It’s been 25 years since Dan Campbell hauled in his first-ever NFL touchdown, and judging by his reaction this week, you’d think it happened in another lifetime.
Back in Week 5 of the 2000 NFL season, Campbell was a young tight end for the New York Giants, catching passes from quarterback Kerry Collins. The moment marked his first trip to the end zone as a professional. But when reporters recently asked him if he remembered that first score, Campbell couldn’t help but laugh.
Dan Campbell postgame reaction Hendon Hooker benching Lions defensive line depth Dan Campbell first NFL touchdown
“Man I, no. I hadn’t even thought about that,” Campbell said with his signature grin. “I can’t even remember what that was. I know it was from… No, that’s sad that I don’t. Because I only have a few, I only have like a handful, that’s what’s sad about it. I know it was from Kerry (Collins), but couldn’t remember if it was a flat or in the back of the end zone. It was not a go route. No, that’s crazy. That’s a long time ago.”
The Detroit Lions’ head coach then delivered the kind of line only Dan Campbell could.
“I’m fortunate to have the teammates I had around me, I can tell you that,” he added. “Because if Kerry was throwing it, I had no choice but to catch it, it caught me.”
TD⚡️DC
👀 the first teammate to congratulate him pic.twitter.com/FkUNqAORPK
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 3, 2025
That blend of humor and humility is exactly why Lions fans love Campbell. Whether he’s breaking down film, talking grit and toughness, or laughing at his own playing career, he stays 100% authentic.
And honestly, that’s part of what makes him one of the most relatable coaches in the NFL today, just a former player who hasn’t forgotten where he came from, even if he did forget his first touchdown.