New Lions coach Dan Campbell is a national phenomenon after his wild, epic introductory press conference on Thursday. His comments about “biting off kneecaps” and unapologetic enthusiasm made the national news and the late-night talk show circuit, two things that are foreign turf for the Detroit Lions.
In an interview on Friday morning with “Good Morning Football” on the NFL Network, Campbell admitted his opening statement and presentation were a little over the top.
“Let me say this, I didn’t realize I had taken that many body parts,” a smiling Campbell said to ex-Lions WR Nate Burleson and the rest of the hosts after watching himself from a day earlier. “That was a lot more violent than I thought it was yesterday. But look, I am who I am.”
He then offered a poignant perspective on how what his old team, the Saints, did for the city and the people of New Orleans and how he sees parallels with that for Detroit. He reflected upon his time in Detroit as a player,
“(Detroit) is just dying for a winner. They’re just dying for it. And if you can just give them one, they’ll love you forever and it will unite a community.”
It’s a worthwhile watch to get a feel for Campbell and his message, which GMFB gratefully included in a tweet,
It was AWESOME having @Lions new HC Dan Campbell on #GMFB today!
He talks about what it means to rep Detroit, what he will bring to Motown, his favorite @Metallica album, and so much more!
"This place needed hope and I needed to give it to them." pic.twitter.com/frWypqePiQ
— GMFB (@gmfb) January 22, 2021