Notes: 49ers TE George Kittle had some kind words Dan Campbell

49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle had some nice things to say about Lions coach Dan Campbell ahead of their Week 17 Matchup on Monday Night Football.

In the beginning, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn’t loved around the country like he is now. In fact, after his introductory press conference, some people were already wondering if the Lions had made yet another mistake by hiring the former player. After all, he wasn’t a play-caller like so many other trendy candidates around the league.

Then as time wore on, more and more people began to see Campbell as the bonafide leader that he is at his core. Yes, he is a 6-foot-5 former blocking tight end who came up under the legendary Bill Parcells coaching tree. With that said, it was evident really early on for most people around the organization that Campbell was different in all of the best ways.

Now the rest of the world is catching up over the course of the last two-ish years, so much so that even a conference rival like San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle can appreciate what Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have built in Detroit.

“I think when you have a head coach that has played, and the way that he played, too,” said Kittle when asked of Campbell’s style of coaching. “He was very gritty, kind of a nasty player, but was beloved by all of his teammates. I think it’s really easy to play for guys like that.”

You can watch the entire sound byte from Kittle below. Personally, I loved the entire video up until the end. Sorry, George. Those are the old days. The 49ers are in the way, and besides—only a few weeks until vacation time for you all anyway.

And now, onto the rest of today’s notes:

• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote about how Lions cornerback Amik Robertson almost signed with San Francisco in the offseason, but now he is out to ruin their last primetime appearance of the season.

• “Can the Lions model be duplicated?” What a time to be alive.

• Another awesome breakdown from NFL Matchup on ESPN—this time detailing how slowing down Lions receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

• Birkett also wrote about how it was always, “Lions or bust,” for Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

• Eric Woodyard of ESPN wrote about how Campbell still thinks of last year’s loss to San Francisco in the NFC Championship game.

• I love these ideas the Lions come up with. Keep them coming, please.

• Tyler Dunne wrote another awesome story, this time about Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith’s quest for vengeance (and some jewelry).