The Buffalo Bills aim to defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and head coach Sean McDermott believes he can take down Lions’ coach Dan Campbell in a wrestling match.
McDermott was asked by Eric Wood on the Centered on Buffalo podcast whether any NFL coach, besides Campbell, could defeat him in wrestling.
The Bills coach didn’t hesitate with his response.
“No. And Dan Campbell couldn’t, either,” McDermott said. “Let’s clear that up right now.”
While both teams are Super Bowl contenders, Campbell’s playing weight was nearly 100 pounds heavier than McDermott’s.
Wood, a former Bills center and team commentator, noted that he knew McDermott would be irritated by suggesting Campbell could win. He then asked McDermott about younger coaches like Jerod Mayo, 38, and DeMeco Ryans, 40.
McDermott firmly shook his head.
“No,” he responded. “This would be like me saying to you as a center, confident in your own abilities, ‘You’re going up against Aaron Donald.’ And I know you’d just say ‘So.’
“It’s the same mentality. Until someone proves they’re better than you, you have to believe you’re the best.”
Both McDermott and Campbell are known for their strong work ethic and blue-collar roots.
McDermott began wrestling at age four and was a two-time National Prep School Champion at LaSalle College High School, where he weighed 171 pounds. He went undefeated for 75 consecutive matches and was named Wrestler of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.
McDermott competed in the 1993 USA High School Wrestling Tournament, finishing with a 2-2 record, facing the future national champion.
“My wrestling background shaped who I am today,” McDermott said after being hired by the Bills in 2017. “Wrestling teaches many life lessons.”
He has continued training in mixed martial arts and has a wrestling mat at home.
In a potential McDermott-Campbell wrestling match, leg joints wouldn’t be safe. McDermott’s go-to takedown in high school was a low single, focusing on the knees, while Campbell famously attacks them.
McDermott vs. Campbell – Comparison
Sean McDermott
Age: 50
Height: Unknown
Weight: 171 pounds in college
Reach: Beating the Chiefs in playoffs
Wrestling Career: Two-time National Prep Champion, 61-0 in last two years, Wrestler of the Year in Philadelphia
High School: Attended North Penn and La Salle College High School; All-Southeastern PA honors in football in 1992
College: William & Mary Hall of Famer, 46 games, 322 tackles, 20 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries
Coaching Career: Various roles with Eagles and Panthers; Bills head coach (2017-present)
Head Coaching Record: 88-50 (.638)
Dan Campbell
Age: 48
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 265 pounds during NFL career
Reach: No caffeine for 24 hours
Wrestling Career: Wrestled steers at his family’s ranch
High School: Played running back and tight end
College: Texas A&M, 27 receptions, 314 yards, 3 touchdowns
NFL: 3rd round pick by Giants, 9 seasons, 91 catches, 934 yards, 11 touchdowns
Coaching Career: Miami Dolphins (2010-2015); New Orleans Saints (2016-2020); Lions head coach (2021-present)
Head Coaching Record: 43-35-1 (.551)
