The Detroit Lions held their annual Family Fest late Saturday morning. The team welcomed fans back to Ford Field for the first time since 2019. And before the Lions kicked off their practice, several exciting things took place. For starters, Dan Campbell kicked things off with a passionate speech, one that some writers likened to a WWE-style promo. Secondly, and probably the biggest head-scratcher was that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance.
Before the practice started, Goodell could be spotted on the sidelines talking to Lions principal owner Sheila Ford-Hamp. Goodell also shared a lengthy conversation with general manager Brad Holmes. The pair appeared to have a nearly 15-minute discussion; one that has Lions fans spewing theories across social media.
To be clear, Goodell’s appearance at the Lions training camp isn’t necessarily the “shocker.” After all, he is the NFL Commissioner. He could show up at any NFL stadium/field whenever he pleases.
The shocker, however, is the timing.
Currently, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is holding its festivities this week. And yes, Canton, Ohio isn’t that far from Detroit. But it’s still an eye-brow raiser that the league’s most prominent figure stepped away from festivities to visit Detroit.
And apparently, Goodell likes what Ford-Hamp has done with the Lions.
“She really put her imprint on this team in the off-season,” Goodell told Detroit Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers.
“I think with Chris Spielman coming on board, Brad [Holmes], and Coach [Dan Campbell], you can just feel the culture change that she’s really pushing here. And it’s a more collaborative approach that she’s looking to do things differently, and you can see it on the field.”
Goodell didn’t stop there either. As he was completing his interview, pockets of fans chanted “Let’s Go Lions!” at the top of their lungs as if a real game were taking place.
“Everybody here has an energy level and an excitement,” said Goodell. “And I think it’s gonna be a team that these fans are gonna be really proud to watch, and watch them compete.”
“Listen, it’s hard to compete in this league, but they’re gonna be fighters, and that’s clear.”
