Detroit Lions news: Ben Johnson, Duce Staley, Zach Ertz, statistical edges vs. 49ers?

Here's a look at some Detroit Lions news and other nuggets on the Thursday before the NFC Championship Game.

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Dan Campbell named NFC Coach of the Year by a select section of media

If you've never heard of the "101 Awards', you're not the only one. Not to be confused with Associated Press or anything else, the awards are voted by 101 media members who regularly cover the NFL and they started in 1969. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was named NFC Coach of the Year for this year.

The Lions have ended all kinds of droughts this season-playoff berth, division title, NFC Championship Game. Campbell is an automatic top candidate for the traditional AP Coach of the Year award, to be given out at NFL Honors the week before the Super Bowl in February.

Frank Ragnow among finalists for NFLPA Alan Page Community Award

Ragnow is this year's Lions' nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year. The NFLPA names a Community MVP each week of the regular season, and all the weekly winners are eligible for the Alan Page Community Award at the end of the season.

Ragnow is one of five finalists for the award. The others are Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell, Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, Commanders offensive tackle Charles Leno.

The NFLPA will donate $10,000 to each player’s foundation or the charity of their choice. The winner, who will be announced Feb. 7, will receive an additional $100,000 donation.

A tweet from former Lions' offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby last Sunday, after Ragnow suffered yet another injury, spurred over $20,000 in donations to his foundation.

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