
Check out the video of his emotional reaction.
The Detroit Lions and Texas A&M teamed up to give “Big Dan” a big award.
The football program organized a scheme to surprise former Aggie tight end Dan Campbell with the Lettermen’s Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Campbell sits down, thinking he’s being interviewed about his playing days, when his former head coach, R.C. Slocum, appears on screen.
“I know this comes as a surprise — this is not an interview, but from everyone here in Aggieland, I want to congratulate you on what an awesome career you had and continue to have,” Slocum says in the video.
A number of former teammates pop up on screen to offer their congratulations on the award, as Campbell appears to get a little choked up.
An unforgettable surprise for one of the greats.
Congratulations to Aggie legend Dan Campbell for receiving the Lettermen’s Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award! #GigEm x @Lions pic.twitter.com/OQlBJ8cYpJ
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) June 4, 2025
His family joins him for some hugs as Campbell says: “I’m honored, thank you. I love my Aggies.”
Campbell tallied 27 receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns in 48 games as a tight end for the Aggies from 1995-1998.
Congratulations, MCDC!
Dan Campbell…then and now. #TBT
( : @Lions )#NFLAggies | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/U62SH19nD2
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) January 28, 2021
And onto the rest of your notes.
- The Lions were ranked the second-most likely team to win their first Super Bowl in 2025 over on NFL.com .
- “When he had an opportunity to sign with the hometown team he grew up watching every weekend with his family, Maddox jumped at the chance.” Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers dives into Detroit-born Avonte Maddox’s journey to the NFL.
- Two Lions made this NFL 2025 All-Paid Team from NFL.com’s Anthony Holzman-Escareno.
- When he’s not starring in TV commercials, David Montgomery is out giving back to the community.
Gibbs and Montgomery didn’t just visit; they claimed their crowns. Two of Detroit’s finest have officially joined the House of Faygo. Let the season of flavor begin! #HouseofFaygo #Faygo #SuperPop #BubblePop pic.twitter.com/4cD6G238Wj
— Faygo Beverages (@Faygo) June 3, 2025
- In light of Frank Ragnow’s retirement, CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo and Garrett Podell offer a list of notable NFL players who retired early. As you can imagine, more than one Lion graces this list.