As college football has descended into chaos amid NIL and players returning from the NFL to play collegiately again, high school football is the last amateur level that is truly pure.
With high school football season getting underway, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell detailed what makes it so special in a message to young kids.
“You guys grew up together, and I know this: we’ve got a couple of coaches that have seniors. They have seniors that are opening up tonight. And man, you never forget your senior year for sure. You don’t forget all of them, but man, wherever you’re at, make the most of it because you’re not guaranteed to be able to get a chance to play and be with those guys that you grew up with. Enjoy the game at that level,” Campbell told reporters on Thursday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cheers on his team during pregame warmups before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 50-year-old head coach said high school football is the last level that’s truly no-nonsense. He recalled the smell of freshly cut grass and playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
“The wins and the sacrifice and the hard work and the blood and the sweat and the tears. It’s a special time. Enjoy it,” Campbell said.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during a preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., on Aug. 22, 2026. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Campbell called on the young players on high school football rosters to give it their all for the seniors on the team.
“If you’re a young guy, man, I’m a freshman. I’m a sophomore. I mean, you owe it to the seniors because this may be the last time – you get one more shot – They don’t,” Campbell said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches during practice at the NFL team’s training camp in Allen Park, Mich., on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
“So give them everything you got and make it a special year for them because next year is your year. and you’re going to want those young guys to help you. So, man, enjoy it. It doesn’t last, and you’ll remember it the rest of your life.”
