Dan Campbell made the surprising decision to start quarterback Jared Goff in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but the head coach says it actually was not his call.

Campbell said during the week that his plan was to have Goff sit while other Lions starters played the first quarter. He told reporters that Goff was “in a good spot” and there was no need to risk an injury. Goff played anyway. According to Campbell, the veteran “demanded” to be on the field.

“He came into my office and said, ‘I want to play,’” Campbell said, via Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit.