Three years ago to the date, Dan Campbell was introduced as the head coach of the Detroit Lions in one of the most memorable press conferences in NFL history.
Just a few short years later, Campbell has his team knocking on the doorstep of a Super Bowl appearance. And that success is not lost on him.
Dan Campbell Reflects on His Tenure in Emotional Press Conference
Campbell may be called many things by those who enjoy watching the NFL: a madman, overzealous, brazen in his in-game decisions. However, they simply cannot deny the passion that Campbell brings with him to work every single day.
At the postgame press conference, Campbell was asked about the fact that he was introduced as the new leader of the Detroit franchise three years ago to the very date that his team punched a ticket into the NFC Championship Game.
He replied, “Look, I’ve got a lot of really, really outstanding people around me. Alright? And I’m fortunate. I’m fortunate. It takes a village.”
Campbell would go on to point out multiple individuals who have significantly helped this team reach the heights it has this year, but his emotions seemed to hold him back from truly expounding on the rest of the answer.
He ended the question again by answering, “I’m fortunate.”
Many doubted the first-time head coach when he was introduced back in 2021, but he — and GM Brad Holmes — have done a phenomenal job of building up an inexperienced team that is competing with the big dogs in the NFC … and winning.
They face a tough task in front of them in the NFC Championship Game as they go into a head-to-head battle against the San Francisco 49ers. This young Lions unit will be put to the test in multiple different fashions this next weekend, but they have a leader that promises to keep them locked in and focused on the mission.
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It’s been a long time since Detroit has had someone at the helm that they trust to lead them into the toughest battles and emerge victorious. It’s thanks — in large part — to the passion that Campbell brings with him wherever he goes. We’ll see if they’re up to the task in just a week.
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