Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches a play against Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Like many former NFL players, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has some pretty crazy memories from facing the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium.
Campbell made an appearance on the Detroit sports radio station 97.1 The Ticket heading into the Lions' Week 11 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Eagles. Although Campbell has yet to coach the Lions against the Eagles in Philly, he was asked if he has any crazy stories about Philadelphia from his playing days, and boy, did he deliver.
Campbell recalled a tale from his days as a New York Giant, harkening all the way back to his rookie year in 1999. Eagles quarterback (and future Super Bowl-winning head coach) Doug Pederson's pass was batted into the air in overtime. Michael Strahan intercepted it and took it to the house, sending the Vet into an outrage.
One Eagles fan with sideline seats took particular issue with Strahan's game-winning pick six.
"We all go back to meet (Strahan), and it was like a 64-ounce cup this guy had that was full of tobacco spit, and I'm running over there celebrating and he pours it on Strahan's back while everybody is running over there," Campbell said.
"I backed off at the last minute. Just stuff like that. It's a hostile environment, it gets you fired up. I'll make sure our guys are prepared. They're going to love this. Our guys are going to embrace this. This is fun stuff."
At least Campbell has the right outlook on how to deal with Philly's fans. Admittedly, things have cooled off since the heyday of the Vet – "some of these things you can't do anymore," Campbell said – but he understands exactly what kind of environment his team is entering, and he was highly complimentary of the atmosphere.
"It's a great place to play. It's electric," Campbell said. "Had batteries thrown at us, spit on, just the classic stuff. It's probably the most hostile place to play. Going into the stadium, leaving it, during the game."
It sounds like Campbell has a great deal of respect for Eagles fans and the hostile environment they create on gameday. He's preparing the Lions to face just that on Sunday night.
"I'm going to give them a very good snapshot of what this is going to be like. Keep your poise, and every play matters. This is a heavyweight match," Campbell said.
"Understand it's going to take all three units, and every play you've got to give it your full attention and lay it on the freakin' line. You can't ask for anything better. Our guys are going to be so excited to play in this one. Our coaches are excited to coach in it. This is big-time football on Sunday night. We're fired up."
