Dan Campbell Puts Lions on Notice Amid NFL’s Outburst in Blocked Field Goals
The Detroit Lions haven’t seen a field goal block impact one of their games this season. But Lions head coach Dan Campbell has certainly taken notice of the field goal and extra points blocked around the league.
On September 21 in Week 3, there were four blocked field goals, all of which happened in the fourth quarter. That was the most field goal blocks on a single day in the NFL since 1991.
There was another field goal blocked in Ireland during the Pittsburgh Steelers –Minnesota Vikings matchup. On Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys blocked an extra point.
Although it’s not his team giving up the blocked kicks, Campbell suggested Monday that seeing those attempts blocked gives him anxiety.
“I do [appreciate the block], but I hate watching [it]. I hate it,” Campbell said to reporters Monday while smiling. “Because I can put myself in the shoes of the field goal protection team.
“You can appreciate the guys who go for the blocks, but most of the time, it’s the protection — most of the time. Man, is it your own doing? But when I see them, I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ To lose that way, that’s tough.”
The Los Angeles Rams had a chance to kick the game-winning field goal in the final seconds against the Philadelphia Eagles during Week 3. But the attempt was blocked, which sealed the win for Philadelphia.
On Sunday night, the Green Bay Packers not only lost an extra point with a block, the Cowboys returned the try for a two-point conversion. That game ended in a 40-40 tie.
Campbell, though, sounds like a man on a mission not to allow blocked kicks be an issue for the Lions.
Dan Campbell Addresses the NFL’s Blocked Kick Pandemic
NFL coaches always try to find lessons to teach their players. Although a blocked field goal or extra point has yet to hurt the Lions, Campbell sees the rise in blocks as a warning of sorts.
“It’s a reminder to how important it is and how important special teams [are]. You battle your tail off for three hours and that one time you didn’t quite take that right step, or your pad level wasn’t good or you lunged or you didn’t and you’re too high. And the guy runs through and makes a block, then it’s all for not,” said Campbell.
“Then you go back and you say, ‘Man, if I just would have been lower. If I would have locked in on that play, if I really would have treated it like, man, everybody is watching, and we’re going to lose this game if I don’t block this guy.
“If you really treat that way, then it wouldn’t happen. We’re not going to let that happen here.”
Reluctantly, Campbell then shared with the media a time when he failed to get in front of Julius Peppers on the field goal block team. Peppers nearly blocked the attempt, which Campbell’s team missed.
Campbell said there was a penalty on the play. That gave his team another opportunity at the try. But clearly, he learned his lesson.
NFL’s Rampant Field Goal Block Pace
Last season, there were 18 blocked field goals in the NFL. Through not even four weeks of the 2025 season, there have already been 12 blocks.
The 12 blocks in 2025 include both field goals and extra points. But still, blocked kicks have become a major issue for field goal teams.
Even if the current pace doesn’t continue, the league is going to see these blocks influence division races and playoff spots. Blocked field goals have already cost teams in the first month of this season.
But again, Campbell sounds determined not to let a field goal block hurt his team.
LeBron Trade Buzz: Warriors’ Ambitions Tested
The Golden State Warriors’ long-standing interest in LeBron James resurfaced this week after a report suggested the franchise has maintained contact with the Los Angeles Lakers about the superstar.
But any speculation was quickly tempered by another league insider, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding James’ future in Los Angeles.
Persistent Pursuit Meets Firm Resistance
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on “The Stein Line” newsletter on Aug. 22 that Golden State has checked in with the Lakers multiple times over the past 18 months regarding James. Fischer wrote that “as long as LeBron James’ future in Los Angeles remains uncertain, Golden State will undoubtedly be mentioned as a potential James suitor.”
ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel quickly offered a blunt clarification on X: “This has been the case since their hard push before the ’24 deadline. They then checked in at the start of this offseason, and then again after the player option. Nothing has changed, and the Lakers aren’t interested.”
The differing reports highlight the delicate balance between a team actively pursuing an all-time great and the Lakers’ steadfast desire to keep him in Los Angeles.
The Warriors’ pursuit, which dates back to the 2024 trade deadline, stalled after James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, expressed caution over any move that might generate negative public reaction. According to veteran reporter Marc Stein, Paul urged both sides to scrap trade discussions, largely to protect James from potential backlash over changing teams for the fourth time in his career.
James’ Uncertain Future and Potential Fit
Getty Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III go after the loose ball.
James, 39, picked up his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer, securing his place with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. Paul’s public comments reignited questions about his long-term outlook. Paul told ESPN that James “wants to compete for a championship” and that both sides were “evaluating what’s best … at this stage in his life and career.”
Although no trade request has been made, the Lakers have shifted their focus to Luka Dončić, who recently signed a three-year, $165 million extension, signaling a clear pivot toward Dončić as the franchise centerpiece. James now enters the final year of his contract without extension talks, emphasizing a transitional period for the Lakers.
If a trade were ever considered, Golden State would be one of the few feasible destinations. The Athletic’s Fred Katz noted that Jimmy Butler could provide the cleanest salary match in a one-for-one swap, although such a deal would hard-cap the Lakers at the first apron. Including a third team could provide additional flexibility, with Golden State leveraging draft picks and cap room to make a trade work financially.
Olympic Chemistry Sparks Speculation
Getty LeBron James hugs Stephen Curry of Team United States after their victory against Team France during the Men’s Gold Medal game.
The intrigue deepened after James and Warriors star Stephen Curry paired on Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, capturing gold. James frequently set up Curry for open three-pointers, demonstrating the on-court chemistry fans have long envisioned.
“All the battles we’ve had … the fact that we actually got to be teammates … in high stakes basketball … I think there’s a deepened respect and friendship there,” Curry told People magazine in September 2024.
He added, “Hopefully, there will be more experiences in the future, even if we’re teammates or not.”
While a trade remains unlikely, Warriors fans can imagine a late-career collaboration combining Curry’s shooting, James’ playmaking, and championship experience. Though improbable, the speculation highlights the unique circumstances surrounding the twilight of James’ storied NBA career.
