National Football League

Detroit Lions DT Haloti Ngata chose family time over voluntary OTAs

Published Jun. 18, 2015 1:43 p.m. ET

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Haloti Ngata's absence was noticeable at Detroit Lions OTA workouts. He was a huge trade acquisition and projects to play an integral role in Detroit's attempt to replace Ndamukong Suh's impact at defensive tackle this year.

However, Ngata chose to spend time with his family over voluntary team workouts, according to Justin Rogers of MLive.com.

"We haven't been able to get much quality time together because my son was in school and we had the move," Rogers told MLive.com. "Usually, after this minicamp, I will get hardcore into training and really won't do anything like taking a vacation."

Ngata's decision didn't catch the Lions organization off-guard. Head coach Jim Caldwell told MLive.com that a veteran with Ngata's résumé can be trusted to show up in playing shape.

"Nothing caught us by surprise, we knew exactly where he was," Caldwell said, per MLive.com. "Some guys that you've had a history with, you know them a little better than others. One of the things, he'll work, he'll get himself where he needs to be, physically."

Based on the style of Detroit's defense, which required the interior defensive linemen to do a lot of pass-rushing, Ngata told MLive.com that he wants to shed 10 pounds from his current frame. Hard work from now until training camp is the only way to reach that goal.

(h/t MLive.com)

Photo Credit: Aaron Doster/Contract Photographer