In Week 6, the Detroit Lions delivered a decisive victory over the Dallas Cowboys, employing several trick plays, including somewhere offensive linemen reported as eligible receivers. These creative tactics were seen as bold but sparked criticism from Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, and a known Cowboys fan. Christie took issue with the Lions’ approach, claiming that their head coach Dan Campbell showed poor sportsmanship in executing such plays.
Christie voiced his discontent during an appearance on Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s radio show, stating that Campbell has “no class” and that his behavior was typical of him. Christie connected Campbell’s actions to a controversial call from a previous Lions-Cowboys game. In that earlier matchup, confusion over player eligibility contributed to the Lions losing a potential victory. Christie seemed to believe that Campbell’s use of trick plays in the recent game was an act of revenge, meant to rub the Cowboys’ faces in the loss.
Dan Campbell, known for his candid and tough-guy persona, responded to Christie’s comments in a characteristically humorous manner. He recalled, “The last time somebody called me classless, I was drinking wine out of a bottle,” during a press conference. Rather than getting defensive, Campbell’s witty response reflected his relaxed attitude toward the criticism and suggested he was unfazed by Christie’s remarks.
While Christie criticized Campbell’s approach, many people in the NFL community view Campbell in a much more favorable light. The Lions coach has gained significant popularity, particularly for leading the Lions to consecutive 5-1 starts, a feat not seen in the franchise for nearly a century. Campbell’s coaching style and leadership have transformed the Lions into a competitive team, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
In the end, Campbell’s focus remains on his team’s success rather than external criticism. Whether sipping wine from a bottle or a box, Campbell’s laid-back yet determined attitude is a reflection of his unique coaching style. His ability to turn criticism into a joke while maintaining his winning ways continues to bolster his reputation in the league, regardless of what detractors like Christie may say.
