Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is known for his unconventional and bold ideas, but one of them was too wild for the NFL to accept. Campbell disclosed his desire to have a sideline ‘Lion’ for games, but the league dismissed his proposal. He said he asked Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp for permission, and she agreed, but the NFL did not approve of the idea.

In 2021, soon after joining the Lions, Campbell expressed his longing for a “legit pet lion on a chain, a big-ass chain”. He envisioned striding with it during practice and on game days.

Detroit Lions HC’s request for pet Lion

Campbell first mentioned his desire for a pet lion in 2021, shortly after he was hired by the Lions. He revealed that he sought permission from Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, who consented, yet the NFL disapproved.

“Sheila, she had no problem with it, but the league apparently frowns on those types of things,” Campbell said on the ‘Pardon My Take’ podcast. “I’m not gonna point out Roger [Goodell] on this, I’m just gonna say the league frowns on that, let’s just say that.”

People may think that Campbell is inspired by Mike Tyson, who famously owned a pet tiger in the 1990s. Therefore, Campbell actually thought having a pet lion would be a way to intimidate the opponents and show the Lions’ ferocity and toughness. Coach’s dying wish: a pet lion, inspired by other franchises with pets.

Do NFL franchises own pets? 

In the year 2021, Campbell expressed his desire for a pet lion, even though he doubts it’s feasible. Envisioning the beast on a massive chain, strolling around, attending football practice, and games, he exudes enthusiasm. He stated, despite potential opposition from PETA, he pledges meticulous care, feeding, and pampering. Campbell’s desire is understandable because other NFL teams do own live mascots.

Live animal mascots are not uncommon in the NFL, but none of them are as dangerous or unpredictable as a lion. The Baltimore Ravens have two ravens named Rise and Conquer, the Denver Broncos have an Arabian horse named Thunder, the Seattle Seahawks have a hawk named Taima, and the Cleveland Browns have a bull mastiff named Swagger Jr. The Kansas City Chiefs used to have a pinto horse named Warpaint, and the Miami Dolphins used to have a live dolphin named Flipper.

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However, none of these animals can compare to the power and majesty of a lion, which is why Campbell may want one for his team. What’s your thought on Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s idea?

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