Decker approached Campbell directly, seeking clarity on his contract status: “I was like, ‘Where we at?’ … I want to hear it. Tell me where we’re at, just so I know. I just want the information, so it’s communicated well.” Campbell responded with transparency, detailing Decker’s situation precisely: “to a tee what happened.”
Campbell’s player-centric approach, grounded in his own experience as a former NFL player, fosters a unique bond with his team. He advocates open communication, offering players an open-door policy for any concerns. “Look, I’ve told those guys from Day 1… if something like that is bothering you… Brad and myself, you can come talk to us and we will… we will tell you what our mindset is, where we’re at, what we’re thinkin’, we’re not gonna shy away from that,” Campbell said as quoted by Brad Berreman.
He reassured Decker his contract would be addressed, despite his offseason ankle surgery: “I remember what it was like as a player, and I was lied to at one point. I will never do that to a player. Even if that’s gonna hurt a little bit, I want them to know the truth.”
12 comments
And yet another reason why these guys run to the end of the earth for him.
True leadership
The little details matter. Not just in practice or on the field, but in every interaction.
This is the reason we beat the packers the year before last. He makes it clear who you’re playing for and in a business where you can make millions sometimes that’s the push you need. Telling a guy you’re looking at options gives them the opportunity to do what’s best for them, which encourages them to play to give themselves the best option. Just throwing a guy in limbo so you can wait til the offseason isn’t making anyone play harder.
This is part of why this team is so successful. Openness and honesty go a long way in any job, especially when you have a family. It’s no wonder our guys love playing for Dan and Brad. If Taylor had to spend the summer preoccupied with this he might not be as mentally prepared for this upcoming season. Now let’s work on get Alim extended next.
He played for the Giants (99-02), Cowboys (03-05) Lions (06-08) and the Saints (09).
Wonder who it was that had the balls to lie to him. Probably not Payton/NO since he went back there to coach
If this man coaches us to a superbowl victory, give him a statue! The players follow him 110%. To go from Patricia and his fupa ( shoutout to the user with that name lol) to MCDC is a night and day difference. He sets the tone.
Didn’t TJ Hockenson say on Bussin with the boys that he asked if he was getting traded and the staff was like “nah man we like you a lot”. Then gets traded like a couple days later?
I’d rather be told the harsh truth than the nice lie. Campbell is a strong man. It’s easy to be a liar, or sycophant or just distant. It’s hard telling people what they need to, but don’t want to hear. And it’s an even harder task to do it with compassion and without being cold. This isn’t random, this isn’t a team bonding *in spite* of a bad culture which happens, it’s legit loyalty to guys who are open and honest and respectful of them. The world needs more Dan Campbell’s.
Dan “George Washington” Campbell
And this is how you get 110% out of your players.
In situations like this, the truth sometimes hurts; lies always hurt.