Dan Campbell wanted to give the Detroit Lions one of his usual motivational messages before their game in Germany.
The German translation did not cooperate.
During his Friday media session in Munich, Campbell was asked what Amon-Ra St. Brown had taught him in German. The Lions coach paused, warned everyone about the profanity coming next and explained how a team-meeting message took an unexpected turn.
“I’ve been known to use profanity, so bear with me here,” Campbell said.
Campbell wanted to tell his players that it was time to “spread our wings and fly.” That version was not forceful enough for him, so he searched for a German word that might carry the same punch as the F-word.
What he found was “Scheiße,” the German word for “shit.”
Instead of delivering the message he had planned, Campbell wound up with a phrase that sounded closer to “shit wings.”
“It didn’t go over like I thought it would,” Campbell said. “He taught me what not to say.”
AMON-RA ST. BROWN BECAME CAMPBELL’S GERMAN TEACHER
St. Brown was the natural person for Campbell to ask for help.
The Lions receiver’s mother, Miriam, is from Leverkusen, Germany. St. Brown speaks German and wears the country’s flag on his helmet. The NFL highlighted his connection to Germany while previewing Detroit’s international matchup.
Campbell had already leaned on St. Brown earlier in the week while preparing a brief German opening statement for reporters. His attempt at a more colorful message for the team proved harder to translate.
The moment fit Campbell’s usual approach. He often gives players short phrases or themes designed to set the tone for the week. This one started with the idea of Detroit expanding its game and playing freely. The extra profanity created the problem.
THE LIONS HAVE BUSINESS TO HANDLE IN MUNICH
The language lesson offered a lighter moment during a demanding travel week.
Detroit faces the New England Patriots on Sunday at FC Bayern Munich Stadium. The Lions’ official schedule lists kickoff for 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX.
The Lions enter the game at 6-2 after four consecutive victories. New England arrives at 5-4 after losing two of its previous three games. The NFL’s Week 10 game capsule identifies Detroit as the designated home team.
This will be the Lions’ first international appearance since playing at Wembley Stadium in 2015. New England has more experience abroad, carrying a 3-2 record through five international games.
Detroit practiced in Allen Park on Wednesday and Thursday before flying overnight to Munich. The team arrived Friday morning and held a lighter session while adjusting to the time change. The Lions emphasized sleep and hydration as major parts of their preparation.
GERMANY GIVES ST. BROWN A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOMECOMING
Sunday’s game carries added meaning for St. Brown.
He has represented his German heritage throughout his NFL career, and the Munich game gives him his first chance to play an NFL contest in his mother’s home country. Detroit’s week of fan events across Munich also positions the Lions as the featured team throughout the city.
Campbell has praised St. Brown’s consistency, work ethic and connection to the organization. The receiver now has another job on his résumé: keeping his head coach from accidentally telling the Lions to spread their “shit wings.”
Campbell’s message got lost in translation. His players still understood the larger point.
Detroit traveled to Germany to expand its reach, embrace the moment and return home with a win.