Lions fans turn on Dan Campbell over HC's Hulk Hogan promo: "This is bad optics" 

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is typically a fan favorite. However, a recent collaboration with former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has upset some fans.

On Thursday morning, behind-the-scenes footage of Hogan and Campbell filming a promotional video for the upcoming NFL season was posted on X. Hogan used the "Campbell Mania" phrase to describe his excitement for the season. Fans weren't pleased that Campbell was with Hogan, who recently spoke at the Republican National Convention and endorsed Donald Trump.

In the past, Hogan has been accused of using racial slurs and fans were unhappy that Campbell was collaborating with the former WWE star.

One fan said they 'lost a bit of respect' for the Detroit Lions head coach. Another fan simply called the interaction 'yuck.'

The majority of the replies on social media dealt with the same theme, that Hogan didn't stand for the same things as most of the Lions fan base. They felt that his comments were hurtful and that Campbell was 'guilty by association'. Some were also upset that the team's newfound success had brought out "bandwagon" fans.

"The promo nobody asked for," one fan stated.

"This is embarrassing for a coach of a team filled with guys that Terry is abhorrently racist against. Guilty by association," another declared.

"Absolutely hate all the bandwagon fans appearing out the blue," one fan expressed.

Hogan was reportedly in Detroit as part of his promotional tour for his beer company "Real American." He then decided to take time to visit the Detroit Lions training camp practice, when he decided to film a video with Campbell.

"I guess Campbell wanted to give the team an example of “washed up,”" one fan joked

"another Lions heartbreak, as if we didn’t have a lifetime’s worth," a Detroit Lions fan complained

"I didn't think Dan Campbell’s first L would come this early in the season," another user on X said.

Dan Campbell joined players in up-down drills during training camp

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell played tight end in the NFL for 10 seasons, so he's no stranger to training camp. Earlier this week, he had his team on the field for practice and told them he wanted them to do up-down drills.

As they began, Campbell bent down and performed the drill as well. A video of the moment went viral on social media, even though some jokingly questioned the head coach's form during the drill.

Dan Campbell has been the head coach of the Lions for three seasons and has seen great improvement each season. After going 3-13 in his first season, quarterback Jared Goff helped lead the team to a 9-8 record in 2022 and then an impressive 12-5 record in 2023.

The Lions led the NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers last season, until an epic comeback cost them a trip to the Super Bowl.