The New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals after a 53-year drought has captivated everyone. So much so that the Detroit Lions' head coach, Dan Campbell, reflected on it during his press conference on day one of minicamp.

When asked what it takes to overcome years of disappointment, the Lions coach pointed to the perseverance needed to achieve success.

“It’s pretty special to watch what they did,” said Campbell on June 16. “Whether you like it or not, you respect it, you respect what it took to get through all that and to overcome and to will it to happen, to make it happen. So, I think there’s something to that, and that’s what we’re striving for...it's about winning, and it's about winning a championship.”

The Lions have come closer to reaching the Super Bowl under Campbell in 2023. However, the organization still hasn’t reached the big game, missing the playoffs entirely last season.

Campbell also mentioned how it takes a lot of time and how having a good team is not all that matters.

“The fact that it has that many years of going through ups and downs,” said Campbell. “I remember all those years with the Bulls, and I’m sure a lot of us do. So, I go way back to then, and they had some really good teams that just couldn’t get over the hump.”

The Lions have built a roster capable of competing with any other roster in the league. Led by quarterback Jared Goff and multiple other playmakers on their roster, Detroit is entering the 2026 season with a lot of expectations.

However, if the Lions hope to mirror the Knicks' historic run and finally capture the Lombardi Trophy, they must first resolve their primary offseason battle and secure a definitive starter at left guard.

Campbell Confirms That The Starting Left Guard Job Is Wide Open

During the offseason, the Lions made a lot of changes to their offensive line. A new center in Cade Mays, the shifting of Penei Sewell to left tackle, selecting right tackle Blake Miller in the first-round being a few of them.

However, on Tuesday, head coach Campbell finally talked about a position that still doesn’t seem to have a designated starter.

“Yeah, it’s open,” said Campbell. “(Christian) Mahogany is very much in that. We know he’s got ability, he’s got potential, but there’s a reason why we brought in (Ben) Bartch. There’s a reason why (Miles) Frazier’s here.”

Mahogany was the player who started last year before his injury. He struggled against pass blocking. Frazier only got a bit of game time last year, yet his versatility and athletic ability can be considered as pluses.

Bartch, who was also mentioned, has played 1,722 career snaps and allowed just 5 sacks, but was never a consistent starter with the Jaguars or the 49ers.

Mahogany has played for the Lions the most out of the three, but Bartch has the overall experience. Frazier’s traits also could help him be the starter for next season. It will be interesting to see who Campbell will pick to start.

Do you think the Lions can win the Super Bowl this season? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore