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.
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.
He hadn’t, and that led to Campbell telling the story of his experience with Ditka ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft.
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Campbell was a tight end out of Texas A&M heading into the draft, and like any prospect, he did some interviews with 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.
“[Ditka] was someone I loved, man. Growing up, Ditka was it,” Campbell said. “[I’m a] huge fan.”
He said that the Saints, and specifically Ditka, wanted to meet with him.
While Campbell knew the legendary coach would be in the room, he thought others would be in there too.
Nope.
Just him, Ditka, and a room full of cigar smoke.
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“It was one of the best times of my life and most intimidating times of my life sitting across from Mike Ditka,” Campbell said. “It was awesome, man. Him asking questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you’re wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome.
“Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He’s a legend.”
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. Instead, he was selected by the New York Giants in the third round, 79th overall.
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