At the opening of the 2023 season, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave a speech that would undoubtedly set the tone for the season. Detroit’s third-year head coach delivered a statement that stated the goal and charted the route for a team that would eventually win its first division title in three decades. “Good morning, everyone. This is the first day, guys. “This is going to take everyone in this room,” Campbell warned. “I want to do something unique. Do you? I swear to God, I will do something extraordinary. Everything from this point forward is how we position ourselves to be in the greatest possible position to move forward.”
Campbell’s experience as a player and as a coach has taught him exactly what players require in order to feel welcomed and to put in the effort required to overcome hurdles. The NFL is a business, and a very competitive one at that, but Campbell’s no-nonsense and straightforward style makes difficult decisions easier to handle, and he is respected by the vast majority of his players and those who work for him. Campbell does not shy away from confronting difficult truths, addressing them while maintaining a positive attitude that has allowed young athletes to persevere in the face of significant losses.
“There will be bumps in the road.” You were made for this s**t. “This team is built for s**t like that,” Campbell remarked. “Even when things get tough, we keep going.” You know what I’m talking about. Nobody handles it as we do.” Campbell had players like Alex Anzalone and Charles Harris read the organization’s last semblances of success in the back of the meeting room, laying the groundwork for a new road forward. “We are creating our legacy right now.” “We create our legacy,” Campbell explained. “With this crew, we are in a unique position. We’re capable of doing something that few teams can. And that is to leave a legacy in some way.
“That’s what comes to mind. ‘Are we going to be able to get it done?’ Gentlemen, we’re going to do it. We’re going to f****n do it. But it’s all about positioning ourselves. That’s exactly what I’m thinking. That’s why we get a home game in the division championship. They have to go via us. And you know what? If we have to travel somewhere else (road game), fine. But that is the point of this. With the overall goal in mind. The idea. And our legacy begins right now. Gentlemen, we’re going to do something amazing. And this is a season we will never forget. Ever.”
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