We all know someone like Dan Campbell.
And if you don’t know someone like Campbell—*ahem*—then you’re probably the person in your friend group who is the epitome of the crazy Detroit Lions coach.
Crazy is a term of endearment, by the way. I love the Campbells of the world, people who always say, “(bleep),” and take bigger chances than play it safe.
Most of us are not wired that way. Most of us color within the lines, go about our daily activities and keep our heads down without attracting much attention from outsiders.
We have partners, we have children, we have pets. We have debts; we have managers. We have many reasons to avoid taking big risks.
But here’s the thing about risk takers. They can lose everything… or they can win a lot.
Campbell likes to stay on the edge.
Go big or go home. No risk-it, no biscuit. Chicken if you don’t have it.
That’s how Campbell works. Look no further than Thursday’s game, where the Lions won 34-31 against the Green Bay Packers.
Exhibit 1
It’s late in the third quarter. The Lions lead 24-21, and are facing fourth-and-1 at their own 31-yard line.
It says the angel on your shoulder: You have a punter on your payroll. You are special and important. He probably donates to charities and respects his elders. Here is his moment to shine. He didn’t open up 50-plus yards and force the Packers to have a long field.
The devil says on your shoulder: Forget the one who beats you. What is so special about punter? Do it. It is one yard. ONE YARD. You can do it.
Campbell listened to the devil. It didn’t work. The Lions failed to convert, the Packers offense took advantage of the short field, and four plays later Green Bay took a 28-24 lead. Whoops.
Exhibit 2
Fast forward to the last minute of the fourth quarter.
The scores are tied at 31-all. Detroit marched to the Packers’ 20-yard line, but fell short on third-and-inches on fourth down.
So now it’s a quarter inch and 43 seconds to go.
This could be a 37 yard, maybe 38 yard field goal to give the Lions the lead.
Angel: Hey, coach. Remember how I told you about that special punter? And you have a very special field goal kicker on your list. You have a good story; let’s make it even bigger by letting him take the lead here. It’s the holidays! And, let’s be real: if you want to get dirty here, you’re giving up an opportunity to earn.
Satan: BORRER. You have to take care of yourself. Scary money doesn’t make money! Get a first down and bleed this clock down and turn the Packers into melted cheese. Make Jordan Love watch from the sideline and don’t give the ball back. Do it! Do it. Doooooo it.
Of course, Campbell did.
This time, it worked. The Lions switched to fourth down to run out the clock, and not long after, Jake Bates drilled the game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
A big risk led to a big reward as the Lions went up 12-1.
Where is the line between violence and indifference?
Wherever Campbell lived.
Will the coach’s risk-taking ultimately help or hurt his team in a close playoff?
No one can say for sure. That’s what makes this all so much fun.
So I say, keep taking those chances, coach. Keep throwing all those chips into the middle of the table. Keep listening to that devil on your shoulder.
Most of us can live off of you. Because we are not rocking the boat. We don’t even have a boat.
But if we do, we’ll have life jackets.
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