Lions HC Dan Campbell Explains Why Detroit Released Bruce Irvin

It looks like former Mountaineer Bruce Irvin is going to have to find another team if he hopes to continue his NFL career. About a month after registering his first and only sack with Detroit, the Lions released the veteran linebacker.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell actually explained his reasoning for making the move right before the playoffs, which makes it somewhat surprising since Irvin’s initial signing was thought to be for a playoff run.

“That was tough,” Lions coach Dan Campbell told the media. “Bruce, what a pro. I mean he is, he’s been a blessing to have him around here. I mean, he just brings a whole different perspective. He’s as professional as you get. I mean, just the way he goes about his business, everything about him. We talked last week, talked again yesterday, had a long talk and so just at this moment, it just couldn’t totally commit. And he’s got stuff going on, too, and so it’s hard. It’s just one of those, at this point, it wasn’t going to work out. But he’s an absolute stud.”

Irvin then took to social media to offer his own comment on his release. “As a 12 year vet, thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your team. However, I’m looking forward to what’s next,” he said on X (Twitter).