Tracy Walker has felt like a quiet leader since he came to the Detroit Lions as a third-round draft pick in 2018.
That will change this year.
Walker will be a leader, but not a quiet one.
Walker's position as a leader was solidified in an offseason conversation he had with head coach Dan Campbell when Walker was re-signed to a multi-year contract.
"It was a great conversation," Walker said Wednesday. "It was about how excited we both were for me to come back. When I came back and made that decision, I knew I was coming home."
Walker played 44 games at safety with 19 starts in his first three seasons. His role increased last year under Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Walker missed two games because of an injury but started the other 15.
He had a career-high 108 tackles with 74 of them solos – also a career high. He also had an interception and three tackles for loss.
Walker felt he was a leader earlier with the Lions, but there were older players in that role ahead of him.
Now he's one of those older players – in his fifth season, at the age of 27.
"My role right now is to lead," he said. "Not just vocally, but by example."
Campbell said he could see Walker emerging as a vocal leader, along with other players such as defensive lineman Charles Harris, who had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2021 and was re-signed to a two-year contract.
"Absolutely, and I could feel it coming," Campbell said of Walker. "He's been a man on a mission. I'd say Charles has, too. It's one of the reasons we wanted to re-sign them. 'This is your team. Same thing with any of these guys. This is your defense.'
"I love where he (Walker) is at. I love where he's taken his leadership. You can tell he's taking it seriously, and it's not just lip service. He puts the work in."
View photos from Day 7 of Detroit Lions training camp on Wednesday August 3, 2022.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Charles Harris (53), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78), Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63), Detroit Lions tackle Darrin Paulo (66), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63), Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78), Detroit Lions guard Zein Obeid (76), Detroit Lions tackle Darrin Paulo (66) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (29) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Jarvis (75) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley, Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Eric Banks (94), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Charles Harris (53), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley, Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85), Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (18) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), Detroit Lions guard Logan Stenberg (71) Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Logan Stenberg (71) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Ryan McCollum (74) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Jarvis (75) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Julian Okwara (99) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (36) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board (49) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jashon Cornell (96) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10), Detroit Lions Senior Offensive Assistant Coach John Morton during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12), Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Devin Funchess (13) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (62) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (18) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (29) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Wide Receivers Coach Antwaan Randle El during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Josh Schuler during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Brady Breeze (15) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Charles Harris (53) during Lions Training Camp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on August 3, 2022. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Walker has a new partner in the back end of the secondary. DeShon Elliott was signed after four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Elliott has been a recent starter when healthy. He started all 16 games in 2020 and the six he played in 2021.
Walker and Elliott quickly developed a bond. They have similar work habits and a desire to improve.
"He's very passionate about the game," Walker said. "The way he approaches his work each and every day -- he's always asking questions. A lot of guys don't do that. A lot of people feel like they have all the answers.
"He's an open book. He's always trying to be the best person he can be."
