Lions head coach pays tribute to Mike Ditka after learning of his death from a press conference question

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell learned of legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka’s passing at age 86 during a press conference. He then recounted a memorable and intimidating experience meeting Ditka alone before the 1999 NFL Draft, where the coach grilled him extensively. Campbell expressed his admiration for Ditka, calling him a legend and a class act.

• Dan Campbell learned of Mike Ditka’s death during a press conference.
• Campbell shared a story about meeting Ditka before the 1999 NFL Draft.
• The meeting occurred privately with just Ditka and Campbell in a room filled with cigar smoke.
• Campbell described the experience as both intimidating and awesome.
• He expressed being a huge fan of Ditka growing up.
• The New Orleans Saints, coached by Ditka at the time, did not draft Campbell.
• Campbell was drafted by the New York Giants.