Lions' Campbell had heartbreaking message for team after loss

Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions HC Dan Campbell had heartbreaking message for team after loss

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 1/29/24

The Detroit Lions' blown 21-7 lead in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers was no single player's fault. It also isn't head coach Dan Campbell who deserves to shoulder all the blame.

And Campbell, a fan favorite across the NFL for the past two years, had no issue addressing the tough questions after the team's loss. More than that, he also told his players the complete and total truth about what lies ahead.

In a surprising snippet of Campbell's postgame presser, he told the media what he said to the players and it may have been the most honest postgame statement from a coach in NFL history.

Campbell told the players that this may have been their only shot at a Super Bowl title while reiterating that he doesn't believe that to be true. Campbell highlighted the fact that it will be twice as hard next year because "everyone will want a piece of you."

The realest thing you'll hear a coach admit: #Lions HC Dan Campbell told his locker room that this might have been their only shot. Campbell obviously doesn't believe that, but he says it'll be twice as difficult next year.

"You're not hiding from anyone anymore. Everyone will… pic.twitter.com/Lw82rj4djF
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024

The comments from Campbell were so honest and candid that they would be shocking to hear from any coach. But for those who have watched the Lions and listened to Campbell, this is a coach who is extremely direct and knows how to light a fire under his players.

And while it may be twice as difficult next year, don't be surprised if the Lions come back more than twice as motivated and potentially finish off their run in the very near future.

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