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Dan Campbell Laughs Uncontrollably After Learning About NFL's All-Time 'Grittiest' Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 9:55 AM ET

The Detroit Lions have built a reputation as one of the NFL's "grittiest" teams since head coach Dan Campbell took over in January 2021.

Campbell, a former Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Detroit Lions tight end during his playing days, made the word "grit" his team's slogan and hasn't looked back since, stocking his rosters with players who fit the bill.

On Tuesday, Campbell was asked to name his all-time grittiest player by Green Light Podcast host Chris Long, and chose two classic NFL players before discovering what he felt was the best answer.

Campbell's laughter was palpable as he was informed about the player who takes the cake as his choice for the NFL's all-time grittiest.

"Who's the grittiest football player of all-time?" Campbell was asked by Long at the Lions' indoor practice field.

The former tight end initially chose former New York Giants star and two-time Super Bowl winner Mark Bavaro, giving him the nod because of his affinity for the position.

Campbell selected former San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott as his second choice, noting his decision to have the tip of his pinky finger amputated in 1986 for the purpose of continuing his NFL career.

Campbell was presented with information about former Oakland Raiders center and Hall-of-Famer Jim Otto, who endured over 70 surgeries over the course of his lifetime including 28 knee surgeries and the amputation of his right leg in 2007.

Reading Otto's list of medical challenges caused Campbell to begin laughing uncontrollably, forcing him to choose the Raiders legend as his all-time grittiest player.

The video includes explicit language and can be viewed below.

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A post shared by Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlightpod)

Campbell's selection came as Jameson Williams revealed his biggest area of growth under new offensive coordinator John Morton, who took the reins from Ben Johnson this offseason.

The Lions coach also spoke candidly about his stance on a perceived rivalry between himself and Bears head coach Ben Johnson.

Lions Begin Season With Rivalry Game

The Lions have made life miserable on the Green Bay Packers in recent years, turning the tide with several big wins.

Detroit has won seven of the last eight meetings against their NFC North rivals to the west and are scheduled to play coach Matt LaFleur's team on Sunday, September 7 at 4:25 p.m. ET.

The crowd noise of Lambeau Field is something Campbell and his coaching staff won't be able to replicate in the days leading up to the game.

The Lions can rest comfortably knowing they have one of the league's most cool, calm, collected, and yes, gritty teams heading into September, a distinction that gives them a strong chance of bringing home a third straight division title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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