Inside the Den: A Crucial Catch

Detroit Lions

Vote

The 7th Annual Awards

Nominee ✨

• Best Athlete Storytelling

Share

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

Inside the Den is the Detroit Lions' behind-the-scenes documentary series. This episode, in conjunction with the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, chronicles Lions player Josh Paschal and how his battle with Melanoma has shaped his life and his journey to the NFL.

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

I think this shows that even a sports team can aid in increasing the awareness of important causes and societal concerns. Despite not being thought of in a similar sphere as sports, cancer has impacted hundreds of millions of lives across the country. Even though it's a difficult topic, people can feel connected through loss, tragedy and heartbreak. To have an NFL player bravely share their own experience with cancer and how early detection personally saved his life, more sports fans may be aware of warning signs and early symptoms of cancer.

Objective

Crucial Catch is an NFL initiative running throughout the month of October to raise awareness and financial support for cancer research across the country. In support of this initiative, the goal was to share Detroit Lions player Josh Paschal's journey with cancer and how it helped shape his career and his life after diagnosis. The main objective was to tell his story as accurate and as detailed as possible, ultimately making people more aware of the signs and symptoms of Melanoma and the importance of early detection. Lastly, we wanted to highlight the phenomenal person he is off the field and despite all the adversity, he accomplished his dream of playing in the NFL.

Strategy & Execution

Bringing cancer awareness and the importance of early detection to the mind of a modern sports fan isn't the easiest thing. The goal was to allow Josh's difficult, yet inspirational story, to bridge the gap between sports and science. To tell his story as accurately and detailed as possible, we interviewed his family, several of his coaches, and many more people who influenced him during his battle with cancer. By publishing the piece in October, the aim was to capitalize on the momentum of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative where the importance of early detection was spread to NFL fans through TV broadcasts, in-game activations and across social media.

Organizations

• Detroit Lions One Pride Productions

Links

•   Website

Featured

• Josh Pascal

Credits

Derek Heitman
Senior Producer
Detroit Lions

Greg Maiola
Media Information Manager
Detroit Lions

Celebrate in NYC

Join us for the 7th Annual Hashtag Sports Awards™ on the evening of June 24, 2025 as we celebrate finalists and reveal the winners of this year's awards live during the show.