Dan Campbell talks glowingly about growth Jameson Williams has shown this year

Dan Campbell left no stone unturned in his fresh praise for Jameson Williams.

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This was a big season for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. The direction it went would no doubt determine the track his career took, and if it went badly his future as a Lion would be up in the air.

It has not been without a couple hiccups. Williams received a two-game suspension for a performance-enhancing substance, and later a gun-related incident for which he was not charged came to light But along with his growth as player this season, topping 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, Williams has taken full accountability for things that have happened on and off the field.

Head coach Dan Campbell was sure to defend Williams when the two aforementioned things came up this season. That faith, expressed publicly and definitely to Williams privately, paid off.

Dan Campbell can't say enough good things about Jameson Williams' growth this year

On Thursday, Campbell was asked about his sense of pride in Williams.

"I’ve got a lot of pride with him. You know he’s one of those guys, man I love that kid. He’s had to endure a lot. Look, some of it is his own doing and he knows that. That’s what I appreciate....it took him a minute to buy into what we’re doing. He can be a little hard-headed and it’s also why you love him, it’s why I love him,’’ Campbell said.

“But he’s learned along the way and he’s grown. What is the best thing he’s done?", Campbell said. "When he dropped the armor, he endeared himself to his teammates. He became part of the team, that took place last year, towards the end of last year. He could start to feel it and it’s only gotten better and better and better. Every one of these that’s happened, he’s grown he’s learning from it. I love where he’s at, I really do, I’m proud of him."

Campbell then tried to dismiss his direct influence on Williams.

“You try to tell him what’s on your mind, you try to give him the reality of the situation, you tell him what you think about him, give him the good and the bad, be honest with him,” Campbell said. "And tell him where you really believe he can go and what you think he is. And then the rest is up to him...but I said this last year, he’s part of the herd now. He’s part of the stock, and that’s the best thing ever.”

Williams has turned a corner this season in every way a player can, and he can further define his breakout campaign with a central role for the Lions in the playoffs.

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