"His new bosses, Detroit Lions president Rod Wood and owner Sheila Ford Hamp, are a few minutes away from introducing Campbell to the world in a news conference. On the indoor practice field, in the middle of COVID in January 2021, they tell him that they believe in his style, his plan to turn the sad-sack Lions into winners, and his impact on the city of Detroit. The part that hits Campbell so hard is that they believe in him."
"They look around the turf field with Lions' logos all over it and tell him this is the exact location where he will turn things around in Detroit, and the moment pancakes Campbell. He didn't just want a head coaching job; he wanted this job, in this city, at this time. He loved Detroit as a player, and though he was born and raised in Texas, Campbell always felt as if he had some Detroit in him. Now, he's the head coach, and it's overwhelming to him."
Dan Campbell breaks into a quiet, private cry when Detroit Lions president Rod Wood and owner Sheila Ford Hamp tell him they believe in his style and plan. The moment occurs on the team's indoor practice field in January 2021 amid COVID. Owners frame that turf as the place where Campbell will turn the franchise around, a realization that washes over him. Campbell desired this specific job and city, feeling a personal connection to Detroit despite Texas roots. Owners are surprised to see him in a suit and moved to tears, revealing the depth of the moment.
Read at ESPN.com
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