Lions front office pays tribute to Dan Campbell with retro jersey display at 2024 NFL Draft

The Lions front office wore Dan Campbell's old No. 89 jerseys during day 3 of 2024 NFL Draft.

Lions front office pays tribute to Dan Campbell with retro jersey display at 2024 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions wore Dan Campbell's old 89 number jersey during draft (Image via IMAGO)

While the 2024 NFL Draft was taking place right across the state of Michigan, Dan Campbell was in the war room with the list of potential future Detroit Lions players. To make Day 3 of the draft even more special, the front office surprised the head coach.

They turned up wearing the old black Lions jerseys with the number 89 written on the back. It was the same number Campbell had when he played as a tight end in Detroit.

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Later, Lions general manager Brad Holmes revealed the reason behind the sudden attire change.

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It looked awesome on television. I was like, 'Wow, that's even cooler than I thought. It was Rod's [CEO Rod Wood's] idea with the new blacks and just the whole story.
Brad Holmes said

The Lions wrapped several deals from rounds 4 to 7. It included offensive tackle Giovanni Manu from British Columbia, running back Sione Vaki from Utah, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo from LSU, and guard Christian Mahogany from Boston College. 

Dan Campbell wanted the Detroit Lions to bring back the iconic black jerseys

Before the 2021 NFL Draft, Campbell asked CEO Rod Wood that he should reintroduce the black Lions jersey. Wood set up a wager. He wanted Campbell to win the division with the Lions, and he will have his wish fulfilled.

Lions front office pays tribute to Dan Campbell with retro jersey display at 2024 NFL Draft
Dan Campbell (Image via IMAGO)

Two years later, with Jared Goff as their quarterback, the Lions won the NFC North for the first time in three decades. Hence the return of the black jerseys.

I'm sure you guys heard about Dan when he wanted the black jerseys back, so it all kind of came full circle.
Holmes added

ESPN revealed that Wood has agreed to the terms. The Lions recently revealed the new look, including a black edition.

It's a new attitude. It's a new style, and it's our style.
Dan Campbell said on April 18 during the unveiling of the new uniforms

The last time the Lions wore black was back in the 2005–2007 season. Campbell was part of the team at Ford Field. His final touchdown came through a pass from quarterback Jon Kitna in 2006.

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