Dan Campbell Has Message for Fans Who Believe the NFL is Against the Detroit Lions
In the wake of a contentious officiating decision that sparked debate among the Detroit Lions‘ fanbase, head coach Dan Campbell offered a pragmatic perspective to supporters grappling with the idea that the NFL might be biased against their team. Addressing the media on Monday, Campbell, with his experience and a clear-minded approach, advised against succumbing to a narrative of victimhood. His words come after Saturday’s loss against the Dallas Cowboys, where a controversial call played a pivotal role, leaving fans and players alike in a swirl of frustration and speculation about the league’s fairness.

A Call for Positive Perspective
Dan Campbell, addressing the media, urged fans not to succumb to the belief that the NFL is against the Lions.
“Don’t do that. Don’t do it. I know, I get it, but don’t do it. Don’t buy into that, don’t live in that world, that’ll just pull you down,” Campbell explained. “If it makes you feel any better, the NFL’s against every team.”
Recalling his time as an assistant under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints, Campbell drew parallels with a past controversial incident.
“Look, I was in New Orleans. So I know what that feels like. But, you know what, we walked away,” Campbell explained. “Even in that game, we had chances to win before all that happened. But that one ended it, that was it, man. We walked away, packed our bags and left. This one, we got a taste of what that was like, but we’ve still got a chance. We haven’t even started the tournament. I think it’s a blessing, and I would tell fans don’t do it, don’t even believe that. We’re just getting started.”
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Dan Campbell’s Advice Against Bias Belief: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell strongly advised fans against harboring the belief that the NFL is biased against their team. His message was clear: indulging in such thoughts can be detrimental and counterproductive.
- Drawing from Personal Experience: Campbell referenced his past experience with the New Orleans Saints, specifically recalling the infamous no-call incident during the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. This experience lends weight to his understanding of controversial calls and their impact.
- Focus on the Future, Not Past Controversies: Emphasizing the difference between the Saints’ season-ending loss and the Lions’ current situation, Campbell sees the recent controversial call as an opportunity for motivation. He encourages fans and players to look forward to the playoffs, viewing it as a new beginning rather than dwelling on past adversities.

The Bottom Line – A New Beginning, Not an End
Dan Campbell’s message to fans is clear: focus on the future and the opportunities ahead, rather than dwelling on perceived injustices. His experience with the Saints serves as a backdrop for his belief that even in the face of controversy, there is a chance to rise above and succeed. As the Lions prepare for their upcoming playoff journey, Campbell’s attitude and message to fans set a tone of resilience and optimism, underlining the belief that the best is yet to come for the Detroit Lions.