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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in 30 years, the Detroit Lions have managed to clinch a berth in the playoffs. The Lions gave the biggest Christmas gift, under Dan Campbell‘s leadership, as they secured the first division title with a 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The coach should be the proudest considering how he took over the Lions in 2021 and brought them here in such a short time. Of course, Jared Goff and the boys get the due credit as well.
There was a lot of commotion when Dan Campbell joined the Lions, and the media had a lot to say about him. Some would even slander Campbell before his tenure even began. Alas! The tables have turned, and Pat McAfee is here to talk about it as he gives his respect to Dan Campbell for his once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Pat McAfee doubles down on Dan Campbell
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Pat McAfee pointed out the massive improvement that the Lions have been through and how far they’ve come from their HC being slandered to them getting a playoff berth. Per McAfee, Dan Campbell brought a certain culture to the Lions by hiring the correct players and winning games. “Everything that Fred Flintstones (Dan Campbell) had to say in that press conference has become true. They started drafting pillars that built the culture that they wanted,” said McAfee.
He also added, “They set the culture publicly. This is the type of players we’re looking for when you get here, this is what we’re doing,”, and clarified that “Everything he projected was like a call to people who were coming to the Detroit Lions, it worked out for the son of a b****.”
The context here needs a little rewinding. Dan Campbell getting a position over Eric Bieniemy didn’t sit well with the NFL community, especially for the hosts of the show First Take. After Campbell’s press conference, Max Kellerman of the show took shots at Campbell and said that he was concerned for the Lions. He said, “If I’m a Lions fan, I’m concerned. I liked Bieniemy what had to say about not getting a job better than what Campbell said.” He also pointed to some controversial things that Campbell said in the presser.
Campbell said in the 2021 presser, “We’re gonna kick you in the teeth, and when you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you. And when you knock us down, we’re gonna get up. And on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off.” The words have certainly turned into reality.
READ MORE- Detroit Lions Created History After Ending 30-Year Drought to Become NFC North Champions
For the first time in three decades, the Lions were able to win a divisional championship game. The locker room environment was a sight to see.
Dan Campbell has truly built the culture for the Lions
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We see the Lions HC give out game balls to the valuable players of the game. This time was no different. The NFL shared a post-game locker room speech from Campbell. This time was no different. The only difference was the surge of emotions that everyone was going through in that locker room.
"These guys have been dying for it and waiting for it. It's for you."
Dan Campbell honored the veteran leaders of the team after winning their first division title in 30 years. 💙 (via @Lions) pic.twitter.com/iUso1mpXaJ
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
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A wish coming true after 3 decades is enough to make anyone emotional and get the best of this Lions’ pack. Interesting things are ahead for the Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell is the face of it, despite all the trials and tribulations he’s gone through. Detroit Lions previously stunned the NFL with an impressive 7–2 record, following a classic 41–38 victory against the Chargers in November. Then came the jaw-dropping Week 13 victory against the Saints. Now, they have clinched the NFC North title with a thrilling win against the Vikings. Well, ain’t Campbell a man of his word?
Watch this Story: After Pat McAfee’s Light-Hearted Mockery, Boston College Football Punter’s Weird LA Bowl Qualification Celebration Goes Viral