Lions quarterbacks receive coaching from Dan Campbell in the new scheme.

Dan Campbell provides quarterback guidance for the Lions in the new scheme on

Allen ParkIn anticipation of the Detroit Lions’ thrilling journey to the NFC Championship and their first-ever Super Bowl berth, head coach Dan Campbell was asked if he had received any guidance from longtime mentor Bill Parcells before Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

Indeed, Campbell stated this on Thursday. “‘Congratulations, shoes,’ he said.”

Pardon me? Is the Hall of Fame coach and his former player having some sort of inside joke? No, it turns out that the explanation is not at all complex.

“Did you watch the San Francisco vs. Green Bay game the other night?” Amid the blank looks from the assembled reporters, Campbell jokes. “Everything—all the falls, all the slips. Coach Parcells is that. Traditional. He’s correct, too. You’ll always get some substance from him.”

It’s easy to forget that the Lions haven’t played outside in almost two months, having flown to Chicago early in December to play their division rivals at Solider Field in an annual game. However, they should be as ready as possible for the field conditions in San Francisco because of one man—equipment manager Tim O’Neill—who is possibly the most prepared person in the building.

O’Neill has a lengthy history—22 years, to be exact. Before Martin Mayhew took over as general manager of the Lions, Matt Millen was still in charge of hiring him. Furthermore, O’Neill has weathered numerous leadership transitions, including the most recent Patriots-lite administration that seemed determined to sweep away everybody who wasn’t a branch that descended from their Bill Belichick-led enterprise.

If we’re being really honest, O’Neill has had highs and lows over his 22 years, but mainly lows. Of course, it was no fault of his. But in that time, he has not only made a name for himself as one of the organization’s friendliest members but also one of its hardest-working.

“There’s nothing easy about what he does,” Campbell remarked. “For all those years, and not to have success, and to have to load everything up, load those bags up one more time, have to get them on the plane, get them off the plane, get them back here, four o’clock in the morning, getting them loaded, let me take an hour to sleep, let me get up, let me wash the laundry.” However, he has long been regarded as a rock star in his field.

Campbell went on, “He never moans or complains about anything.” He never claims that we are without this. His only goal is to assist the athletes. All he wants is to be of assistance. How may I assist you? How may I help you? The coaches are in the same boat. He merely grinds. He’s another guy I’m content with. He works hard, and I’m happy we could make a little progress after all that effort, don’t you think? I still have to work for it because it will always be there, but it is worthwhile.”

O’Neill is adored by the players, particularly the offensive lineman. He’s almost like a parent dealing with children on game days. Those 300-plus-pound players cannot get over their shoulder pads on their own because the NFL outfits are so snug. O’Neill is there, assisting them all with dressing.

On game days, he also walks the whole length of the field, side to side and back, to assess the strength of the radio signals in linebacker Alex Anzalone’s and quarterback Jared Goff’s communication helmets. And like a NASCAR pit crew, he had his personnel prepared to swap out the spikes on every pair of cleats in case the information he learned about field conditions from talking with other equipment managers throughout the league over the week proved to be erroneous.

Graham Glasgow, an offensive lineman, said of Tim, “I feel like I always see him leading from the front lines.” It seems that he doesn’t ask his coworkers in the equipment room to do any tasks that he doesn’t perform himself. When I go in for treatment after a late-night game, Tim is the only guy I’ll see in that room.”

After three years in Denver, Glasgow had returned to Detroit, but he hadn’t really thought about everyone he would see as he walked back into the building. O’Neill’s face, though, was the most welcomed of all. It’s not just about his dependability and skill; it’s also about how he makes a personal connection with you. Kicker Michael Badgley, for instance, has delighted in getting to the practice complex and chatting with O’Neill first thing in the morning about their mutual passion for hockey.

“What goes on inside that equipment room is an art form, and not many people appreciate how crucial it is on game day, how hard of a job it is, and how much time it takes,” Badgley remarked.

Sneakers? Though the Lions don’t need to worry about shoes, it’s still wise advice. O’Neill will take care of that. A thorough scouting report has already been sent to him by colleagues who often play at Levi’s Stadium. Campbell has been informed of this by him, and the Lions have been practicing with the length of cleats they plan to use on Sunday.