Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s postgame speech after the team won the division after a 30 year drought was something to behold.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell continues exemplify leadership in every possible way. After the team’s nail-biting victory over the Minnesota Vikings —clinching the team’s first divisional crown in 30 years—Campbell went into the locker room, and showed why he’s a leader of men and he gets it.
Campbell gathered the veteran leaders of this team—who he termed “the old guards”—and put them at the center of the room. Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tracy Walker, Graham Glasgow, Will Harris, Romeo Okwara, nad even Don Muhlbach got to be a part of this group. These players, much like us as fans, have been with this organization for years and have had to endure some of the lowest, most frustrating points in this franchise’s history. Yet, throughout it all, every single one of these players gave it their all, remained loyal to the team, and are now part of the most special season in at least three decades of this franchise.
As a player, Campbell knows that players are chasing moments like these forever, particularly veterans whose careers may be closer to the end than the start. So he gathered them, and honored their hard work, patience, and perseverance.
“Whenever you do something like what we just did, it’s special,” Campbell began. “It don’t matter, man. And it don’t matter how many you win in a row, they’re special. But I can tell you this, when you’re part of the organization and it’s been 30 years since we won a fucking championship, it’s special, man. And these guys have been fucking dying for it and waiting for it. It’s for you, baby. This first one is for you.”
An impossibly smart and classy gesture from Coach.
As if that video wasn’t enough, keep watching as Decker breaks down the team with an epic speech. The best part:
“Now everybody fucking respects us, and everybody better fucking fear us.”