By Blessing 
Dan Campbell Kicks Off Year 5 With Passion, Purpose, and Unwavering Belief in the Lions
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 training camp began with head coach Dan Campbell setting the tone for what he expects from his team this year. Speaking to the media on Day 1, Campbell made it clear that the foundation hasn’t changed—it’s still about identity, belief, and hunger.
> “Here we go. New year – year five,” Campbell began. “The message to the team was really what it’s been all along – it’s about who we are, what we believe in and staying hungry. Putting the work in, cannot be content and I believe we’ll be just fine with that.”
He emphasized the strong character and preparation of the players, noting that this group has been molded over years and is now ready to be pushed harder than ever.
> “We’ve got the right guys and they’ve been building it for a long time. There are dudes that are going to be ready to go. We’re going to push them, we’re going to make sure that we hold them accountable just like they will us. We’ve got to be on our stuff. And man, we’re looking forward to it.”
Campbell praised the team’s conditioning results, highlighting the successful start with everyone passing the test and hitting weight goals. He addressed the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, confirming that only three players—Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone, and Anthony Pittman—would not practice initially due to minor concerns.
> “The guys crushed the conditioning test. Everybody passed, weights were good… Really the only two guys… that you know aren’t practicing today, Muhammad and Alex, will be the only two that don’t practice today. And Pittman is the other one. Just a couple little things. We’ve got to make sure they’re good injury-wise.”
When asked about Anzalone’s absence from spring activities, Campbell shut down speculation that it was due to a contract issue.
> “He wasn’t here last year either in the spring.”
> “No. I mean, not that I can really talk about. He’s here, reported, did great on the conditioning test, weight’s good and ready to go.”
When a reporter floated the idea that Anzalone’s absence could be a “hold-in,” Campbell responded sharply:
> “No way, right? I refuse to believe that. I refuse to believe that.”
Injury Updates: Some Setbacks, Some Optimism
The coach provided a significant injury update regarding Levi Onwuzurike, who will miss the season due to an ACL injury that required major surgery.
> “Levi is out for the year. Levi’s surgery was significant but it needed to be done. Out of his control… so he will miss the season.”
As for Taylor Decker and Josh Paschal, there is cautious optimism. Campbell believes Decker could return shortly after the Hall of Fame game, while Paschal may be ready by early September.
> “Deck… we feel like there’s a good chance we can get Deck back after the Hall of Fame game… Paschal will be just a tick longer, probably early September. Labor Day maybe we can start working him into practice, that’s the plan right now.”
Campbell clarified that Levi’s issue was with his knee, not his back, as some had speculated.
> “Yeah, it’s not the back. It was a knee. ACL. So, he got that taken care of.”
Confidence in the Offense, but Focus on O-Line
Campbell expressed confidence in the offensive direction but made it clear the offensive line remains a top priority during camp.
> “Yeah, I do. I think we’ve got a real good vision of where I see it going… Man, the ground game is important, it’ll always be important.”
With key departures like Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler, new faces must emerge and prove their reliability.
> “Our O-line – we’ve got to sort this O-line out, it’s an open competition right now… We’ve got to find some guys that we know we can count on… they’re going to be guys we can rely on.”
He noted that offensive line coach Hank Fraley has the experience to get things right and stressed the importance of winning one-on-one matchups.
> “It’s really about putting our guys in position to win their one-on-one matchups… what’s the matchup of the day, what’s the matchup of the week… and let Goff get us in the right play and facilitate it.”
Eyes on the Division, Not the Hype
When asked about the long journey ahead, Campbell made it clear the focus remains on just getting into the playoffs—and winning the division is the surest path.
> “You’re always enthusiastic – it’s a new season, it’s a new beginning… Find a way to win your division because now you’re automatically in.”
He underlined that every year comes with challenges and nothing will be handed to them. If the Lions relax or get too comfortable, they’ll miss the postseason entirely.
> “There’s a price to be paid to get yourself back into the dance… if we let that slide at all, then we’re going to be sitting here at home in January and that’s not what we want.”
Coaching Transitions and Staff Chemistry
Campbell talked about working with new coordinators John Morton (offense) and Kelvin Sheppard (defense), highlighting their attention to detail and communication-focused style.
> “I think both of those guys are very detailed… Johnny talks all the time about RCE. Recognize, communicate, and execute. That’s big.”
He praised Sheppard’s leadership and adaptability, giving more responsibility to players like Jack Campbell and Anzalone.
“Shepp… is about the details of what we do… We’re trying to expand a little bit here… The more coaches you have on the field during the game, the better off you are.”
Though the loss of trusted staff hurts, Campbell remains confident in building new chemistry with Morton and Sheppard.
> “It hurts to lose two guys that… have a lot of trust and faith in… a look, a nod, body demeanor says it all… That takes time… but we’ll get it, it’ll come.”
No Time to Be Cautious
Despite some players being banged up, Campbell said there’s no room to pull back during camp. Football is a tough sport and the body needs to be conditioned accordingly.
“No. We have to go, man… We have an acclimation period here for four days. Once we put the pads on, we’re going man, like we do.”
> “We have to get ready for a hard season… We’ll be smart about it like we always do, so nope.”
Early Start, but Not a Huge Advantage
Due to scheduling quirks like the Hall of Fame Game and multiple night games, the Lions began camp three days early. But Campbell doesn’t see that providing a huge leg up.
> “I got to looking at this – I think we’re going to have about the same practices that we had last year… I don’t know how much of a jump we’re getting, really.”
Still, he acknowledged that the extra time is valuable for rookies and younger players.
> “I guess you get an extra day or two for the young guys, for the rookies. So that’s good, right?”
Situational Drills and D-Line Depth
Situational coaching remains a staple in Campbell’s approach. He’s gradually increased the volume of these scenarios over the years and plans to continue that trend.
> “Those situations are good. Every year, we did more and more and more… We’ll do that again.”
He believes these high-pressure moments teach players how to think and react quickly—something that only real-time drills can simulate.
> “The only way you’re going to get put in that type of situation is under fire, man. The clock’s running and here’s a situation, it’s on, and you have to make a decision.”
As for the defensive line, Campbell acknowledged the blow of losing Levi but feels confident in the unit’s overall strength, particularly with additions like rookie Tyleik Williams.
> “Certainly losing Levi, that hurts… but it helps that we got Tyleik… I think we’re pretty good. I like what we’ve got in that room.”
> “We just have to get the best unit that we can to come out of this… and then we have to weather any storm until we get reinforcements because reinforcements are coming.”
Biggest Concern: Offensive Line Cohesion
When asked what worries him most, Campbell pointed squarely to the offensive line. It’s not just about talent—it’s about forming a cohesive unit that trusts each other under pressure.
> “Concern, I think I already mentioned, my eyes are on the O-Line… We need some guys to step up for us.”
> “Once that happens… getting whoever those five are together to where they start working together and start trusting each other.”
Injecting Pop Culture and Personality
Campbell is known for his colorful analogies and motivational references—like pulling from old movies. But he admitted that not all players always get the references.
“I don’t know how many of the guys even knew what ‘The Last of Mohicans’ was… Every year, I age myself out.”
Still, he sees value in using unexpected angles to deliver key messages.
“Sometimes I think it’s just a changeup, right? It’s something different…
If it delivers a message, then I do it.”