“That’s what Champions do”
The Detroit Lions hold the best record in the NFC and may be the top team in the NFL. After Thursday night’s thrilling victory against the Green Bay Packers, head coach Dan Campbell declared that this is exactly how champions perform.
Need motivation? Look no further than Dan Campbell. The Detroit Lions’ head coach is the epitome of fiery leadership, showing his relentless passion every week during the Lions’ remarkable season.
On Thursday night, the Lions secured a 34-31 win over the Packers, aided by Campbell’s bold decision-making. His call to go for it on 4th down late in the game set up a field goal as time expired. Campbell’s aggressiveness was on full display, going for it five times during the game, including a critical conversion at the end of the first half that led to Jahmyr Gibbs’ touchdown.
However, the fourth-quarter 4th down play almost ended in disaster. Quarterback Jared Goff stumbled while handing off the ball to David Montgomery, with one knee down. Luckily, since Goff wasn’t touched by a defender, he wasn’t ruled down. Montgomery powered forward for 7 yards, setting up Jake Bates’ game-winning field goal – his third of the season.
Dan Campbell’s Speech Fires Up Lions
After the victory, Campbell delivered an impassioned locker room speech. With the intensity of a coach determined to lead his team to greatness, Campbell reminded his players that this performance was what champions are made of.
“I told you, you’d never forget this game,” Campbell said. “We don’t need to talk about how tough or resilient we are.”
Campbell praised both the offense and defense for rising to the occasion, emphasizing the team’s ability to thrive under pressure.
“It doesn’t matter who’s playing for us or the circumstances. You always find a way to win. That’s what champions do,” he said.
He then handed game balls to the night’s standout players: Tim Patrick and Jake Bates.
Patrick, a recent addition from the Broncos’ practice squad, caught six passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns – his first since 2021. Bates nailed the game-winning field goal once again.
“All the stats you need is he won the freaking game – Jake Bates,” Campbell said.
Dan Skipper Gets a Shoutout Amid Chaos
During the speech, Campbell noticed offensive tackle Dan Skipper vomiting mid-celebration.
As Campbell celebrated the offense’s success, he turned to see Skipper hunched over a trash can.
“There you go, Skip, keep throwing up! Whatever you’re doing over there,” Campbell quipped, drawing laughter from the locker room. “That’s a way to lay it all on the line.”
Skipper had stepped in for Taylor Decker, who missed his second consecutive game due to a knee injury.
