Dan Miller, the radio voice of the Detroit Lions, enthusiastically praised the team’s grit and resilience after they triumphed over the Green Bay Packers with a last-minute field goal, securing their spot in the playoffs for the second year in a row.
This season, the Lions are on track to make a Super Bowl appearance with a remarkable 12-1 record, potentially earning them home-field advantage in the playoffs. Despite last year’s NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers, their determination is stronger than ever.
More Than Just Grit
While grit plays a role, the Lions’ standout quality is their unwavering determination. Despite significant injuries, including season-ending setbacks to key defensive players Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone, the team continues to thrive.
Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell reflected on the team’s resilience, saying, “It’s about what we’ve had to overcome. We don’t make excuses, we just find a way to win… everyone on this team believed we could pull it off, and we did it again.”
Key Takeaways
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Lions so successful.
Cultivate a Strong Culture: Sheila Ford Hamp took over the Lions from her late mother, Martha Ford. With her competitive nature, honed through her own athletic background as a Yale tennis player, Sheila brought a fresh perspective to leadership. She brought in Brad Holmes as General Manager and Dan Campbell as head coach, who then hired talented coordinators like Ben Johnson (offense) and Aaron Glenn (defense). While their first season together ended with a 3-13 record, Sheila remained confident in their vision, even when she faced criticism at an event at Ford Field.
Exhibit Professionalism: For many years, joining the Lions was seen as a step backward in a player’s career. Quarterback Jared Goff, traded from the Los Angeles Rams after taking them to a Super Bowl, experienced this firsthand. Despite the change, Goff embraced his new role with professionalism and hard work, setting an example for his teammates.
Adapt to the Situation: Campbell, a former NFL player, emphasizes the “next man up” mentality. This approach ensures that when a player is injured or unavailable, someone else is prepared to step in and perform, an essential strategy in a sport as physically demanding as football.
Be Resourceful: The Lions excel at finding players who can step up when needed. For example, during the win over Green Bay, several defensive players had only recently joined the team. Despite being unfamiliar with the system, these veteran players managed to contribute effectively, helping the defense hold off the Packers.
The Role of Tenacity in Building Culture
This mindset has cultivated a tenacious team
