With high schools across the country kicking off the 2026-27 football season, players are experiencing all kinds of emotions.
From the nerves of first-time starters to the bittersweet feeling of seniors playing in their final season opener, there is nothing quite like the feeling of stepping out onto the football field for the start of a season.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had some words of wisdom for those athletes on Thursday, Aug. 27, encouraging them to appreciate every moment of the game.
"Wherever you're at, make the most of it because you're not guaranteed to be able to get another chance to play and be with those guys that you grew up with and enjoy the game at that level," Campbell said at a press conference after training camp.
"The wins and the sacrifice, the hard work, the blood sweat and tears — it's a special time."
"Make the most of it" - Coach Campbell on high school football season starting pic.twitter.com/7pZYz1VYXf
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 27, 2026
As high school football gets underway in Michigan, Campbell recalled how he felt when high school football season rolled around each year.
Campbell was a two-way player at Glen Rose High School in Texas, earning three-time All-District honors before continuing his career at Texas A&M and eventually spending 11 seasons in the NFL.
"We've got a couple of coaches that have seniors that are opening up tonight and man, you never forget your senior year," he said.
Campbell specifically highlighted the underclassmen, telling them to play hard for the seniors on the team.
"If you're a young guy — a freshman or sophomore — you owe it to the seniors because this may be the last time that you get one more shot," Campbell said. "So, give them everything you've got and make it a special year for them because next year is your year and you're going to want those young guys to help you."
Above all, Campbell had one final message for these players:
"Enjoy it," he said. "It doesn't last. You'll remember it for the rest of your life."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell offers advice to high school players
