Justin Verlander changed his profile picture on social media.
It’s a photo of him with the Tigers in 2005.
In the coming days, the 42-year-old franchise icon will get his picture taken once again in the Old English “D” after signing a one-year, $13 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Feb. 10, for the 2026 season, marking his return after more than eight years.
Verlander celebrated with a post on his social media platforms.
“Back where it all started,” Verlander wrote.
The nostalgic message appeared with an epic 55-second hype video to the tune of Detroit rapper Eminem’s song, “Till I Collapse.” The video showcased memorable moments from Verlander’s first stint with the Tigers, from 2005-17.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report Wednesday for spring training in Lakeland, Florida.
This will be Verlander’s first spring in Lakeland since 2017.
Celebrate 125 epic seasons of the Tigers with a new book!
The Tigers selected Verlander with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Old Dominion, then he made his MLB debut in July 2005. The Tigers traded Verlander to the Houston Astros on Aug. 31, 2017.
In 2026, Verlander is back where his career began.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Justin Verlander sends message, posts hype video in return to Tigers
Reporting by Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
