Did Dan Campbell play in the NFL?

The Detroit Lions hired Dan Campbell as their new head coach in January 2021. Campbell spent 11 years as a tight end and 12 years as an NFL head coach, totaling 23 years of NFL tenure when he was appointed.

After a 11-year career as a player with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints, Campbell embraced the NFL coaching profession.

The Giants selected him as the 79th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played in 114 games throughout his career and received 91 throws for 934 yards and 11 scores. In January 2001, Campbell was a part of the Giants squad that competed in Super Bowl XXXV.

Dan Campbell has always been obsessed with football since he was a tailback for Texas' Glen Rose High School. He ultimately chose Texas A&M to pursue his NCAA tight-end career. Campbell hauled 27 receptions for 314 yards and three TDs throughout his four college seasons.

Campbell was called to the 1999 NFL combine. At the event, he turned in some solid stats. The New York Giants selected him in the 1999 NFL Draft because of his agility and blocking skills.

Before he joined the Lions in 2006, Campbell transferred to the Dallas Cowboys in 2003 and stayed there for three seasons.

Campbell recorded career-best totals in yards per catch (14.7), yards received (308), and 4 TDs in his debut season with the Lions in 2006.

Over a three-year period, Campbell would only appear in 19 contests for the Lions. After ten years in the league, Campbell announced his retirement in 2009.

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Dan Campbell's coaching spells in the NFL

The Miami Dolphins hired Dan Campbell as a coaching assistant shortly after his retirement in 2009. In 2011, he received a promotion to tight end coordinator, where he served for four years. From 2016 to 2020, he was the New Orleans Saints tight end coordinator and assistant head coach.

On January 20, 2021, Campbell was named the head coach of the Detroit Lions. His debut campaign ended with a 3-13-1 record.

The Lions' 2022 campaign marked their first winning season in five years. After winning their final regular-season game against the Green Bay Packers, they had a 9-8 record and just missed the playoffs.