Injuries, star player extensions, and trade deadline whispers fill the Lions' Halloween presser, with Dan Campbell revealing candy preferences and team philosophy.
Dan Campbell’s Halloween presser was full of news and personality — from injury updates on Josh Paschal, Terrion Arnold, and Taylor Decker, to talk of Aidan Hutchinson’s new deal, trade deadline chatter, and even Campbell’s favorite candy.
Let’s jump into it.
On Aidan Hutchinson’s Extension
“Listen, we wanted to get this thing done for a bit now — didn’t just happen overnight. We had all the conviction in the world. Hutch is here to stay, there’s no doubt. He’s everything we’re about: smart, instinctive, plays all-out from snap to whistle. He’s us, man. We’re fired up. We’d have liked it done a little earlier, but hey, we got it done. We’re excited.”
On Brad Holmes and Trade Deadline Talks
“If there’s a player Brad thinks I’d like, he brings it to me. If not, he doesn’t bog me down. The amount of time he, Ray [Agnew], and the staff spend looking at players — you’d be shocked. They’re doing the leg work, and if someone’s intriguing, then it comes to me.”
When asked how many names Holmes has brought his way:
“I’m not telling you.”
As for activity before the deadline?
“I don’t expect to be active. But that doesn’t mean we won’t. Brad’s brought up a couple things already. Our roster’s healthy, in a good position, and it’s got depth. But he’s always looking to improve.”
Campbell added that communication goes both ways:
“Absolutely. We stay in open communication. If something’s eating at me a little bit, I’ll bring it to his attention.”
Injury Updates
- Kerby Joseph: “I don’t see Kerby playing this week. He’ll need more time. The negative is he won’t play, the positive is he’s getting better.”
- Taylor Decker: “I don’t see him practicing today, but I do see him playing.”
- Terrion Arnold: “He’s trending the right way. He’s looked good in practice.”
- Josh Paschal: “It’s a back. He’s improving, we’re trying to be smart and take it as far as we can. He’s got a few more things to show us before we open practice. Hopefully end of November, early December.”
On Building a Sustainable Core
“I think it is [a reminder]. When Brad and I got here in 2021, we said we wanted to play at a competitive level every year. The guys we’ve drafted and re-signed — there’s a reason we drafted them. Yes, they’re productive, but they’re also everything we’re about: the way they love the game, the way they play, headsy, aware, resilient. As many of those guys as we can re-sign, we’ll do it — until we run out of money, I guess.”
Facing Familiar NFC North Foes
“Good question. You’re constantly thinking: this worked, they countered with that, they got us here. It’s a chess game, but you have to be careful — stay true to who you are but keep things fresh and throw enough curveballs. It’s a good problem to have; it means we’ve been intact for a while.”
Halloween Fun
Campbell shared that he’s attended player Halloween parties in the past:
“We did; we dressed up a bit. I was Marilyn Monroe one year — that was a long time ago, not here. I had a broken ankle and was on crutches too. Alcohol helps.”
And what’s the Campbell household passing out this year?
“Reese’s. Love peanut butter cups. M&Ms — peanut M&Ms.”
Dan wrapped things up with a smile and some Halloween spirit. So if you’re out trick-or-treating near the Campbell house, you might just score a Reese’s — and don’t forget to tune in Sunday for the Lions vs. Vikings showdown at Ford Field.