Charles Barkley can be a lot of things. He can be annoying. He can be hilarious. He can sometimes even be controversial. But Barkley is always authentically Charles Barkley.
Suggested Reading
The latest example of that was on his CNN show with Gayle King, titled, “King Charles.”
While talking to accomplished actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key about his lifelong fandom of the Detroit Lions, Barkley said, “I have fell in love with the Detroit Lions. I have a man crush on Dan Campbell. I know nothing about Dan Campbell, but I’m like ‘I want to play for Dan Campbell.’”
Watch the clip below:
The whole exchange is one of the reasons Barkley is such a beloved and entertaining figure in the sports media world. Yes, he’ll make some wild and crazy predictions, but he’s always willing to show love to those who work hard in their respective fields.
Later during the interview, Barkley reiterated his love for the Lions, saying, “I’m telling you, I am pulling for the Detroit Lions. I don’t know anybody on their team. I’m just a big Dan Campbell fan. Obviously, I know a couple players that I’ve never met. But I am all in on the Detroit Lions. Please get to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl.”
While this is the first time fans may have heard about Barkley’s love for Campbell, he’s spoken positively about him and the Lions before.
Prior to the 2023 NFL season, Barkley gave props to Campbell during an appearance on the “Bill Simmons Podcast.”
He said, “I want the Lions to do well, because I love me some Dan Campbell.”
Not that Barkely is a football expert or anything, but it seems that his positive words may have helped. The Lions went on to have their best season in nearly a decade and are one win away from making their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
But they have to go through the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.