By Sunday 
“Oh, he’s got the it-factor all right.”
That was Hulk Hogan, larger than life as ever, beaming in the summer sun at the Detroit Lions’ 2024 training camp.
And now, almost exactly a year later, we’re left looking back not just at a fun cameo from a wrestling icon—but at one of his final full-throttle public appearances before his sudden passing at age 71.
The Day Hulk Hogan Brought the Rumble to Lions Camp
It was July 25, 2024, when Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—showed up at Allen Park to fire up a squad already buzzing with hype. The Lions had momentum, swagger, and a head coach in Dan Campbell who looked like he could hold his own in the squared circle.
Naturally, Hogan loved that.
“I just wish he would have been my tag team partner,” Hogan said with a grin. “He’s so full of it, I’d let him do all the work in the ring and beat the guys up, then give me the tag. I’d drop the leg and steal all the glory.”
Only Hulk could say something that absurd and make it sound like gospel.
The Promo Heard Around the Internet
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Hogan sighting without a wrestling promo—and he delivered. With Campbell by his side, Hogan ripped a classic-style shout to his fans on social media, blending hype, humor, and old-school bravado in only the way he could.
Detroit fans loved it. The players were grinning. And the moment went viral, adding a burst of unexpected joy to a routine camp day.
A Fitting Farewell, Even If We Didn’t Know It
At the time, it was just another fun cameo. But now? It feels symbolic.
Hogan wasn’t just visiting a football team—he was passing the torch of grit and passion to a group that prides itself on blue-collar identity. He saw something in Campbell, and in Detroit. And Detroit, in turn, gave him a hero’s welcome.
A year later, that clip feels heavier. Nostalgic. Almost poetic.
What Hulk Gave Us
Hogan’s death—reportedly from cardiac arrest in his Florida home—comes at a time when the Lions are still climbing, still believing, still chasing glory. And even if he wasn’t in pads or throwing passes, Hogan’s voice in camp that day felt like one more sign: Detroit’s time is coming.
Because when The Hulkster looks your way and says, “I predict greatness for this team”—you believe it.