“I mean, the early departure was a disappointment.” Yeah, like no kidding, Barry. The Lions’ fans had hopes that they would end up with the Lombardi last season instead, the team packed up faster than expected. But if there is one person who isn’t going to tolerate another failed season, it’s Detroit legend Barry Sanders. And honestly? That should be music to Dan Campbell’s ears.

The Hall of Famer, Barry Sanders, made it clear on the Good Morning Football podcast – that the Lions team isn’t some one-hit wonder. Despite losing key coordinators like Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the foundation is rock solid. “We still have most of our solid nucleus of young players who are in their prime. And there’s no reason why, you know, we can’t be back in the playoffs and, and playing for a Super Bowl next year with‌ the group that we have,” Barry explained.

Further, he also gave Coach Campbell his due credit, as he said, “I feel like Coach Campbell has understood over the last several years that those guys are highly sought after, that, you know, their days are probably numbered in Detroit. You know, if they wanted to take advantage of another coaching opportunity. And, you know, I‌ know that Brad Holmes and Coach Campbell understand, you know, what they’re up against.”

By this, Barry Sanders acknowledged that Coach Campbell always understood that assistants Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are highly sought after and the time they had with the Lions was always limited. Moreover, he also said he knows Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have a tough job ahead, but Sanders isn’t making excuses for them. He wants the Lions to reload, not regress.

So, Sanders is still not in panic mode. He still believes in the team’s core players and coaches, but his message is clear: Make this season count because the last one was disappointing.

‘Disappointing’ end can’t derail Detroit’s future

As the last season started, it was like a day full of sunshine for the Lions – until it wasn’t. They secured the NFC’s top seed with a 15-2 regular season record, earning a home-field advantage and a first-round bye. Historically speaking, they won the Super Bowl that day itself. But, no. Despite all these advantages, they ended up losing the Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders (45-31).

Barry Sanders compared their rise to that of the Philadelphia Eagles, who built a long-term powerhouse in the NFC. “When I see what the Eagles have done, I feel like we’ve been right there on a similar trajectory… The Lions and Eagles have been kind of the class of the NFC.”

For years, Lions’ fans have settled for “progress.” Not anymore. This team has a core built to compete for championships, and Sanders made it clear—anything less than another deep playoff run should not be acceptable. “There’s no reason why we can’t be back in the playoffs and playing for a Super Bowl next year.”

So yeah, the early exit stung. But as Barry Sanders said, this team is built for the long haul. And if he’s still riding the Lions hype train, then maybe we all should be too.

Plus, Dan Campbell has turned the Lions into a legitimate contender, but now comes the hard part—staying on top. With Sanders watching closely, the message is loud and clear: Detroit’s time is now. No excuses. No setbacks. No looking back.

So, Lions’ fans are you ready to celebrate the victory of the Super Bowl in 2025? Barry Sanders believes they will. Do you?