Dan Campbell helped turn the Detroit Lions into a regular NFC North title threat. He’s equally admired in College Station. That admiration led to a surprise gesture from Texas A&M football on Wednesday.

The school honored the former Aggies tight end with a special tribute. Campbell received the Lettermen’s Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

His old head coach R.C. Slocum was there to help present the honor. But Campbell also got emotional surprise messages on video. Ex-teammates like Cameron Spikes sent congratulations. Former QB Randy McCown joined in. Another Aggies legend, All-American linebacker Dat Nguyen, also praised him.

The surprise made Campbell emotional, and he blurted out “holy crap” before accepting. He then shared the moment with family. He expressed his love for his former Aggies teammates afterward.

He stepped away from OTAs to accept the honor. Campbell also made it clear he’s ready to battle adversity in 2025. The Lions face a tough road ahead this season.

He arrived at the school during its final year in the Southwest Conference. That league officially folded after the 1995 season. Campbell appeared in 11 games that year.

He saw more action in the offense. Though it was a run-heavy attack, he caught eight passes for 103 yards.

Over his college career, Campbell caught 27 passes for 314 yards and scored three touchdowns. He was part of the transition to the Big 12.

He was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. The New York Giants selected him 79th overall. Slocum coached four more seasons before retiring in 2002.

Now 49 years old, Campbell has a head coaching record of 46-37-1. That includes back-to-back division championships with the Lions.