During the Divisional Round game between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, voiced his criticism against a sign displayed by a Detroit Lions fan. The sign alluded to Dan Campbell’s notable “bite off a kneecap” remark from his introductory press conference as the head coach of the Lions three years ago, which had been captured by NBC cameras.
On Twitter, Jefferson conveyed his disapproval of the sign, stating, “You are all extreme for posting this (thumbs down emoji) This is not acceptable!!”
Some onlookers and fans inferred that Jefferson found the sign offensive in light of recent injuries sustained by tight ends T.J. Hockenson (Vikings) and Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams) on the field due to Lions safety Kerby Joseph, resulting in season-ending ACL tears.
When Campbell assumed the position of head coach for the Lions in 2021, his declaration of “knock us down, we’re gonna get up… and bite a kneecap off” garnered widespread attention.
Despite the initial ridicule, Campbell and GM Brad Holmes effectively revitalized the long-struggling Lions into a formidable team. The Lions recently attained their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991, following their triumph over the Los Angeles Rams during Super Wild Card Weekend, marking their first playoff victory in 32 years. Surpassing Tampa Bay, the Lions are now just one win away from potentially entering their inaugural Super Bowl.
