CB Mitchell hits back after Dan Campbell claims the Eagles “jumped the line” to snatch him in the 2024 draft, revealing the untold side of the story.QQ
What had simmered quietly for more than a year finally erupted. Following the Detroit Lions’ 19–6 loss at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense smothered Detroit from start to finish, Lions head coach Dan Campbell unexpectedly reopened an old draft storyline: the moment in 2024 when the Eagles “stole” Quinyon Mitchell right before Detroit’s pick. And this time, Campbell didn’t hide the frustration.
During his post-game press conference, Campbell began with his usual calm tone while discussing the loss. But only minutes later, he circled back to the draft with a pointed message. “We liked him. We really liked him. We had him in our building. And they knew that… They knew exactly what they were doing,” he said, leaning closer to the microphone. Then, with a heavier voice, he added, “They jumped in front of us and took him right in front of our eyes. To be honest… that was a straight-up steal.”
A 35-second video clip of Campbell’s remarks quickly went viral on X. The footage shows him seated beneath a Rocket Mortgage backdrop, wearing a Lions cap, speaking about Mitchell as highlight cuts of the Eagles’ rookie cornerback (#27) flash between each quote. In a vacuum, Campbell’s comments could’ve been interpreted as praise. But following a frustrating 19–6 defeat, his words carried an unmistakable edge. When he said, “He’s taken off… he’s getting better and better,” Eagles fans instantly translated it: Detroit is regretting the one that got away.
Quinyon Mitchell — who delivered a standout performance that forced Jared Goff to avoid throwing in his direction — did not shy away when reporters asked for his response to Campbell’s comments. With a steady, composed tone, he replied, “To be honest, it sounds like flattery after a loss.” Then he looked directly into the camera, delivering the line that electrified Philadelphia: “Eagles didn’t steal anything. The Draft is the Draft. We played within the rules — and I’m playing for the team that believed in me.” He ended with the quote that has since gone viral across social media: “I’m Midnight Green. I’m here to work. Not to listen to excuses.”
Eagles fans erupted instantly in the comments under the viral video: “MY CB1,” “Campbell is salty as hell,” “Mitchell cooked Detroit twice,” and even “Put that quote on the walls of NovaCare!” The clip surpassed 320,000 views within hours, turning what was a simple post-game comment into a renewed draft rivalry between the two NFC foes.
The 2024 Draft context only adds fuel to the fire. Philadelphia selected Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd overall pick, while Detroit, sitting at No. 24, took Terrion Arnold. No rules were broken. No tampering occurred. The Eagles simply moved faster and read Detroit’s intentions perfectly — a form of psychological warfare that is entirely legal and deeply embedded in NFL draft culture. And with Mitchell now emerging as one of the league’s most disruptive young cornerbacks, the regret on Detroit’s side is becoming increasingly clear.
The game itself lasted only 60 minutes, but Campbell’s accusation and Mitchell’s cold rebuttal have dragged the ghosts of the 2024 Draft back into the spotlight in 2025. And after this latest chapter, one truth stands out: the Eagles didn’t steal — they simply chose correctly. The Lions didn’t fail — they were just two picks too late. As for Mitchell? He’s only getting started, and his rise is quickly becoming a nightmare Detroit cannot escape.
