Aidan Hutchinson reveals his favorite thing about Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is a character, and defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson loves him all the more because of it. Entering his second NFL season, Hutchinson recently took a moment to discuss his relationship with Campbell on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“Honestly, what I look forward to most, having Dan as my coach, is the team meetings,” Hutchinson said. “Last year, he showed us — it was the Kentucky Derby. What’s that horse that came in last, or it started in last and went and won it? It was like the biggest upset in the odds or something? And he probably showed us that video four times last year, especially when we started the rally by the end of the year.”
The horse Hutchinson refers to is Rich Strike, the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner. Rich Strike entered the race with 80-1 odds and didn’t appear in contention until the final stretch.
While Hutchinson didn’t remember all the details, he remembered the message: you’re never out of the race. That message hit home last year after the Detroit Lions began the season with a poor 1-6 record before winning eight of their final 10 contests. Ultimately, the team finished with a 9-8 record, barely missing the playoffs.
Hutchinson pointed to the Lions’ seemingly trivial team meetings as a significant factor behind the team’s late success.
“Those team meetings are freaking awesome. When you’re winning, at least, they’re awesome. And you’re cracking jokes, this and that. Like it’s really a great atmosphere to be around,” Hutchinson said. “Having that kind of atmosphere with a coach that knows what the players have gone through. It’s just great for team camaraderie.”
Hutchinson gave Campbell plenty to be happy about last season. In his rookie campaign, the former Michigan standout recorded 34 solo tackles and 9.5 sacks in 17 games. Consequently, Hutchinson was a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
While Campell’s quirky energy can inspire his players, so can his passion. Who can forget his infamous “knee cap” speech at his introductory press conference?
“So, this team is going to be built on, we’re going to kick you in the teeth, right? And when you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you,” Campbell told reporters. “And when you knock us down, we’re going to get up and, on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off. All right?”
Campbell and Hutchinson will look for even more success in their second season together. The Lions will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in their season opener on Sept. 7.