Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes were introduced via text in January 2021, hired to revive a franchise stuck in a perpetual rebuild.
This year, they believe theyβre finally ready to contend.
Inside the relationship driving a Detroit Lions team on the rise:
Kyler Murray transferred to Oklahoma, became a Heisman candidate and has his team in the CFP. Jalen Hurts lost his starting job, stayed at Alabama and was ready when called upon. Itβs OK to celebrate Jalen without ripping players who transfer for a better opportunity.
Kerby Joseph on Aaron Rodgers:
"If that's his last pass, I'm saving that ball and I'm sending it to him so he can sign it. If he don't sign it, I'll understand. But I doubt he's gonna retire. He's probably gonna try to come back, and if he comes back, more plays for me."
Good insight from Eagles center Jason Kelce on the Lionsβ 2-point try.
Says the Eagles have a similar play and the coaching point is to run at the official like youβre reporting eligible, but not actually report, to throw off the defense. Also says Detroitβs formation was legal.
Asked Jameson Williams, who's regularly out and about in the community, why it's so important to show his face and invest in Detroit.
Williams: "I just plan to be here for a long time."
Hello! Some personal news: After four years covering Michigan State, Iβm thrilled to announce Iβll be taking over the Detroit Lions beat for The Athletic!
Some words on these last four years, what Iβve learned and what to expect:
Tom Izzo on his future: "Right now, my players and our 600,000 living alums are stuck with me. And I plan on staying that way for a while. I still have some goals and dreams to achieve."
Amon-Ra St. Brown said Lions players weren't supposed to speak during the NFL Draft intro. But St. Brown said he told the commissioner he had to say something. Got the "JA-RED GOFF" chant going, then others followed.
Baker told C.J. Gardner-Johnson to watch more film this week.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson picked him off on Tampa's first drive, and flipped the football to Baker after the play
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noticed the extra bodies in the media room.
βMost of the time I come in here and thereβs, what, I donβt know, 20 of you, and now thereβs a whole packed room. People I donβt even recognize.β
Wants his team to block out the noise this week
Lions LBs coach Kelvin Sheppard says LB Jack Campbell walks around like he's pissed at the world. Wants him to relax a bit more.
Shep to Campbell: "Dude, enjoy life. Are you enjoying this?"
Sam LaPorta had to let him know.
LaPorta: "Shep, it ain't you. He's been like that." π
Gabe Brown, on Joey Hauser: βIβm just so proud of him. Joey works his nuts off every single day.β
Tom Izzo: βThis isnβt HBO, you know.β
Brown: βMy fault, my fault.β
*whispers*
βI canβt say that?β
Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson on WR Jameson Williams:
βHeβs one of the best receivers in the game right now. Working out with him every day, Jamoβs ready. Donβt worry about him. He ready.β
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson on Saturdayβs Michigan-Michigan State game:
βI donβt think I can speak too much of it. Now that Iβm a Lion, I feel like I unite Michigan and Michigan State fans, so Iβm not gonna speak too much on it. But Iβll be tuned in. Thatβs for sure.β
Weβre either getting a Zach Wilson statement game for the ages or a clear and obvious reminder of why he was benched in the first place.
No in between lol
Lions LB Jack Campbell tossed Jags RB JaMycal Hasty on a run play during a team period. Took him to the ground in a non-padded practice, but didnβt look forceful. Still, the Jags didnβt like it and surrounded Campbell. Whole Lions sideline rushed the field to defend their rookie.
Lions CB Terrion Arnold on playing with former Alabama teammates Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch and Jameson Williams in Detroit:
"Those are my brothers. It's something special going on here in Detroit."
Terrion Arnold is a perfect fit for the Lions. He gives them the young, long-term cornerback option they've been searching for, possesses the mentality they love from the CB position and adds to a secondary that's gotten better every year. Love the pick.
Lions RB David Montgomery on his first win vs. the Packers:
βIt just felt different. It just felt real different. β¦I can tell my son I beat the Packers.β
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noticed the extra bodies in the media room.
βMost of the time I come in here and thereβs, what, I donβt know, 20 of you, and now thereβs a whole packed room. People I donβt even recognize.β
Wants his team to block out the noise this week