CHICAGO — Dan Campbell’s postgame speeches this season have been a consistent blend of raw emotion and authenticity, capturing the essence of his character. However, each speech carries its own unique touch.
Campbell has shared various facets of his personality with both the locker room and the public, with the Lions often posting these speeches for fans to witness. He has been intense, passionate, critical, humorous, and occasionally more subdued.
Following the Lions’ 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, Campbell adopted a reflective tone, acknowledging the historic achievement his team had just secured: a franchise-best season.
“Great job. Great job. Here’s what’s crazy — at some point, we’re going to look back and say, ‘Man, we just got 13 wins, franchise record. (The) Detroit Lions never done this before in the history of this franchise.’ We’re going to be able to look back and say that, but not yet. Not yet,” Campbell told his players. “Because you know what we got to do next week? We got to win, man. We got to win. But we said play Detroit Lions football. We did that and got the W.”
Keep goin' forward pic.twitter.com/owSN4YS3cO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 23, 2024
“You guys did that, and we may roll it all the way down the table just like this. You find a way to win the game, and we found a way to win the game. We lean on each other and use all parts. Alright, that’s a good job, man.”
Campbell awarded only one game ball after the win, giving it to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown humorously tried to hand the ball off to Jameson Williams, who had a breakout game despite drawing another taunting penalty, but Campbell quickly stopped him.
“No. It’s you. Here we go,” Campbell said.
St. Brown finished with six receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown, marking his third consecutive season with 100+ catches. His touchdown on Sunday was his 11th of the season, a career high.
“Let’s keep going, man. Like you said, let’s keep going. Love y’all,” St. Brown said.
After a playful remark from Tim Patrick about St. Brown’s brief speech, Campbell delivered a direct message to the locker room.
“Everything we got goes into San Fran,” Campbell said. “Everything we got, man. Great win. Break it out.”
Williams, who set a career-high with 143 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches, led the team huddle to wrap up the celebration.
“Big win today. You know we got to keep stepping, keep going, keep going forward. Never backward,” Williams told his teammates.
