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While most Detroit Lions fans seem to appreciate Dan Campbell’s authenticity, certain types of national media have been more dismissive.
Campbell, the first-year Lions coach, was forced to defend his epic knee cap speech as “for our players and for our community” after facing criticism following his epic introductory press conference . He faced eye rolling for joking about wanting a companion lion for Team Allen Park’s training facility. And caught more criticism last week for donning a Formula 1 helmet at a press conference that also served as an announcement that he would become Grand Marshal of the Detroit Grand Prix.
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Asked about this review ahead of the mandatory minicamp start on Tuesday, Campbell said he didn’t mind at all.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches the drills during OTA practice Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the Allen Park training center.
“Honestly, I don’t care,” he said. “I mean, I get it. Then again, my whole thing was kind of a joke. The helmet was sitting here, but it was also like, ‘Hey man, this is the Detroit Grand Prix. I think that would be a pretty cool one for our people, our fans to see that, ”and I think if I’m associated with the Grand Prix, it’s like,“ Hey, man, that’s pretty cool. So that’s really as far as it went. “
Campbell’s fun approach in the offseason stands in stark contrast to the way his predecessor, Matt Patricia, handled business at Allen Park and the way most other NFL members operate.
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And while the Lions players ignored Patricia early in her tenure at Detroit, they have so far embraced Campbell and her personality.
Tight end TJ Hockenson told the Free Press in April that Campbell’s authenticity helps him connect with every corner of the locker room and that Campbell being himself allows players to be themselves, which should in turn help them play on the field.
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“Dan is one of those guys who’s going to be himself and who’s not going to BS you,” Hockenson said. “He’s always going to be easy with you and I think that’s what we like as players and that’s how I like to be coached, it’s not me. Just tell me what that is. ‘is. And the same with us for him, tell him how it is. I think it goes a long way and just being able to just be yourself and not care what people say, because there will be people who love you and there will be people who hate you. You can’t change that either way. “
The Lions are wrapping up the official portion of their offseason schedule this week with practice Tuesday through Thursday. The rookies will stay in town for an additional week of meetings and training, and some veterans may also stay.
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It remains to be seen how much Campbell’s approach will change once training camp opens and the regular season begins, but Campbell said on Tuesday he would ultimately be judged on something more meaningful to his team’s performance. in the field.
“Look, I’m going to be criticized anyway,” he said. “It’s what you do and everyone outside of this world, and at the end of the day I’m going to be judged on wins and losses. Then again, I kept things light. These things are not going to happen. during the season. I mean, I’m not, but right now I’m just sort of me. I’m having a good time with that. “
Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell “Doesn’t Care” About Media Criticism
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