Watch Dan Campbell's last locker room speech of season after Lions win

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell shared his feelings with his team after it defeated the Chicago Bears 19-16 on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, to end the tumultuous 2025 season.

In the Soldier Field locker room, a subdued Campbell, with his back mostly to the camera, said he didn't expect anything different from the team.

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"… To have guys that lay it on the (expletive) line when you say you’re not playin’ for anything, I mean, that speaks volumes, man," he said.

He continued, seemingly fighting back emotion: "I can’t tell you enough about how I appreciate what you guys do and all that goes into it, ‘cause I know it’s not easy. I know it’s not easy."

Then Campbell spoke of the Lions' grit.

"But to do that, to do that, what you guys did, that takes a certain type of pride and respect," he said. "It takes respect for the next guy to you, and I appreciate you guys."

"We won that game. We earned that game, alright?"

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Campbell spoke momentarily of regret of the end of the Lions' 2025 season. They finished 8-9, in last place in the NFL North after winning it two consecutive seasons.

"The sickening thing is we’re one play away from being in the playoffs and then anything happens," he said. "Really one play in any of those games."

But Campbell refocused, likely saving that discussion for the off-season.

"But today? We showed up. We earned that win and got it done," he said.

In his closing, Campbell let his feelings known.

"From the bottom of my heart, man, I appreciate you guys and I love you, man," he said. I love everything that you do and what you’ve done."

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"Even though it hasn’t worked the way we want it to, man I appreciate the hell out of you guys."

One game ball went to kicker Jake Bates for the walk-off 42-yard field goal to beat the Bears.

The team will return to Ford Field today to clean out lockers.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The Lions own the 17th overall pick in the first round.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Watch Dan Campbell's final locker room speech of Lions' season