpoint in 2014, totaling a career-low 10 catches for 70 yards and no touchdowns. His numbers aren't expected to improve dramatically in 2015 since the Lions want to get second-year tight end Eric Ebron more involved in the passing game.
Still, coach Jim Caldwell holds Pettigrew in high regard.
"I think he's an iron man," Caldwell said, per MLive.com. "(He did a) tremendous job. Got a lot of respect for that man. Let me tell you something, he was tough. He was gritty. And I think those guys are the kinds of guys you can build a foundation upon.
"He's one of those guys."