New Lion Laken Tomlinson Looks Back On Long Road From Jamaica To Detroit

ALLEN PARK (AP) — When Laken Tomlinson was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions, it was a big night for a Duke program that's been on the rise of late.

It was also a proud moment for Tomlinson's native Jamaica.

"My dad is still there. He was really excited about everything that happened," Tomlinson said. "I still have extended family there and they were rooting for me. I would say the island is pretty happy right now."

Tomlinson was introduced Friday at the Lions' practice facility after being selected the night before by Detroit with the 28th pick. Tomlinson moved to the U.S. from Jamaica when he was 11, after growing up in a crowded home on the Caribbean island.

"It was a simple life. Back then I didn't have the knowledge I have today but just looking back, we didn't have much at all," Tomlinson said. "It was a tough lifestyle. Just having the opportunity to make that switch — my grandparents moved to the United States before we did and they worked to get their kids, and their kids' kids, to the United States."

Tomlinson's mother was in attendance at his introductory news conference. He went to Lane Technical High School in Chicago before heading to Duke.

The transition to the U.S. wasn't always easy. For one thing, the weather was a lot different.

"Never really wore sweaters in Jamaica," he said. "That first night in Chicago was shocking. It was like 30 degrees or something and we were freezing, and no one brought sweaters, so my uncle had to go get some sweaters for us."

The Lions also introduced offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, whom they acquired in a trade with Denver. Ramirez was drafted by the Lions in 2007 and remained with them before being cut in 2010 and catching on with the Broncos.

"When I got released from here it did hurt a lot," he said. "But at the same time I truly believe that it was the best thing that's ever happened to me. It put a lot of things in perspective for me."

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