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Tearful Dan Campbell Accepts Blame for Lions' Loss to Commanders in Postgame Press Conference

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 9:18 AM ET

The NFC's top-seeded Detroit Lions uncharacteristically turned the ball over five times in a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders on Saturday, ending a dream season for Michigan's only professional football team.

The Lions fell to 0-4 all-time against Washington in the playoffs and failed to make the first Super Bowl in team history, falling short of head coach Dan Campbell's stated preseason goal.

Campbell got emotional in a postgame press conference that included tears and a surprising admission of guilt in regards to Detroit's stunning home loss to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.

Campbell's voice began to audibly crack as he shared his thoughts on the end of the Lions' injury-plagued season.

"What they put into it...A lot of people don't know, you know what they go through, to have to get up, your body's beat to (expletive), you know, mentally stay locked in and do those things, so," Campbell said.

"Long season...It's my fault," Campbell added as a member of the media began to ask him another question about starting cornerback Amik Robertson, who suffered a broken arm early in the game.

The Lions outgained the Commanders 521 yards to 481 yards on the night, averaging 7.7 yards per play to Washington's 6.6 yards per play.

It wasn't enough to overcome four interceptions, including one by receiver Jameson Williams on a reverse pass, and one lost fumble as the Lions failed to force a single Washington turnover in a losing effort.

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

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