Dan Campbell Recalls Memorable Meeting With Mike Ditka

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke emotionally about the passing of NFL legend Mike Ditka, recounting a significant pre-draft meeting he had with the late coach. Campbell learned of Ditka's death at age 86 when a reporter asked him about it during a press conference.

Campbell, then a tight end prospect from Texas A&M, met with Ditka, who was coaching the New Orleans Saints, ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft. Campbell described Ditka as someone he greatly admired growing up. The meeting was intimate, with just Campbell and Ditka in a room filled with cigar smoke.

"It was one of the best times of my life and most intimidating times of my life sitting across from Mike Ditka," Campbell said. "Him asking questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you're wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome."

Campbell offered his "thoughts and prayers" to Ditka's family, calling him "a legend."

Though Campbell had a memorable encounter with Ditka, he was ultimately drafted by the New York Giants in the third round, 79th overall, not by the Saints.

Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame player and Super Bowl-winning coach, led the Chicago Bears to a championship in the 1985 season. He was widely known as "America's Coach."