Dan Campbell has a very unique way of communicating and speaking with just about anyone. We saw it in Hard Knocks, we've seen it in press availabilities, and we saw it up front and center when he was being introduced to the Detroit Lions' fanbase and press as the teams' new head coach. Biting kneecaps, etc. You know the one.
Well, Campbell is also very known for going hard for his players, especially those who embody the Lions' spirit of overcoming adversity. Aidan Hutchinson has done just that, rebounding from his broken leg in 2024 to come back as a major force for the teams' defense. His monstrous extension, signed on Wednesday, is a huge acknowledgement of that.
Campbell had nothing but wonderful things to add about the extension, and it's hard not to read this message - shared by SI's Albert Breer - without reading it in Campbell's exact, passionate cadence.
Lions coach Dan Campbell, via text, on Aidan Hutchinson's new deal: "Hutch is a pillar for us! He’s a complete football player…he sets edges in the run game, disrupts QBs in the pass game and has awareness and feel in coverage when asked to drop. Complete! Fired up to have him…
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 29, 2025
Campbell offers on-brand response to Hutchinson's extension
Hutchinson has been "complete" as Campbell states to Breer here. He's got six sacks, which is at a slightly lower pace than we saw him working at in 2024 prior to his broken leg. But, what's stood out for Hutchinson so far this year is his proficiency at punchouts. He's forced four fumbles already this season, which is tied for first place in the NFL.
Those turnovers and potential turnovers generated by Hutchinson help to cover up the injuries that have completely bogged down the Lions' secondary. While the "Legion of Whom" have stepped up in a big way as the team awaits the return of Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed, it helps that Hutchinson is up front and ready to be a disruptor before the ball gets in the air.
READ MORE: Lions should follow Aidan Hutchinson deal by stealing a star from Aaron Glenn
Hutchinson has a long road ahead to be considered a top contender for the Defensive Player of the Year honor for this season. Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is leading that pack, followed closely by the ever-explosive Myles Garrett. Hutchinson still has a shot, though. And, maybe his extension will provide even more pop to his game than already existent.
With the return of Alim McNeill to the defensive line, it's even more likely that Hutchinson can focus on piling up on sacks this season. The attention is no longer solely on him, if you're an offensive lineman, and that bodes well for his ability to get to double-digit sacks soon.