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Dan Campbell’s meaning was crystal clear to Juwan Johnson.

During his introductory news conference as Detroit Lions head coach in 2021, Campbell mentioned instilling a mentality that would lead his team to bite off an opponent’s kneecap if necessary. The New Orleans Saints tight end knew what Campbell, a former assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the Saints from 2016 to 2020, was referring to.

“Of course,” Johnson responded. “You already know he’s a tight end. I’m familiar with the jargon. Dan is just like that.

“He’s a guy who’s trying to get after it and instill that in his guys.” And, for the most part, his men understood. We understand what they stand for. It’s not anything nasty or anything; it’s simply the way he’s trying to establish a mentality. That’s the way it is.”

Campbell appears to have set the tone for the Lions, who are 8-3 heading into Sunday’s game at the Caesars Superdome against the Saints (5-6).

Detroit was 3-13-1 in Campbell’s first season, then 9-8 the next year before starting this season with eight victories in its first ten games to take a 2.5-game lead over Minnesota in the NFC North Division.

Campbell did not coach Johnson at New Orleans, where he played receiver in his first two seasons, 2020 and ’21. Campbell, on the other hand, attempted.

“Dan was one of my favorite coaches,” remarked Johnson. “Dan was fantastic. He’s a real guy who is very passionate. I had a lot of respect for him because he attempted to get me in the tight end room when I was a receiver.

“He was always a genuine coach who kept things real.” I remember when we had lost a couple of games my rookie year, but he was able to get those guys back on track. When (former Saints coach) Sean (Payton) went out for Covid (in March 2020, then again in December 2021), he was our interim coach, and we adored him.

“I knew he was going to be a great coach wherever he went.” Dan has my undying admiration.”

Campbell and Saints Coach Dennis Allen had overlapping collegiate careers at Texas A&M, where Allen played from 1992 to 1995 and Campbell from 1995 to 1998.