Marshall Mathers, whom the world knows as Eminem , is a loyal Detroit Lions fan. So when the news broke that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could leave the team, the ‘Mocking Bird’ singer teased a special ‘diss track’ on Johnson.
The Lions faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game on Sunday night. Despite having a 17-point lead at halftime, they suffered a comeback 34-31 defeat at Levi’s Stadium.
Even before the game took place, several NFL franchises were looking to make 37-year-old Johnson their head coach. But Lions wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown on the 33rd team podcast teased that Johnson was sitting in Detroit.
Soon after the news became public knowledge, Eminem tweeted,
Guess I should stop recording this diss track! Lol!!
The 51-year-old wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after rumors flooded that Johnson turned down offers from the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders to be their head coach.
Eminem added,
Ben Johnson Thank you for staying!!! We can’t break this team up, especially since I'm on it!!! Coach Campbell, we love you, bro!!! Let’s run it again next year! I’m READY!!!! I promise you, I WILL get us to the Super Bowl!
Eminem loves the Detroit Lions
Since the Lions appointed Dan Campbell as their head coach, they have progressed each season. In his first season (2021), he only recorded 3 wins, which increased to 9 the following season (2022). But the Campbell magic finally kicked in in 2023, when the Lions won 12 games, lifting the NFC North trophy for the first time since 1992.
On January 14, 2024, they beat the Los Angeles Rams, winning their first playoff game since 1991. Then they outclassed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round, fixing a title game, only to lose to the NFC #1 seed, the 49ers.
Eminem did not miss a single playoff game and even promised something special if his favorite Lions managed to play in the Super Bowl. He even requested that Campbell put him on the starting roster.
Yo, Dan, I’m reporting. I’m going to report. Third quarter, I’m reporting, offensive line, eligible receiver. I’ll be the quarterback, the entire line, [the] offensive line. And as the receiver, I will throw it to myself and score a touchdown. In the third quarter. Just give me a uniform. Or at least just a helmet. Eminem’s video message on Instagram.
Unfortunately, fans have to wait at least one more year to see if Detroit manages to replicate the feat. However, judging by Campbell’s words, 2023 was their only shot at glory. If that’s the case, they may have to wait longer. But for the sake of Motor City, Campbell has all the necessary tools to lead the Lions to another successful campaign.
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