Dan Campbell envisioned the Detroit Lions competing at the highest level when he became the team’s head coach ahead of the 2021 season.
Despite winning only three games in his first season, Campbell never wavered in his vision for the franchise, which paid off on Sunday in helping the Lions capture their first NFC North crown in 30 years after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 30-24.
After the division-clinching win, Campbell delivered a passionate speech to his players for their performance in Sunday’s contest, and praised some of the team's longest-tenured players who endured multiple losing seasons before he started in Detroit.
“Man, you never forget your first one. We had some core foundation but man, you find your new brothers, right? We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. You guys came in and earned it… all year. Give me the old guard. …[Taylor] Decker, Frank [Ragnow] … Tracy [Walker] … Whenever you do something like what we just did, it’s special.
“When you’re part of the organization and it’s been thirty years since we won a f-----g championship, it’s special man and these guys have been dyin’ for it and waitin’ for it man. It’s for you, baby.”
Earned it. pic.twitter.com/D0VlXa6mBD
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 25, 2023
The Lions (11-4) will end the season with games against the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) in Week 17 and rematch against the Vikings (7-8) in their season finale in Week 18.
