Dan Campbell Got Emotional Talking About His Lions Players, and NFL Fans Loved It

The Detroit Lions coach is the best.

An ESPN interview with Lions coach Dan Campbell that aired before the team’s win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football is going viral because of the coach’s raw emotion.

Campbell was moved to the verge of tears as he talked about the players from his first year as head coach in 2021. The Lions started 0-10-1 that season and were the butt of many jokes league-wide, but Campbell credits them for helping set the foundation for where the team is today.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell congratulates tight end Sam LaPorta after LaPorta caught a touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Ford Field / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

“We’re the same gritty team [now], we’re just more talented. The core of that [2021] group, you talk about a bunch of dudes that were just going to battle,” Campbell said. “We didn’t quite have the horses we’ve got now, but those guys, you talk about laying it on the line and going toe-to-toe with anybody and willing the fight to the end, I’ll never forget those guys.”

“I’ll never forget those guys.”

Dan Campbell sat down with @MichelleBeisner to share what makes him so emotional about this @Lions team 👏 pic.twitter.com/Aseqbh9hMq

— ESPN (@espn) October 30, 2023

That’s when Campbell started really getting emotional. After a long pause to compose himself, Campbell explained why.

“I appreciate guys that lay it on the line,” Campbell said. “Maybe you’re outnumbered, maybe you’re not the most talented… I respect the hell out of those guys that will fight. And that’s what we’re about."

Campbell’s willingness to show emotion is one of the many reasons he has won over fans in Detroit and across the NFL world. Everyone loved his latest viral moment.

Dan is a great person first and a great coach second https://t.co/koXsDibB0f

— Steven Bolek (@sbolek1) October 31, 2023

Said it before, will say it again. I would go to war for Dan Campbell. https://t.co/6PF7CTvXJt

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) October 31, 2023

Don’t know how anyone could NOT dig this dude and what he brings to the table. https://t.co/UC8x17jGFq

— Otis B. Driftwood (@aubrey75092) October 31, 2023

How can you not love Dan Campbell? https://t.co/W2yMkLV87B

— Scott Turken (@Turk0219) October 31, 2023

I absolutely love that arguably the most physically imposing coach in the league is also the most vulnerable and emotional. https://t.co/ZF21w8f2v2

— Andrew Harbaugh (@AndrewHarbaugh_) October 31, 2023