It’s been 25 years since Dan Campbell scored his first-ever NFL touchdown, and judging by his reaction this week, you’d think it happened in another lifetime.

During Week 5 of the 2000 NFL season, Campbell was a young tight end with the New York Giants, catching passes from quarterback Kerry Collins. That play marked his first trip to the end zone as a pro. But when reporters recently asked him if he remembered that milestone, Campbell couldn’t help but laugh.

“Man, I—no. I hadn’t even thought about that,” Campbell said with his trademark grin. “I can’t even remember what that was. I know it was from… No, that’s sad that I don’t. Because I only have a few, I only have like a handful, that’s what’s sad about it. I know it was from Kerry (Collins), but I couldn’t remember if it was a flat or the back of the end zone. It wasn’t a go route. No, that’s crazy. That’s a long time ago.”

The Detroit Lions head coach then followed up with a line only he could  deliver.

“I was lucky to have the teammates I did, I can tell you that,” he said. “Because if Kerry was throwing it, I didn’t have a choice but to catch it—he caught me.”

That perfect mix of humor and humility is exactly why Lions fans adore Campbell. Whether he’s breaking down tape, preaching grit and toughness, or joking about his old playing days, he’s always completely himself.

And really, that’s what makes him one of the most genuine coaches in the NFL today—a former player who never forgot where he came from, even if he did forget his first touchdown.