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The Detroit Lions are scheduled to visit Lincoln Financial Field this weekend for a Sunday night tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles’ home stadium has long been considered an intimidating environment for opposing teams. Campbell became familiar with the atmosphere in Philly during his decade-long NFL playing career. When Campbell’s days as an NFL tight end ended, he transitioned into coaching. The fifth-year Lions head coach reflected on his experience as a player during trips to the City of Brotherly Love.
“It’s a great place to play,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit. “It’s electric.”
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Matt Kartozian/Imagn Images)
Campbell then recalled incidents involving objects being thrown at him and his teammates.
“Have had batteries thrown at us, spat on, just the classic stuff. It’s probably the most hostile place to play. Going into the stadium, leaving it, during the game. Things have gone back a lot since then – some of those things you can’t do anymore.”
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The New York Giants selected Campbell in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. During a visit to Philadelphia in Campbell’s rookie year, Michael Strahan returned an interception for a touchdown. Campbell recalled how one particular fan reacted during Strahan’s subsequent celebration.
Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer before the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)
“We all go back to meet him and it was like a 64-ounce cup this guy had that was full of tobacco spit and I run over there celebrating and he pours it on Strahan’s back as everybody runs over there,” Campbell said. “I backed out at the last minute. Just stuff like that. It’s a hostile environment, it gets you fired up.”
Nevertheless, Campbell reached a positive conclusion on Sunday. “I want to make sure our guys are prepared. They’re going to love this. Our guys are going to embrace this.”
Campbell said he is preparing his players for a big game in Philadelphia against the reigning Super Bowl champions on Sunday night.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, foreground, watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
“I want to give them a very good snapshot of what this is going to be like,” Campbell said. “Stay balanced and every play matters. This is a heavyweight matchup. One misstep can cost you this game. It shouldn’t make you tight, it shouldn’t make you play conservative, just understand that it’s going to take all three units and every play you have to give it your full attention and put it on the crazy line. You can’t ask for this, so we can’t ask for this. one. Our coaches are excited to coach it. It’s big Sunday night football.
Campbell played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-05. He last appeared in an NFL game in 2008 with the Lions.
The Lions rebounded from a Week 9 upset loss to the Minnesota Vikings by dominating the Washington Commanders this past Sunday.
President Donald Trump attended the game at Northwest Stadium, which is about 10 miles from Capitol Hill. During a break in the action, Trump led an oath for military members to repeat during an induction ceremony on the field.
