Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, a devoted Cowboys fan, didn’t have kind words for Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell following the Cowboys’ crushing 47-9 defeat to the Lions on Sunday, October 13, in Texas. Cowboys fans were left frustrated by their team’s poor showing, and Christie was among them.
During an October 17 radio appearance with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on “Mad Dog Unleashed,” Christie shared his thoughts on the game, particularly criticizing Campbell’s tactics.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell and his team utilized several trick plays throughout the game and continued their aggressive approach even after securing a comfortable lead, a move that didn’t sit well with Christie.
Christie: Campbell Has ‘No Class’
When Russo asked Christie if he believed Campbell was “rubbing it in” due to a call from their matchup last season, Christie didn’t hold back. In the previous game, Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was penalized for illegal touching during a two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds, negating the play. The controversial call was a point of frustration for the Lions.
Christie responded to Russo, saying, “No, that’s just Dan Campbell. He’s got no class. Never has… It’s fine. That’s how he operates, and what goes around comes around,” according to an audio clip posted by Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina on X.
Russo pressed further, asking Christie if it bothered him.
“Well, I just think it was misdirected,” Christie replied. “Dan Campbell’s upset because the referees made a bad call last year. If you’re mad, take it out on Roger Goodell. The Cowboys had nothing to do with the incorrect call. It wasn’t our challenge. It was a referee’s decision. The Lions got hurt, and we benefited.”
He continued, “So, because of that, Campbell decides to rub it in now? I don’t think that’s what professionals do. But it’s his choice. That’s the reputation he’ll carry.”
‘Blame Your Best Friend Jerry Jones’
Not everyone agreed with Christie’s assessment of Campbell.
NFL writer Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit quickly defended Campbell, noting that the coach is “highly respected by his players, peers, and others in the NFL.” Reisman added, “Christie sounds like a sore loser. Maybe he should direct his anger at his best friend Jerry Jones for not improving the Cowboys during the offseason.”
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report echoed that sentiment, writing, “It’s understandable for Christie to be upset about the Cowboys’ loss. But taking it further by attacking Campbell’s character goes too far.”
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports added his perspective, saying, “Christie is understandably upset about the Lions dominating his team, but questioning Campbell’s character is unnecessary and untrue.”
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