When last we checked in with Lions cornerback Aaron Berry, he revealed he quit Twitter because he had more important things to focus on these days.
While we’re not sure that’s the real reason — calling Lions fans “broke and miserable” probably contributed to the decision — Berry certainly has enough on his plate without 140-character messages in the mix. The departure of Eric Wright has left a spot open at cornerback in the starting lineup, one that Berry will have a chance to win over Alphonso Smith (assuming he isn’t traded), Jacob Lacey and three 2011 draftees this offseason.
Berry’s been working with the first team this spring, but coach Jim Schwartz told Anwar Richardson of MLive.com that the job isn’t his to lose, something underscored by their rumored interest in trading for Cowboys corner Mike Jenkins. Schwartz also said that it is essential Berry remains healthy this year after he was unable to do that in either of his first two seasons. Berry’s gained 10 pounds as part of an effort to lessen his injury risk this season.
“I just thank the guys upstairs for giving me the opportunity,” Berry said. “They have faith in me to go out there and get the job done. I’m just going to do what I’m doing, keep playing. Like I said, it will play itself out.”
The tea leaves suggest the Lions want Berry to win the job, which is obviously a sizable advantage in any competition but not an insurmountable one. That means Berry will have to keep on trying everything other than Twitter to wind up with the gig when the season gets underway.