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The NFL returned in dramatic fashion on Thursday night. The league’s opening night featured the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs welcoming the Detroit Lions to Arrowhead Stadium for their crowning presentation.
However, the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell didn’t care that it was supposed to be a night of celebration for the Chiefs.
The Lions spoiled the night with a 21-20 victory. It was a great game that had fans excited for the return of football.
Let’s look at some of the best reactions to the Lions victory.
Motor City Dan Campbell
“We’re built for this.” 😤
Dan Campbell and the @Lions were pumped after their season opening win.
— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2023
There’s not another NFL head coach who wears his heart on his sleeve like Dan Campbell. Campbell is the ultimate motivator and someone that the Lions players have believed in since the moment he accepted the position.
Coach Campbell has brought a different feel to Detroit, and the results from last night proved that something is working for the boys in Honolulu Blue.
The Lions went from no primetime games and constantly being disrespected, to a win over the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPS IN A PRIMETIME SEASON OPENER. Celebrate this Detroit Fans, YOU DESERVE IT. Dan Campbell and the Lions answered the bell and SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2023
In this game Dan Campbell beat Andy Reid. Remember the “Andy Reid with time to plan … first game of the season” narrative? The implications of all of this are huge.
— Detroit Lions Podcast (@DetLionsPodcast) September 8, 2023
to think back to where this all started a couple of years ago, this speech from Dan Campbell feels especially poignant right now. pic.twitter.com/dr9txI3Abk
— Ryan Mathews (@Ryan_POD) September 8, 2023
One Nation, Under Blue Kool-Aid
To finish last season, the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention just before their final game with the Green Bay Packers. However, that didn’t stop them from also handing the Packers the same treatment in front of the Lambeau faithful.
It was a moment that united all Lions fans and made the fandom feel a sense of pride. But the pride of winning a big game on a grand stage took a whole new meaning to the old Lions faithful.
GOOD MORNING 🤩🦁
Last night wasn’t a dream. The Detroit Lions shocked the world… again. HAPPY VICTORY FRIDAY!!!!!!! 🔥📈#OnePride
📸: @Lions pic.twitter.com/cEMF1jO0E2
— Tony Dombrowski (@tonydombrowski) September 8, 2023
The Detroit Lions just beat the defending Super Bowl champions at THEIR stadium on PRIME TIME. HYPE WAS REAL. BRAND. NEW. LIONS!!!!
— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) September 8, 2023
THE DETROIT LIONS ARE HERE TO STAY!
WE’RE DRINKING ALL OF THAT HONOLULU BLUE KOOL AID 🔥
The Detroit #Lions are contenders. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/3EVLu2MGqK
— Booner (@boonersports) September 8, 2023
Detroit Lions fans be like pic.twitter.com/j7hhjeZQQ9
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) September 8, 2023
It’s a different world than it was yesterday morning.
Yes, you can look at the absence of Travis Kelce and Chris Jones as major factors in the outcome. But injuries and contract disputes are a part of the game.
The Lions played the defending champions on their turf and came out victorious. No other talking point should matter except that it’s time to maybe put a little respect on the name of the Detroit Lions.
A team and a city that has been desperately hoping for a moment like this deserves every second to soak in the spoils of victory. There’s plenty of Kool-Aid to go around.
