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Dan Campbell Got Emotional Talking About His Lions Players, and NFL Fans Loved It

/ WKKY Country 104.7
Kevin Sweeney
Oct 31, 2023 | 9:39 AM
Dan Campbell Got Emotional Talking About His Lions Players, and NFL Fans Loved It

Screengrab via ESPN



An ESPN interview with Lions coach Dan Campbell that aired before the team’s win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football is going viral because of the coach’s raw emotion.

Campbell was moved to the verge of tears as he talked about the players from his first year as head coach in 2021. The Lions started 0-10-1 that season and were the butt of many jokes league-wide, but Campbell credits them for helping set the foundation for where the team is today.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell congratulates tight end Sam LaPorta after LaPorta caught a touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Ford Field.

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

“We’re the same gritty team [now], we’re just more talented. The core of that [2021] group, you talk about a bunch of dudes that were just going to battle,” Campbell said. “We didn’t quite have the horses we’ve got now, but those guys, you talk about laying it on the line and going toe-to-toe with anybody and willing the fight to the end, I’ll never forget those guys.”

That’s when Campbell started really getting emotional. After a long pause to compose himself, Campbell explained why.

“I appreciate guys that lay it on the line,” Campbell said. “Maybe you’re outnumbered, maybe you’re not the most talented… I respect the hell out of those guys that will fight. And that’s what we’re about.”

Campbell’s willingness to show emotion is one of the many reasons he has won over fans in Detroit and across the NFL world. Everyone loved his latest viral moment.