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The Detroit Lions are scheduled to visit Lincoln Financial Field this weekend to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
The Eagles’ home stadium has long been viewed as an intimidating environment for opposing teams. Campbell became familiar with the Philadelphia atmosphere during his decade-long playing career in the NFL. Once Campbell’s days as an NFL tight end ended, he moved into coaching. The fifth-year Lions head coach reflected on his experience as a player during his 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 watches the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. (Matt Kartozian/Image Images)
Campbell later recalled incidents in which objects were thrown at him and his teammates.
“They threw batteries at us, they spat at us, just the classic stuff. It’s probably the most hostile place to play. Getting into the stadium, getting out of the stadium, during the game. Things have gone back a lot since then; some of these things can’t be done 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 fan in particular reacted during the celebration that followed Strahan.
Philadelphia Eagles fans applaud before the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025. (Bill Streicher/Image Images)
“We all ran into him again, and it was like a 64-ounce cup that this guy had full of tobacco spit, and I was running over there celebrating and he poured it over Strahan’s back while everyone was running over there,” Campbell said. “I backed out at the last minute. Stuff like that. It’s a hostile environment, it excites you.”
However, Campbell came to a positive conclusion about Sunday. “I’m going to make sure our guys are ready. They’re going to love this. Our guys are going to embrace it.”
Campbell said he is preparing his players for a big game in Philadelphia, facing 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 Río)
“I’m going to give you a very good picture of what this is going to be like,” Campbell said. “Keep your poise, and every play matters. This is a heavyweight game. One misstep can cost you this game. That shouldn’t make you tense, that shouldn’t make you play conservative, just understand that it’s going to take all three drives and every play you have to give it your full attention, and put it on the damn line. You can’t ask for anything better. Our guys are going to be very excited to play in this one. Our coaches are excited to coach on Sunday night. It’s going to be a great football game. We’re excited.”
Campbell played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2005. His last appearance in the NFL was in 2008 with the Lions.
The Lions bounced back from an upset Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings by dominating the Washington Commanders last Sunday.
President Donald Trump attended the game at Northwest Stadium, which is about 10 miles from the Capitol. During a break in the action, Trump led a pledge that service members were required to repeat during a field enlistment ceremony.
