Introduction
Few things stir passion in Michigan like football and food. As the 2025 NFL preseason ramps up, a small-town restaurant in St. Charles is going viral for its bold, flavorful tribute to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Enter: the Dan Campbell Burger a towering, indulgent masterpiece that’s as fierce and unapologetic as the man it honors.
Originally launched during the Lions’ electric playoff run, this monster burger quickly became a symbol of grit, team spirit, and hearty appetite. Now it’s back at Cam’s Brick Oven, just in time for another highly anticipated Lions season and fans couldn’t be more pumped. Whether you’re in it for the food, the football, or just a good time with good people, the Dan Campbell Burger is making headlines and stomachs growl across Michigan.
But this isn’t just a viral stunt or social media craze. It’s a carefully crafted, flavor-loaded experience that’s earning respect on both the culinary and cultural fronts. Stuffed with brisket, double patties, mozzarella sticks, multiple cheeses, jalapeños, and sauce this is a burger that doesn’t just satisfy, it dominates. Much like Coach Campbell himself..National Chicken Sandwich Day
In this deep dive, we’re taking you on a full tour of this regional sensation: its origin story, what’s in it, where to get it, how fans are reacting, and why it’s the perfect marriage of football fandom and comfort food culture. Whether you’re a die-hard Lions fan or just love a good burger with a backstory, you’re in the right place.
Ready to get your hands greasy and your heart full? Let’s dig into the Dan Campbell Burger craze one cheesy, beefy, bite at a time.
The Origin of the Dan Campbell Burger
Who is Dan Campbell?
Dan Campbell isn’t just any NFL coach he’s a cultural icon in Detroit. Known for his explosive interviews, emotional locker room speeches, and genuine loyalty to his players, Campbell brought a new era of energy to the Detroit Lions. Hired as head coach in 2021, Campbell immediately became known for his now-famous quote: “We’re going to bite a kneecap off.”
That tough, old-school mindset resonated with fans and reshaped the Lions’ reputation. Under his leadership, Detroit transformed from underdogs to contenders, finishing the 2024 season with high hopes for 2025. With all that charisma and intensity, it’s no surprise that Dan Campbell became a symbol of Motor City pride and inspired a burger just as bold.
Why a Burger Was Named After Him
The Dan Campbell Burger was first launched during the 2024 playoff run, a time when the Lions captured the nation’s attention with their grit and surprising success. It was the brainchild of Cam’s Brick Oven, a local favorite in St. Charles, Michigan, known for its creative menu and loyal customer base.
The restaurant wanted to do something fun and thematic to support the Lions and what better way to do it than by creating a burger as intense and satisfying as the coach himself? The result was a buzzworthy burger that reflected Campbell’s character: strong, layered, and unforgettable.
Originally planned as a limited-time item, customer demand skyrocketed. Social media posts, news articles, and fan photos exploded online. As a result, Cam’s Brick Oven made the decision to bring it back for the 2025 season, just as excitement for Lions football hits a new peak..Fast Food
What’s Inside the Dan Campbell Burger
A Deep Dive Into the Ingredients
So what makes the Dan Campbell Burger a beast worthy of the coach’s name? It’s not just the portion size it’s the precision in the chaos. Every element plays a role in this flavor-packed football feast:
- Two 7-ounce ground beef patties: Thick, juicy, and flame-grilled for that perfect sear.
- Pulled brisket: Smoky and tender, it adds depth and a barbecue-like twist.
- Cheese overload: American, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses all melt over the patties, creating a gooey, creamy trifecta of flavor.
- Mozzarella sticks: Yes, inside the burger. These give it crunch and indulgent cheese pull action.
- Fresh jalapeños: For a touch of heat and a fresh, vegetal bite.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy, and surprising offering balance to the spice.
- Barbecue sauce: Smoky and sweet, tying everything together on a toasted bun.
This isn’t a burger you eat with your hands while driving it’s a sit-down, clear-your-schedule, food challenge of a meal. And that’s exactly what fans love about it.
What Makes It Unique?
There are dozens of football-themed burgers across the country, but none quite like this one. What makes the Dan Campbell Burger unique isn’t just the ingredients it’s the story and energy behind it.
- It’s handcrafted in a small-town Michigan kitchen, not mass-produced.
- It mirrors Coach Campbell’s persona hefty, no-nonsense, and full of heart.
- It went viral not through national advertising, but through fan love and local pride.
The fact that it includes mozzarella sticks and jalapeños while combining brisket with ranch makes it a rule-breaker, much like Campbell himself. There’s no single cuisine it belongs to it’s part bar food, part BBQ, part dare. And that fusion? That’s what’s driving people to talk about it and travel to try it.
More Than Just a Meal It’s a Statement
Ordering the Dan Campbell Burger says something. It says you’re here for more than a snack you’re here for a food experience. You’re embracing the hunger, the hype, and the hilarity of eating something outrageous. Just like Coach Campbell throws his whole heart into the game, fans throw their whole appetite into this burger.
Where to Get the Dan Campbell Burger in 2025
Cam’s Brick Oven – A Small-Town Gem with Big Flavor
Nestled in the heart of St. Charles, Michigan, Cam’s Brick Oven is the only place you can get your hands on the official Dan Campbell Burger. It’s not a chain. It’s not mass-produced. It’s a locally owned and operated restaurant with a hometown vibe and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Cam’s isn’t just popular because of the burger. It has a longstanding reputation for great service, mouthwatering pizzas, and inventive menu items that capture the spirit of the moment. It’s the kind of spot where the staff knows regulars by name and where football Sundays feel more like family reunions.
When the burger first launched in late 2024, the team at Cam’s quickly realized they had a hit. People were driving in from neighboring towns, and the restaurant began trending in online food circles. Their wood-fired oven may be their bread and butter, but now? It’s the Dan Campbell Burger that brings the biggest buzz.
The 2025 Comeback – Even Bigger Than Before
On July 31, 2025, Cam’s Brick Oven officially announced the burger’s return just in time for the Detroit Lions preseason. The news quickly caught fire online, with coverage from MLive, WNEM, and dozens of local blogs and radio stations. The burger was back and so was the frenzy.
This time around, they’re more prepared. Cam’s has:
- Increased inventory of key ingredients like brisket and mozzarella sticks
- Created limited-edition Dan Campbell merch (T-shirts, stickers, hats)
- Set up social media photo stations for fans to pose with their burgers
- Introduced a “Hall of Fame Wall” for those who finish the burger solo
They’ve also announced extended hours for Lions game days and special combo deals during primetime NFL broadcasts.
Cam’s is embracing its new role as more than just a restaurant it’s becoming a football-season destination.
The Vibe on Game Days
Walk into Cam’s during a Lions game and you’ll be greeted with:
- Walls decked out in Lions blue and silver
- Staff wearing jerseys and football face paint
- Customers clinking beers and cheering at flat-screen TVs scattered throughout the dining area
It’s a party atmosphere but it’s also incredibly welcoming. Families come in early. Friends gather around big tables. And the Dan Campbell Burger becomes a shared tradition.
There’s something magical about watching the Lions grind it out on the field while trying to conquer your own meat-filled challenge. And when the Lions score? You’ll hear more than cheers you’ll hear the sizzle from the kitchen firing up another round of burgers.
Fan Frenzy & Social Media Buzz
Online Reactions Are Fueling the Craze
Since the burger’s 2025 return, fan engagement on social media has exploded. The hashtag #DanCampbellBurger is filled with:
- Photos of towering burgers
- First-bite reaction videos
- Memes comparing the burger to “biting off kneecaps”
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have helped spread the word far beyond Michigan. Influencers in the food and sports space are catching on, and regional travel bloggers are adding Cam’s Brick Oven to their “must-visit” lists.
One fan wrote:
“I don’t even watch football, but I drove 2 hours for this burger. Worth every bite.”
Another posted:
“Finished the Dan Campbell Burger. Can’t feel my face, but my soul is satisfied.”
Local Media Coverage Boosting Visibility
Credible outlets like WNEM, MLive, and The Saginaw News have given the burger high praise. Headlines such as:
- “Dan Campbell Burger Returns to This Small-Town Restaurant for 2025 Lions Season”
- “Cam’s Brick Oven Brings Back Viral Fan Favorite Just in Time for NFL Kickoff”
This media coverage does more than provide visibility it gives the burger credibility. When trusted sources cover your story, it tells the world: this isn’t just hype it’s happening.
Lions Football + Comfort Food: The Winning Combo
Why Sports and Food Are a Perfect Match
In America, football season is more than just a game it’s a lifestyle. And what complements that lifestyle better than bold, comforting food? From tailgate parties to living room viewing sessions, food plays a central role in the fan experience.
What we’re seeing with the Dan Campbell Burger is part of a larger movement: fandom-inspired food. From “Super Bowl Sliders” to “QB Quesadillas,” restaurants and home cooks alike have started crafting signature dishes that match the energy and identity of sports teams and players.
The Rise of Football-Themed Menus
Restaurants across the country are hopping on the trend:
- Bars in Buffalo offering “Josh Allen Wings”
- Philly cheesesteak places serving “Hurts Heat” hoagies
- Louisiana diners crafting “Joe Burrow Bayou Bites”
The Dan Campbell Burger, however, is unique in its authenticity and fan-driven origins. It wasn’t created as a corporate promo it was designed by a local restaurant, inspired by real fan passion, and fueled by regional pride.
This makes it far more relatable and beloved than many mass-market imitations. People aren’t just eating a burger they’re experiencing part of the Lions culture.
Why the Burger Honors Grit & Power
Built to Reflect Coach Campbell’s Spirit
Every layer of the burger carries symbolic weight. The double patties represent resilience and strength. The brisket? A nod to long-term strategy and deep flavor something you earn, not rush. Jalapeños bring the heat (and bite), and mozzarella sticks add that layer of unexpected, hard-to-ignore punch.
And when you drench it all in BBQ sauce and ranch? That’s Dan Campbell’s passion bold, fearless, and a little messy.
The burger is more than a meal. It’s an homage. It tells a story of:
- Intensity
- Toughness
- Heart
And that’s exactly how fans describe Campbell’s coaching style.
The Power of Representation
Food isn’t just sustenance it’s identity. When Lions fans bite into this burger, they’re consuming a piece of the story. They feel more connected to the team, the coach, and the camaraderie that comes with being a Detroit Lions supporter.
In a world filled with digital connections, tangible experiences like the Dan Campbell Burger bring people together physically and emotionally.
A Regional Phenomenon with Viral Potential
From Local Hit to National Curiosity
What started as a local stunt now has the legs of a nationwide sensation. Thanks to media buzz, social shares, and Lions’ rising national profile, the Dan Campbell Burger is catching on outside Michigan. People from Ohio, Indiana, and even as far as Florida have commented online about wanting to “make the drive to St. Charles.”
The 2025 season could be the tipping point. If the Lions continue their strong momentum and make a deep postseason run, there’s every chance this burger turns into a national food legend and Cam’s becomes a culinary landmark for NFL fans.
Can It Go Bigger?
Right now, Cam’s Brick Oven is keeping things local and that adds to the charm. But the buzz has brands, influencers, and even minor media outlets whispering: “Should this go franchise?”
While there are no official expansion plans yet, some possibilities include:
- A limited-time pop-up booth at Ford Field
- Regional food trucks for Lions tailgate parties
- Licensing deals for ghost kitchens in Detroit or Grand Rapids
Whether or not the burger expands physically, its cultural footprint is already spreading fast.
New Menu Additions at Cam’s Brick Oven
Not Just the Dan Campbell Burger Anymore
While the Dan Campbell Burger is clearly the headliner, Cam’s Brick Oven isn’t stopping there. With the Lions entering the 2025 season riding high, the restaurant is expanding its playbook with even more Lions-inspired menu items.
Here’s what’s new:
The Anzalone Calzone
Named after linebacker Alex Anzalone, this oversized calzone is filled with spicy sausage, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and marinara. It’s hearty, aggressive, and built like a linebacker’s lunch.
The Big Hutch
Inspired by Aidan Hutchinson, this burger is stacked with:
- A fried egg
- Thick-cut bacon
- Crispy onion straws
- House-made spicy mayo
It’s a play on traditional breakfast-meets-lunch, just like Hutchinson plays both offense and defense with his versatility on the field.
The Ford Field Flatbread
A nod to Detroit’s home turf, this pizza-style flatbread is topped with:
- Blue corn tortilla chips
- Jalapeño cheddar
- Smoked chicken
- Cilantro-lime crema
Perfect for game-day grazing.
With these new items, Cam’s Brick Oven is leaning fully into fan engagement, creating more opportunities for diners to connect with their favorite players and flavors.
Game Day at Cam’s – A Community Ritual
Heading 3: The Energy on Sundays
Sundays at Cam’s are electric. From the moment doors open, fans pour in wearing Lions jerseys, face paint, and blue-and-silver hats. Staff greet them like family, the TVs are already tuned to pre-game coverage, and the smell of sizzling beef and fresh dough fills the air.
There’s no reservation required but get there early. Tables fill fast, especially on high-stakes game days or rival matchups. Regulars know the routine:
- Arrive an hour early
- Grab a pitcher of local draft beer
- Order a Dan Campbell Burger for the table
- Cheer loud, eat proud
It’s not just about food—it’s about shared identity.
A Family-Friendly Fan Zone
Despite the rough-and-tumble image of the burger, Cam’s remains family friendly. Kids enjoy “Mini MCDC Sliders” (named for Dan’s nickname: Motor City Dan Campbell), and families love the atmosphere of cheering together and celebrating team wins or grieving losses with comfort food.
There’s also a dedicated kids’ zone near the back on weekends, so parents can enjoy the burger while the little ones stay entertained.
More Than a Burger – A Connection to Detroit Pride
The Emotional Value of Local Food Icons
What makes the Dan Campbell Burger a true phenomenon isn’t just the flavor or the portion size it’s the feeling it evokes.
- Pride in your team
- Unity with your community
- Celebration of grit and perseverance
For fans who’ve endured tough seasons with the Lions, the burger is a reward a meaty marker of how far the team (and the fan base) has come. It’s comfort food with emotional depth. You’re not just eating a burger; you’re eating the story of the Lions’ redemption.
What Customers Are Saying
Local feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what some diners have said:
“It’s more than a meal it’s an experience. You feel like you’re part of something bigger.”
“Honestly? Best burger I’ve ever had. But even better because it feels like you’re eating it with Dan Campbell.”
“We come every Sunday. Even the kids talk about the ‘burger coach made.’”
This level of emotional resonance is rare and it’s what turns a food trend into a cultural fixture.
FAQ
How much does the Dan Campbell Burger cost?
As of August 2025, the Dan Campbell Burger at Cam’s Brick Oven is priced at $18.99, which includes fries and a side of dipping sauces (ranch and barbecue). Prices may vary on game days or with combo deals.
Is the Dan Campbell Burger available year-round?
Currently, the burger is seasonal, available during the NFL preseason through playoffs (August–February). However, due to demand, Cam’s has considered making it a permanent menu item.
Can you order the burger online or for delivery?
Yes! Cam’s Brick Oven offers the Dan Campbell Burger for pickup and local delivery via their website and popular food delivery apps (Grubhub, DoorDash, etc.) during regular business hours.
Is the burger available outside of Michigan?
No Cam’s Brick Oven in St. Charles, Michigan is the only place currently offering the Dan Campbell Burger. But plans for pop-up shops and limited city events are under discussion.
Can I customize the Dan Campbell Burger?
Minor customizations like removing jalapeños or switching cheese types are allowed, but due to high volume, the core structure is encouraged to stay the same. After all, it’s meant to be experienced as designed!
Are there vegetarian or lighter options?
Cam’s has introduced a “Campbell Lite” version with grilled turkey patties and no brisket, along with a vegetarian version featuring Beyond Meat and veggie cheese. Ask the server for seasonal availability.
Conclusion
The Dan Campbell Burger is more than a viral food trend it’s a full-blown celebration of Detroit culture, sports pride, and culinary creativity. From its mouthwatering ingredients to its emotionally charged backstory, it captures everything Lions fans love: intensity, community, and authenticity.
It represents a powerful shift where local flavors meet national narratives, showing that even a small-town Michigan restaurant can make waves across the country one bite at a time.
Whether you’re traveling to St. Charles for a taste, catching the game at Cam’s, or just following the burger’s story online, there’s no denying this: the Dan Campbell Burger is a legend in the making.
If you haven’t tried it yet what are you waiting for?
Name: Dan Campbell Burger
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- Grill the patties: Season both beef patties with salt and pepper. Cook on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Heat the brisket: Warm pulled brisket in a pan or microwave. Add BBQ sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare mozzarella sticks: Bake or fry mozzarella sticks according to package directions until golden and crispy.
- Melt cheeses: In the final minute of cooking, place one slice of cheese (cheddar, American, pepper jack) on each patty and allow to melt.
- Toast the bun: Lightly butter and toast both halves of the burger bun until golden.
- Assemble the burger:
- Bottom bun
- First cheesy patty
- Brisket layer
- Jalapeño slices
- Mozzarella sticks
- Second cheesy patty
- Ranch drizzle
- More BBQ sauce
- Top bun
- Serve immediately: Best enjoyed hot with fries or onion rings on the side.