Detroit Lions' head coach, Dan Campbell, was emotional as he discussed the significance of the team reaching the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991.
The Lions have had a historic year, ending a 30-year wait for divisional success and securing their first playoff win in decades. The team's victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 14 marked the first postseason win witnessed by a whole generation of fans. They continued their winning streak with a triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions are now set to face the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 28, with the victor heading to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. This Lions team is respected by all NFL fans but particularly celebrated within Detroit more than any other previous roster, and Campbell offered a theory as to why.
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Since Campbell took over as head coach in 2021, there has been a significant change in the Lions' fortunes, bringing optimism to the area. The Detroit Pistons recently set a record for the worst losing run in the NBA, the Detroit Tigers have struggled in MLB, and the Detroit Red Wings are not expected to challenge in the NHL anytime soon. But the Lions' success has brought hope to Detroit sports fans.
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The Lions hadn't made the playoffs since 2016, but they managed to secure 12 regular season wins in 2023 - their best performance since 1991 when they last reached the NFC Championship. Detroit fans know their place compared to other regions' supporters, but that's why Campbell believes they have an edge over other teams.
"It's not the first thing you think of if you go to LA. Or in general. You've got the sun, you've got the beach, you've got plenty of other things going on and here... it's harsh winters, auto industry, blue collar, and things aren't always easy," Campbell told reporters, comparing Detroit to the West Coast. "That's what we are about.
"You want something to sit in and be proud of. You can look at those guys and be like 'I can back that guy, I can back that team, I can resonate with those group of guys.' They're kind of salty, they don't quit, and they play hard. And so I think we've done that and I think these guys have a kinship with this city and this area, and they love it."
Always modest, Campbell has done a fantastic job since his arrival in 2021. He also expressed gratitude towards his team, likening them to a village of people all striving for the best for their area. "I've got a lot of really, really outstanding people around me, and I'm fortunate," added Campbell.
"It takes a village, and without everybody involved, without Brad Holmes, without Sheila and Rod, Chris Spielman, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Dave Fipp... I'm fortunate."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to webhomepage@mirror.co.uk
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