Justin Jefferson, a wideout for the Minnesota Vikings, rebuked a Detroit Lions supporter for the banner they exhibited at Ford Field during the Lions-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Divisional Round match last Sunday. The sign alluded to Dan Campbell’s renowned “chomp down on a kneecap” remark from his initial media briefing as the Lions’ head mentor three years back, which was captured by NBC cameras.
Jefferson conveyed his dissatisfaction with the sign on Twitter, stating, “You all are astonishing for sharing this (thumbs down emoji) This is not acceptable!!”
Some enthusiasts and onlookers surmised that Jefferson found the sign distasteful due to recent injuries on the gridiron caused by Lions luminary Kerby Joseph on tight ends T.J. Hockenson (Vikings) and Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams), culminating in ACL tears ending their seasons.
When Campbell was appointed as the Lions’ head coach in 2021, his “strike us down, we will rise again… and nip a kneecap” expression garnered widespread attention.
Despite the initial ridicule, Campbell and GM Brad Holmes effectively reshaped the long-suffering Lions into a potent squad. The Lions recently advanced to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991, after their triumph over the Los Angeles Rams on Super Wild Card Weekend, marking their initial playoff victory in 32 years. Surpassing Tampa Bay, the Lions are now merely one triumph away from potentially securing their inaugural Super Bowl berth.
