Dan Campbell played football primarily as a tight end in the NFL. His football playing career included time with the following teams:
- New York Giants (1999–2002): Drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft and played four seasons with the Giants, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXV.
- Dallas Cowboys (2003–2005): Signed as a free agent and played three seasons; started many games and served as a team leader.
- Detroit Lions (2006–2008): Signed as a free agent and played three seasons, mostly as a blocking tight end; had career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2006.
- New Orleans Saints (2009): Signed but was placed on injured reserve with an MCL injury and did not play that season.
Before his professional career, Campbell played college football at Texas A&M University. He was known for his versatility and was also a tailback and tight end in high school at Glen Rose, Texas.
