The Facts: Culpepper, who weighed 292 pounds when he was signed midseason last year, has dropped significant weight. "He came in this year about 260 (pounds), so he's definitely getting himself in shape and he's just very upbeat and positive," said veteran WR Bryant Johnson, a free agent signed in the offseason. "He looks good, and I look forward to working with him."

Diehards Line:OT George Foster, who recently re-signed with the team, said Culpepper is making a statement to his teammates. "I've only been here about three days, but the biggest thing I can say is that he's leading by example. The guy looks amazing," Foster said. ... Culpepper was out of football last year until early November when he signed with the Lions. A week later, he was in the starting lineup. He started five games, completing 52 percent of his passes with four touchdowns, six interceptions and a passer efficiency rating of 63.9. ... While Culpepper is the Lions' clear No. 1 quarterback, MLive.com's Tom Kowalski reminds readers there are rumors the team will take Georgia's Matthew Stafford with the first overall draft pick.