Dan Campbell releases statement after being sucker punched twice against wall at Detroit Lions training facility

DETROIT Lions head coach Dan Campbell has spoken out after being punched twice by his own player in the locker room.

He said the moment happened last Monday just ahead of the Lions' 42-29 victory over Seattle in Detroit - but he said it was just the move he needed to evaluate the player's injury recovery.

Campbell has been sweating on the fitness of center Frank Ragnow.

Ragnow partially tore a pectoral muscle during Detroit's Week 3 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

And it seemed as though the victory would come at a mighty cost with the freak injury that can rule stars out for months.

But within just a week of sustaining the tear, Ragnow was keen to prove his health and fitness.

And the 6ft 5ins 311lb giant did so in a very brave way - as he thumped his own coach.

Thankfully, Campbell appreciated the gesture.

"Last week, right before Seattle, I walked down there to talk to our trainer and somebody punches me against the wall," Campbell said.

"I’m not even paying attention because I’m looking at our trainer.

"Then I get punched again and I realize it’s Frank and he’s trying to show me that his pec is great.

"That’s his way of telling me, ‘Look how strong I am. It’s good, it’s healed.’

"He’s in a good mindset, he’s ready and he wants to go."

Ragnow, 28, did miss the Monday Night Football win over the Seahawks before a bye week last weekend.

Now, though, he is expected to return to the team when the Lions visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

In doing so, Ragnow - who was the first pick for the Lions in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft - continues to live up to his reputation as one of the NFL's hardest players.

Campbell added: "This guy, he’s as throwback as they get.

"He will play through any injury and he will will himself to go.

"He’s in a good mindset, he’s ready and he wants to go."