Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has said some wild things since he was hired in 2021. From his caffeine consumption to the famous “bite kneecaps” line, Campbell has always said whatever comes to his mind — even in front of the media.
But perhaps his craziest idea occurred soon after he joined the Lions when he wanted to get a pet lion to live at the team’s practice facility. He said on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that in 2021 he wanted “a legit pet lion on a chain, a big-ass chain” whom he could walk around with at practice
Live animal mascots aren’t uncommon in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens have two, the Denver Broncos have an Arabian horse, the Seattle Seahawks have a hawk and the Cleveland Browns have a bull mastiff. The Kansas City Chiefs used to have a pinto horse and the Miami Dolphins used to have a live dolphin.
But none of those animals offers the same size and terror as a lion would. Sadly, Campbell will have to keep dreaming.
On Jan. 20, 2021 the Detroit Lions named Dan Campbell the franchise’s new head coach.
Campbell possesses 25 years of NFL experience, including 14 years as a coach and 11 as a player. In his first year as the Lions’ head coach, Campbell helped instill a new culture built on grit, conviction and collaboration on and off the field. Upon arrival, Campbell assembled a proven coaching staff comprised of several former NFL players that have brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to Detroit’s roster.
