{
  "id": 13168091,
  "title": "Lions' Dan Campbell recalls 'intimidating' interview with Mike Ditka",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/lions-dan-campbell-recalls-intimidating-interview-with-mike-ditka-13168091",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T17:30:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-dan-campbell-recalls-intimidating-173037872.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dan Campbell, a former college football player at Texas A&M, had his first NFL meeting with Mike Ditka during the 1999 draft combine. Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Chicago Bears coach, was conducting his final pre-draft interview at the time. Upon entering the Saints interview room, Campbell was greeted by a dimly lit space with a single lamp in the corner and thick smoke filling the area. Sitting across from Ditka, clad in a cigar, Campbell described the experience as both an amazing and intimidating moment. Ditka, who played for the Bears, Eagles, and Cowboys during his 12-season NFL career, was known for his intense and authentic personality. Campbell honored Ditka's legacy, reflecting on the legendary coach's impact on the game and his contributions to the community through the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.",
  "summary": "Mike Ditka was coach of the New Orleans Saints when he interviewed Dan Campbell before the 1999 NFL draft.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dan Campbell interviewed Mike Ditka during 1999 draft combine.",
    "Ditka, Hall of Fame coach, conducted final pre-draft interview.",
    "Campbell described interview as amazing and intimidating."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lions' Dan Campbell recalls 'intimidating' interview with Mike Ditka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/lions-dan-campbell-recalls-intimidating-interview-with-mike-ditka",
        "published": "2026-10-09T17:30:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}