Dan Campbell critiques non-contact OTAs as just a pajama party

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: May 30, 2026, 4:45 PM

Last updated May 30, 2026

Dan Campbell critiques non-contact OTAs as just a pajama party

Summary

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed skepticism about non-contact organized team activities (OTAs), calling them a 'pajama party' and emphasizing the importance of evaluating player performance in full pads. His comments come as the team prepares for the upcoming season, where the true readiness of players will be assessed during training camp. Campbell's frustration highlights the challenges of gauging talent during practices that lack physical contact. As team activities continue, the Lions will look to transition to more rigorous evaluations soon.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Dan Campbell criticizes non-contact OTAs for lacking intensity
•He emphasizes the need for evaluations in full pads
•The Lions prepare to shift to more rigorous practices soon
•Campbell's comments suggest a push for player accountability

Latest Updates

4:45 PMYahoo Sports — Lions' Dan Campbell done hyping up 'pajama party in May'
4:35 PMYahoo Sports — Lions' Dan Campbell labels OTAs 'pajama party' in latest colorful quote
10:05 AMNBCSports.com — Dan Campbell: Non-contact OTAs are “a pajama party,” we’ll see who looks good in pads - NBC Sports
8:47 AMYahoo Sports — Dan Campbell: Non-contact OTAs are "a pajama party," we'll see who looks good in pads

What they're saying

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Dan Campbell referred to OTAs as a "pajama party" and insisted he wasn't getting hyped about anyone's performance during the non-contact practices.
— Yahoo Sports