Running back D’Andre Swift is only entering his second season with the Detroit Lions, but the contrast between his rookie campaign and his sophomore year is obvious from Day 1 of training camp.
Swift noticed the change in attitude and culture from the Matt Patricia coaching staff in 2020 to the new regime led by Dan Campbell. And the running back wasn’t shy about pointing out a basic but very important difference.
Fun.
Swift brought up the change in energy and enjoyment in his post-practice media session.
“Energy is a lot different,” Swift explained. “Guys smiling, having fun. … People kind of forget to have fun, playing a kids’ game. You can’t forget to have fun.”
It’s a not-so-subtle shot at Patricia, who frowned upon players expressing themselves and enjoying the process of football. Several Lions players both past and present leveled the criticism against Patricia, and it was tangible from the designated media watching area in Allen Park, too.
Coach Dan Campbell preached the concept of making football and training camp fun again in his press conference before practice. Based on Swift’s comments, it seems the rookie coach accomplished his goal.