Dan Campbell Praises Lions’ Grit in Thrilling Win Over Texans

In a charged locker room scene at NRG Stadium, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised his team’s gritty performance after their thrilling 26-23 victory over the Houston Texans. Campbell, visibly moved, called the win “the definition of resiliency.”

“You guys just kept bangin’ away,” he told the team, crediting both defense and kicker Jake Bates, whose game-winning kick secured the victory. Emphasizing that this is what “great teams do,” he urged players to keep finding ways to win, even when things don’t go as planned.

Campbell celebrated the team’s defensive resilience, highlighting how they held strong under pressure until the offense could score. He commended the offense as well, singling out Bates’ critical field goal as “ginormous” for securing their hard-fought points. He distributed three game balls: one to Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn, another to cornerback Carlton Davis III, and the final one to Bates for his pivotal kick.

Campbell reminded his team that finding a way to win, especially on difficult days, is what sets great teams apart. “Even when you’re havin’ an off day, you find a way,” he emphasized.

As is tradition, Campbell called on quarterback Jared Goff to lead the team’s rallying breakdown. Fired up, Goff reminded the Lions that they’re “different” from the rest of the league, rallying the team with a powerful speech about persistence.

The scene captured Campbell’s message of resilience, unity, and the importance of collective spirit—even in challenging moments. This win keeps Detroit’s playoff aspirations strong and builds confidence within the locker room as they move forward in the season.