The transition has happened right before our eyes.
It has been gradual, imperceptible even at times, but the Detroit Lions are several months into the process of replacing one of the longest-tenured and most-respected players on their roster, safety Glover Quin.
Quin has started all 15 games for the Lions this year, keeping his ironman streak of 147 consecutive starts – third longest in the NFL – intact. But his playing time has waned considerably in recent weeks, as the Lions have started to give rookie Tracy Walker a longer look in the secondary.