Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton's Brave Defense of Craig Reynolds Turns Heads

Jul 16, 2025 1:07 AM EDT

The Detroit Lions have become one of the most popular sports teams in recent Detroit sports history on their strength of back-to-back division titles and an appearance on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ documentary TV show in 2022.

Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and others have become household names as the Lions have ascended from one of the NFL’s most downtrodden teams to a perennial Super Bowl favorite.

On Tuesday, video resurfaced of new Lions offensive coordinator John Morton’s classic moment with Campbell and other Lions coaches as he bravely defended running back Craig Reynolds, who is expected back with the team in 2025.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, center, and offensive coordinator John Morton watch practice during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, June 5, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2022 video includes Campbell posing the question of whether or not the Lions would regret cutting Reynolds from the team. Campbell’s unspoken invitation gave Morton the opening he needed to launch his defense of the Lions backup runner, known for his toughness and strong between-the-tackles running style.

“I wouldn’t cut him,” Morton, then an offensive assistant, can be heard saying in the video. “He’s everything we represent,” Morton added, to which Campbell quickly agreed.

Morton was supported by former running backs coach Duce Staley and current offensive line coach Hank Fraley in dramatic video posted to X on Tuesday by the St. Brown Podcast.

“Duce was spot on, too!” one fan said.

“Love that. Would have never connected Morton to this but it’s awesome to see,” another added.