Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions toppled the Los Angeles Rams, 24-23, on Super Wild Card Weekend. It was their first home playoff game in 30 years and their first postseason victory in 32 years.
For long-suffering Lions fans, it was a moment of pure ecstasy. Finally, the monkey was off their back and the curse had been broken.
But not everyone has been around for the entire ride. Like most teams who find sudden success, there is an abundance of bandwagon-hopping. Less dedicated fans who didn’t ride or die through the pain glom onto the lead dog and pretend they’ve been there the whole time.
Campbell isn’t having that.
In a postgame text exchange with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Campbell delivered a message to the fair-weather crew: Stay away.
“I’m just so proud of the coaching staff and these players for rewarding Detroit with a home playoff win,” Campbell texted. “Our fans took it to another level today, and it helped us win! To those fans who have kept the faith, you deserve this! To the doubters, stay off our train — it’s too late for you!”
It’s a validated stance for Campbell and the Lions. They’ve earned their place after years of suffering and endless doubt, and they want to continue this run only with those who have remained by their side.
And it’s probably important to heed Campbell’s warning. If you don’t, he’s bound to bite your kneecap off.
