Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie is under fire for his polarizing comments on Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell on Friday. During an appearance on the “Mad Dog Unleashed” podcast, hosted by Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Christie unleashed on Campbell, whose Lions blew out the Dallas Cowboys 47-9 on Sunday, Dallas’ worst home loss in the Jerry Jones ownership era. Christie, a known Cowboys fan, took exception to the Lions’ decisions to run multiple second-half trick plays featuring offensive linemen while up by more than 20 points – a cheeky reminder of last season’s controversial 20-19 loss in Dallas in Week 17 when Detroit’s would-be game-winning two-point conversion to offensive tackle Taylor Decker was nullified by officials.
“That’s Dan Campbell, he’s got no class, never has,” Christie said when asked if he had a problem with Campbell’s late-game calls on Sunday. “… That’s the way he is, and what goes around comes around. I just think that it’s misdirected, you know, Dan Campbell’s angry because the referees got a call wrong in the game a year ago. Well, then, you know, run that play on Roger Goodell. The Cowboys had nothing to do with the play being called incorrectly.”
“That’s not what pros do, but it’s his prerogative,” Christie continued. “It’s the reputation that he’ll carry around. Quite frankly, I see most people think that’s his rep now anyway.” Football fans did not take kindly to the 62-year-old’s verbal attack of Campbell, and they made their feelings known on social media. “That’s Dan Campbell. He’s got no class, never has.”
Former NJ governor and Jerry Jones sycophant Chris Christie to @MadDogUnleashed on the Lions running trick plays against the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/VlvrwQmNNq — Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) October 17, 2024
“Man, shut your….. never mind,” Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone wrote on X. “Truth definition of why everyone hates Cowboys fans lmao what a loser !!” one commenter wrote.
Dan Campbell is a genuine, compassionate guy who is well-liked and respected by fans, not just in Detroit, but around the league.
Chris Christie’s comments didnt come off as fan banter but rather a strange personal attack against a good human being.
That’s why we’re pissed. — Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) October 18, 2024 “I already don’t care for 99% of politicians but @ChrisChristie I swear, you were awful already. Don’t let MCDC’s name leave your mouth again. So disrespectful,” another remarked.
“Jerry jones threatens to fire radio host who asked him a question he didn’t like. But sure. It’s Dan Campbell who is classless,” a fan added. Nobody in Detroit cares about your opinions on Dan Campbell, buddy. @ChrisChristiepic.twitter.com/nCiknY9LAh — Shot of Michigan Sports (@shotofms) October 18, 2024 On the field, the Cowboys (3-3) are on a bye this week while the Lions (4-1) travel to Minnesota for a divisional game against the undefeated Vikings (5-0) on Sunday.
