When the Detroit Lions and San Francisco face off for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl on Sunday, it holds special significance for Lions defensive back Ceedy Duce. Formerly known as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Duce was part of the Philadelphia Eagles team that defeated the 49ers, leading to a rivalry with 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel during the offseason. The online dispute between them could potentially spill over into Sunday’s game, but coach Dan Campbell is unconcerned, emphasizing the importance of avoiding personal fouls.
Campbell stated, “No personal fouls, and that’s all you’ve got to say. He’s good. He knows how to toe the line without crossing it.” Duce acknowledged the heightened intensity as one of the few players on the roster with prior experience in an NFC Championship game. However, he clarified that once the game begins, the only change is how the team would celebrate if they emerge victorious.
“The intensity level always goes up; it’s the NFL. Players enter with the intensity to win every weekend. The only thing that has changed this weekend is that it’s a title game. Things don’t change,” Duce explained. “You still have to play 60 minutes of football. The only difference is, if you win the game, how you celebrate at the end. We want to come out on the other side as winners. This group deserves it, and I’m not just talking about myself. The guys who have been here, who went 0-10-1, they deserve it. The guys drafted here deserve this.”
