Decades Later, Wife Holly Slips Dan Campbell’s 6-Word Message for Ex-NCAA Star Son

Dan Campbell gained a reputation on the field as a tough head coach who would “bite kneecaps” to win. But off the field? He turns out to be equally noteworthy, perhaps not for the reasons you might think. Behind the Lions’ rise to the top of the NFC North in 2024, and the fierce locker room speeches, there’s a much softer side to Campbell’s story: a loving husband and father whose family moments are just as memorable as any fourth-down conversion.

Fans recently got a hilarious look at the kind of ‘dad advice’ that is just Dan Campbell: short, kind, and utterly memorable, all thanks to an unexpected baby shower experience.

Kevin White recently gave fans a glimpse into his growing family with a touching post on his Instagram story. White received a postcard at his baby shower that said, “Advice and wishes for the parents-to-be; what would Dan Campbell do? With love, the SanFords.” White captioned the post with a nod to Campbell’s now-legendary intensity: “We got this advice today from our baby shower WWDCD? @hollycampbell.”

But here comes the best part. Dan’s wife, Holly Campbell, who serves as Team Campbell’s unofficial CEO, shared the story and included a remembrance that immediately grabbed attention. Congratulations!!! I had us write letters to our son before he was born to give to him when he grew up,” Holly shared. “Mine was a long, sappy mommy letter. Dan’s sai,d ‘I hope you can read this.’ ” That’s it. Just six words. Just a classic, deadpan Dan Campbell note — and somehow, it said everything.

It’s safe to say that the Campbell children turned out great decades after that six-word masterpiece. Indeed, Cody and Piper Campbell are live examples of how greatness may be inspired without a book—all you need is a little heart, lots of humour, and supportive parents.

From handwritten notes to full-grown dreams: Meet Cody and Piper Campbell

Cody Campbell, carrying on his father’s athletic legacy, competed at the NCAA Division III level at Trinity University. Cody made his collegiate debut in 2019 as a tight end, exactly like Dan Campbell did at Texas A&M.

Though he did not have very impressive stats, Cody’s greatest contribution was off the field, where he excelled academically and reached the Dean’s List four times. Cody, who is majoring in business analytics and technology with an emphasis on sports management, is aiming higher: he wants to be an NFL general manager. He proceeded to pursue that aim after graduating from Trinity in 2022 by enrolling at the esteemed Stephen Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Proof that while his dad’s letters were short, the ambition they sparked was sky-high.

As Cody was dominating the classroom and the football field, Piper Campbell was establishing herself in the sports world and beyond. During her senior year, Piper, a former volleyball player at Detroit Country Day School, helped lead her team to an outstanding 25-11 record.

But social media was where Piper really made her breakthrough. She has amassed over 10,100 TikTok followers (@piper__campbell) and an ever-increasing Instagram following, making her a beloved figure among Lions supporters. Her posts provide an intimate look into the Campbell family, including heartfelt shoutouts and game-day celebrations. Piper brilliantly encapsulated the occasion following Dan Campbell’s historic 29-27 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, which marked his first NFL head coaching victory: “You have inspired me to be the best I can be. You’ve shown me endless reasons why I should never give up. Today might be the biggest example yet. Congrats on the win, you deserve it, and I love you very much.”

Looking back, Dan Campbell’s six-word letter wasn’t just a dad joke — it was a snapshot of everything he brings to the table: honesty, humor, and a heart bigger than any defensive playbook. Today, Cody and Piper aren’t just thriving — they’re a reflection of the values their parents quietly instilled over the years. Letters might have been short, but the lessons? Lifelong.

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