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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell paid tribute to former NFL coach Mike Ditka upon learning of his death during a press conference. Campbell shared an anecdote about meeting Ditka as a prospect for the Saints, describing it as both intimidating and one of the best moments of his life. He emphasized Ditka's impact on him, calling him a legend and expressing thoughts and prayers for Ditka’s family.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-10,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell paid a heartfelt tribute to Mike Ditka after being asked during a press conference if he knew about the legendary NFL coach's death at age 86. Campbell reminisced about his experience with Ditka ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft, when Ditka, then coaching the New Orleans Saints, wanted to meet with him in person. Although Campbell expected others to be present during the meeting, it was just him and Ditka in a room filled with cigar smoke. "It was one of the best times of my life and most intimidating times of my life sitting across from Mike Ditka," Campbell said, highlighting the impact Ditka had on his career.
Written for “Mike Ditka Dies” on 2026-10-10,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Reactions are pouring in after news broke of the death of legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka, and one of the best came from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
asserted
one → pour → Campbell
The Lions coach was in the midst of a news conference when a reporter asked if he had heard the news of Ditka's passing at the age of 86.
asserted
he → ask → 86
He hadn't, and that led to Campbell telling the story of his experience with Ditka ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft.
asserted
Campbell → lead → Draft
Campbell was a tight end out of Texas A&M heading into the draft, and like any prospect, he did some interviews with teams.
asserted
he → head → teams
One of those teams was the New Orleans Saints, who were coached at the time by Ditka, who was also a tight end in his playing days.
asserted
who → coach → days
"[Ditka] was someone I loved, man.
asserted
I → love → ?
Growing up, Ditka was it," Campbell said.
asserted
Campbell → grow → ?
He said that the Saints, and specifically Ditka, wanted to meet with him.
asserted
Saints → say → him
While Campbell knew the legendary coach would be in the room, he thought others would be in there too.
Nope.
asserted
others → know → room
"It was one of the best times of my life and most intimidating times of my life sitting across from Mike Ditka," Campbell said.
asserted
Campbell → sit → Ditka
Him asking questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you're wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome.
asserted
it → ask → what
"Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
asserted
Thoughts → go → family
What a classy tribute, and to pull that story out of his hat in the moment shows just how much the late coach meant to Campbell.
Of course, the Saints did not end up drafting Campbell.
asserted
Saints → pull → Campbell
Instead, he was selected by the New York Giants in the third round, 79th overall.
asserted
he → select → round
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