The Culture Dan Campbell Brings to Detroit
The Detroit Lions have been a losing football team for decades. No one better than Dan Campbell understands that as he was a part of the 0-16 Lions team in 2008. He understands what the city of Detroit has been through and is on a mission to change what once was a losing franchise.
Photo Credit: Kevin Sabitus
Campbell began coaching for the Lions in the 2021 Season, following Matt Patricia, who did not do well in Detroit. Along with changes in ownership, general manager, and coordinator positions, Campbell came in to change the culture of this team. After his first season in Detroit, it felt like the same old Lions, as they went 3-13 and looked terrible on both sides of the ball. In the 2022 Season, Detroit went 9-8 and looked much better towards the late end of the Season. They were unfortunately eliminated from the Playoffs in Week 18 but went on to beat Green Bay in Lambeau Field on Sunday Night Football to knock Aaron Rodgers and the Packers out of the Playoffs. Moving onto the 2023 Season, Detroit went 12-5 in the Regular Season and 2-1 in the Playoffs. We all witnessed the Lions flip from one of the worst teams in the NFL to one of the most dangerous.
A huge reason for Detroit’s recent success is credited to Dan Campbell. After Hard Knocks was filmed in Detroit during the Summer of 2022, Campbell became a fan favorite and likable coach who was determined to win. What is so special about Dan is his passion for the game and his players. Along with that, he has shown trust in his players and changed the game with his fourth-down calls. Brad Holmes has brought the talent in, and Dan Campbell has done a great job implementing that talent to make the Lions stronger.
Photo Credit: Ashley Landis, AP Photo
The culture Campbell has integrated into this team is filled with grit. A famous line from Campbell’s opening presser was first looked at with laughs, but now respected. It went like this, "we’re going to kick you in the teeth, all right, and when you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you and when you knock us down, we’re going to get up. And, on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off." Not only has the team backed this up, but the city feeds off Campbell’s energy and passion. Dan understands what the city of Detroit has gone through, and he understands the team’s past as he played for them. Now, it is Dan Campbell’s mission to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit.
