Detroit Lions Rank 9th in NFLPA Report: Dan Campbell Shines as the Team’s Leader

The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, and their performance in the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) report only reinforces the notion that they are heading in the right direction. Ranked 9th overall in the 2025 NFLPA report, the Lions are now considered one of the most well-respected organizations in the league—a far cry from the days when they were consistently one of the NFL’s bottom-tier teams. While this is certainly a testament to the efforts of the front office, the coaching staff, and the players, there is one figure whose leadership stands out more than anyone else: head coach Dan Campbell.

The NFLPA report, which is based on player feedback on various aspects of team operations, including culture, facilities, compensation, and overall satisfaction, has seen the Lions climb into the upper tier of the league’s rankings. Their leap into the 9th spot marks a significant turnaround for a franchise that has struggled for decades to find success and stability. It speaks volumes not only about the hard work of general manager Brad Holmes and the front office but also about the culture that Campbell has built since he took the reins as head coach.

In this article, we will explore the significance of the Lions’ 9th-place ranking, how Dan Campbell’s leadership has contributed to the team’s growth, and what this means for the future of the franchise. We’ll dive into the culture shift that has occurred in Detroit and how Campbell’s unique approach to coaching has allowed the Lions to move from perennial mediocrity to genuine playoff contention.

The NFLPA Report: A Snapshot of the NFL’s Inner Workings

Before diving into the Lions’ specific ranking, it’s important to understand what the NFLPA report is and how it’s structured. The NFLPA survey is an annual player survey that asks players to rate their teams on a variety of factors, including:

• Leadership and Coaching: The relationship between players and coaches, the quality of coaching, and overall leadership.
• Facilities and Equipment: The quality of practice facilities, weight rooms, locker rooms, and other training amenities.
• Treatment of Players: How well players are treated both on and off the field, including medical care, access to training, and overall player welfare.
• Travel and Compensation: The quality of travel accommodations and the competitive nature of contracts and bonuses.
• Team Culture: The overall vibe and camaraderie of the team, as well as the support systems in place for players.

Each team is ranked based on player feedback in these categories, and the Lions’ jump into the 9th spot reflects not only improvement in some of these areas but also a complete shift in the franchise’s overall identity. The top 10 ranking signifies that Detroit has become one of the more well-regarded teams in the NFL, and a lot of that success is due to the culture and leadership instilled by Campbell.

Dan Campbell’s Leadership: The Heartbeat of the Lions’ Revival

One of the most striking aspects of the Lions’ ascent is the leadership of Dan Campbell. Hired in 2021, Campbell’s arrival was met with skepticism, largely due to his relatively untested coaching resume. However, from the moment he took the job, Campbell made it clear that he wasn’t just there to coach football. He was there to change the culture. His “biting kneecaps” speech became an instant hit among fans and players, but it also symbolized Campbell’s no-nonsense, tough-as-nails approach to the game.

Campbell’s leadership has been the defining factor in the Lions’ transformation. The key to Campbell’s success lies in his ability to relate to players and create an environment where they feel valued and empowered. From day one, Campbell set the tone with his intense work ethic and unyielding commitment to building a team that played with passion, heart, and pride. His message was simple: no matter what happens, you give everything you’ve got on every single play.

This attitude has not only permeated the players on the roster but has also had a significant impact on the team’s front office and ownership. Team owner Sheila Ford Hamp and general manager Brad Holmes have provided Campbell with the resources to build a contender, trusting in his vision and leadership. And that trust has paid off.

While Campbell is known for his fiery personality and emotional speeches, he’s also proven to be a tactician on the field. The Lions’ offensive and defensive schemes have become more sophisticated under Campbell’s leadership, and his ability to adapt and adjust in-game has been a hallmark of his coaching style. His influence has been particularly evident in the development of young talent like quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished under Campbell’s tutelage.

The Culture Shift: Building a Winning Atmosphere

In many ways, Campbell’s success with the Lions has been rooted in his ability to change the culture of the organization. For years, the Lions were seen as an afterthought in the NFL—never quite good enough to be a true contender but too talented to be in full rebuild mode. There was a lack of identity and consistency that haunted the franchise.

Campbell came in and immediately set out to change that narrative. His approach was centered on creating a culture where players were invested in each other’s success, where teamwork and accountability were paramount, and where everyone—from the coaches to the equipment staff—shared in the mission of turning the Lions into a championship-caliber team.

The shift in culture can be seen in various aspects of the team’s daily operations. Players now feel valued and are given a voice in decisions. For example, Campbell actively encourages open dialogue between himself and the players, which has helped build trust between the coaching staff and the locker room. This approach has resulted in improved player morale, stronger bonds between teammates, and a collective mindset that’s focused on winning.

Perhaps most importantly, Campbell has embraced a “blue-collar” mentality that resonates with the city of Detroit. The people of Detroit have always been known for their hard work, grit, and determination, and Campbell has tapped into that mindset to fuel the team’s success. His message is simple: If you put in the work and fight for each other, success will come.

This mentality has carried over to the field, where the Lions now play with a sense of urgency and passion that has been absent in previous years. The team is resilient, fighting through adversity and refusing to back down. Whether it’s a close game late in the fourth quarter or an early-season blowout, the Lions approach every contest with the same intensity and belief that they can win. That confidence and determination are palpable, and it all starts with Campbell’s leadership.

The Lions’ Rise: How the Team Has Transformed

The Lions’ rapid rise in the NFLPA rankings didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of careful planning, smart personnel moves, and consistent leadership. Under Campbell, Detroit has made significant strides in multiple areas that have played a key role in improving the overall satisfaction of the players.

Player Development

One of the most significant aspects of Campbell’s coaching style is his ability to develop players. During his time in Detroit, we’ve seen players who were once considered “questionable” performers or fringe NFL talents take significant steps forward. Jared Goff, who arrived in Detroit as a trade acquisition with some doubts surrounding his abilities, has been revitalized under Campbell’s guidance. Goff’s development as a leader and playmaker has been instrumental in the team’s success, and he is a prime example of Campbell’s ability to get the best out of his players.

In addition to Goff, several other players have made notable progress in their careers. Running back D’Andre Swift has become one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, while wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the top receiving threats in the NFL. The Lions have also hit on several key draft picks, including defensive players like Aidan Hutchinson, who has quickly become a cornerstone of the defense.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Another area where Campbell has excelled is in the improvement of the team’s facilities and infrastructure. The Lions have invested heavily in upgrading their practice fields, locker rooms, and training areas. This not only benefits the players physically but also helps create a sense of pride and professionalism within the organization. A well-equipped team is more likely to succeed, and the Lions’ improvements in this area have been well received by the players.

Team Chemistry and Morale

Lastly, the team’s overall morale and chemistry have been significantly enhanced under Campbell. The Lions now have one of the most cohesive and tight-knit locker rooms in the league. This unity has led to better on-field performances, as players are more willing to go the extra mile for each other. Campbell’s leadership has created a positive, family-like atmosphere where every player feels valued, and that makes all the difference on game day.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Lions?

The Lions’ rise to 9th in the NFLPA rankings is just the beginning. The team is still in the process of building a championship-caliber roster, but with Campbell at the helm, they are on the right path. The players respect and trust their coach, and that is something that cannot be overlooked.

Looking ahead, the Lions will continue to build on their momentum. With a promising young roster, a solid coaching staff, and an energized fanbase, Detroit is poised to become a serious contender in the NFC for years to come. If Campbell can continue to develop talent, maintain a winning culture, and make the right moves in the draft and free agency, the Lions could soon be challenging for division titles and, eventually, the Super Bowl.

For now, the Detroit Lions can take pride in their 9th-place ranking in the NFLPA report. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and leadership that has been instilled within the organization. As for Dan Campbell, his role as the driving force behind this transformation cannot be overstated. His leadership is the foundation on which the Lions’ future success will be built, and if he continues to shine, the best may be yet to come for the Detroit Lions.