Long before Dan Campbell was head coach of the Detroit Lions, he was a young tight end at Texas A&M.
Now, he’s a part of the school’s history forever.
A&M bestowed the Lettermen’s Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award this week and surprised the coach at Detroit’s headquarters in Allen Park with a video from former coaches and teammates congratulating him on the honor.
A&M teamed up with the Lions to surprise Campbell with the award. Campbell was told the university wanted to interview him about his college playing days, but rather, he watched as former A&M coach RC Slocum and several teammates expressed their appreciation for “Big Dan.”
Super Bowl-winning NFL coach Gary Kubiak was bestowed the award in 2016.
An unforgettable surprise for one of the greats.
Congratulations to Aggie legend Dan Campbell for receiving the Lettermen’s Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award! 👍#GigEm x @Lions pic.twitter.com/OQlBJ8cYpJ
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) June 4, 2025
Campbell, a 49-year-old native of Clifton, Texas, played four seasons (1995-98) at A&M and made 48 total appearances. He was more known for his blocking, as his career ended with just 27 catches for 314 yards and three touchdowns, but put together a solid enough resume to be drafted in the third round (79th overall) by the New York Giants in 1999.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi