We all know people like Dan Campbell.
And if you don’t know someone like Campbell — *well* — then maybe you’re the person in your friend group who most embodies the crazy Detroit Lions coach. Maybe.
By the way, crazy is an expression of affection. I admire the Campbells of the world, the people who always say “(bleep) that’s it” and take big chances instead of playing it safe.
Most of us aren’t wired that way. Most of us color within the lines, go about our daily lives, and keep our heads down without attracting much attention from outsiders.
We have spouses, children, and pets. I have a bill. We have bosses. There are many reasons to avoid taking big risks.
But here’s the question of who takes the risk. You can lose everything or win big.
Campbell loves living on the edge.
Go big or go home. There’s no risk and no biscuits required. If you don’t, chicken.
That’s the Campbell way. Tune into Thursday’s prime-time game, where the Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-31.
Attachment 1
We have entered the second half of the third quarter. The Lions lead 24-21 and will play 4th-and-1 from their own 31-yard line.
The angel on your shoulder says: “You have a punter on your payroll.” He’s special and important. He will probably donate to charity and respect his elders. This is his time to shine. Let him go over 50 yards and give the Packers a long field.
The devil on your shoulder says, “Forget about the punter.” What’s so special about the Panther? keep it up. It’s 1 yard. 1 yard. You can do it.
Campbell listened to the devil. It didn’t work. Although the Lions failed to score, the Packers offense took advantage of the short field and Green Bay took a 28-24 lead after four plays. Oops.
Exhibit 2
Fast forward to the final moments of the fourth quarter.
The score is tied at 31 all. Detroit marched to the Packers’ 20-yard line, but fell just short of third-and-inch, forcing a fourth down.
4 inches with 43 seconds left.
This would be a 37-yard, maybe 38-yard field goal to give the Lions the lead.
Angel: Hey, Coach. Remember how I talked about that special punter? You also have a very special field goal kicker on your roster. he has a great story. Let’s make it even better by letting him take the first kick here. It’s a holiday! Also, let’s be real. If you go for it and fail here, you are literally giving up your chance to take the lead.
Devil: It’s boring. You gotta try your best, dude. You can’t make any scary money! Get the first down and run this clock to turn the Packers into melted cheese. Have Jordan Love watch from the sideline and never get the ball back. keep it up! Give it a try. Hmm, that’s it.
Of course Campbell did it.
It worked this time. of The Lions converted on fourth down to start the clock.and shortly thereafter, Jake Bates made a game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
The Lions improved to 12-1, and the big risks paid off big.
Where is the line between aggressive and reckless?
That’s where Campbell lives.
Will the coach’s risk-taking ultimately help the team in a close playoff game or harm it?
No one can say for sure. That’s what makes it all so much fun.
So I say, keep seizing that opportunity, coach. Continue tossing all of those chips into the center of the table. Keep listening to the voice of the devil on your shoulder.
Most of us can live vicariously through you. Because we’re not rocking the boat. We don’t even own a boat.
But if you do, you’ll have a life jacket.
