ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff says he turned down an offer to be in New York for the NFL draft to celebrate with family in South Dakota.
Especially, his 92-year-old grandfather, Lloyd Reiff.
Reiff was in the family’s pole barn, which was recently constructed to replace a 100-year-old barn, in Parkston, S.D., when Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew called to say the team was taking him No. 23 overall Thursday night.
The former Iowa standout acknowledged being nervous during a news conference Friday at Lions headquarters.
Reiff is comfortable playing multiple positions on the offensive line and coach Jim Schwartz says there’s a possibility he’ll play for the team soon.
