Life is all about rolling with the punches. It's not going to be plain sailing all the time, but adapting to ever-changing circumstances, fighting back from adversity, and seizing opportunities will always get you to the required destination.
Even if the journey is a little different from what you originally anticipated.
That is proving accurate for one former Washington Commanders player who didn't quite make the grade as a player. But instead of wallowing in self-pity and exploring avenues away from the game, Shaun Dion Hamilton took a relatively unconventional route.
And he's thriving.
Hamilton was a standout linebacker for Alabama before Washington took him in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He flashed promise on the rotation but nothing more, and was released after the 2020 campaign. After things fizzled out with the Detroit Lions, the NFC North club offered him a coaching position.
Shaun Dion Hamilton is the ex-Washington player on the fast track to coaching stardom
After serious consideration, Hamilton took it. He's made a considerable impact ever since and is now the linebackers coach working under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Sheppard was glowing in his praise of Hamilton during his recent media availability. He highlighted the respect already given by the players, his high-level intelligence, and exceptional transition to the coaching ranks. It's not been easy, but the rapid rise is proof positive that he made the right call.
"First things first, he is a freaking genius. When I coached him as a player, he knew every spot. He literally reminds me of myself. It's like I'm watching myself all over again. He's off to a fast start, and the room respects him. He's younger than some of the room, but that's because of the level of respect. It's the way he grinds. The guys have seen him in the locker room as a peer, and now they see him in the locker room as an authoritative figure, and it's tremendous. I'm looking forward to the growth. Just like the players, there's going to be growing pains, but there's nobody else I would rather have as my linebackers coach."Kelvin Sheppard
"He is a freaking genius"
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 24, 2025
-Kelvin Sheppard on LB Coach Shaun Dion Hamilton pic.twitter.com/nGUwYiK2IZ
Moving through the ranks from a defensive assistant to assistant linebackers coach and now linebackers coach is a sign that big things could be ahead for Hamilton. Sheppard sees a huge future in the game, which might lead to defensive coordinator interviews as soon as 2026.
That will be the furthest thing from Hamilton's mind right now. He's all about helping the Lions win an elusive Super Bowl after being beaten on home soil by the Commanders in 2024. Anything coming after that will be a bonus.
Hamilton knew deep down that he wasn't good enough to carve out a successful playing career for himself. But he's putting his football IQ to much better use as a coach.