Iowa NFL Stars Earn First-Team All-Pro Honors: DeJean and Campbell Shine
The Iowa NFL stars continue to make waves at the highest level. From the heart of Iowa City to the bright lights of the NFL, two former Hawkeyes Cooper DeJean and Jack Campbell have cemented their names among football’s elite. In a season full of standout performances, both players were named First-Team All-Pro, a rare honor that highlights the Hawkeyes’ reputation for producing NFL-ready talent.
Every year, Iowa’s football program demonstrates that consistency, growth, and readiness for the next level are the most important factors, despite the fact that fans are frequently enthralled with the excitement of five-star recruits and eye-catching college statistics. Iowa has sent 94 players to the NFL under head coach Kirk Ferentz’s 27-year tenure; 28 of those players are currently on rosters, placing them among the top Power Four programs in the country.
Cooper DeJean’s Breakout Season
In just his second NFL season, Cooper DeJean, a defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles, has become a household name. His memorable pick-six against Patrick Mahomes in the previous year’s Super Bowl, which immediately demonstrated his instincts, speed, and clutch potential, is what many people remember him for. DeJean built on that foundation this season, maintaining perfect health and reaching new heights in his career.
DeJean recorded an outstanding 93 total tackles over 16 games, including 39 assisted tackles and 64 solo stops. In addition, he forced a fumble and contributed two interceptions, showcasing his adaptability and reliability in the secondary. He is a key member of the Eagles defense because of his ability to read plays, make crucial stops, and change momentum on defense.
DeJean’s presence will be crucial as Philadelphia gets ready to play the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wildcard Round on Sunday, January 11. His combination of awareness, agility, and toughness demonstrates not only his own skill but also the Hawkeyes’ capacity to develop players who are ready for the NFL and perform well under duress.
Jack Campbell Dominates at Linebacker
Jack Campbell, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, has quietly made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in the league. Campbell has continuously shown a unique blend of speed, power, and football intelligence in his third season as a professional, all with the Lions. His 176 total tackles, 89 solo and 87 assisted stops, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games this season speak for themselves. Campbell is an anchor for Detroit’s defense due to his dominance in the linebacker position.
The same discipline and preparation that were ingrained in him during his time at Iowa are evident in his unrelenting pursuit of the ball carrier, accurate tackling, and capacity to disrupt opposing offenses. Campbell’s All-Pro selection confirms his place among the NFL’s best linebackers as the Lions prepare for the offseason.
The Proven NFL Pipeline in Iowa The accomplishments of DeJean and Campbell highlight a more general reality: Iowa’s goal is to produce talent that is ready for the professional ranks, not just win games in college. For many years, Kirk Ferentz’s program has served as a model for producing NFL-caliber athletes who succeed at the next level. Iowa routinely ranks among the best programs for professional readiness, with 28 active players in the league.
The impact of programs like Iowa, which place more emphasis on player development, coaching, and fundamentals than on transient hype, is frequently underestimated by fans. DeJean and Campbell are living examples of how coaching, preparation, and hard work can help athletes from the Big Ten reach the highest levels of the league.
Considering the Future Both former Hawkeyes can celebrate their incredible seasons as the Lions get ready for the offseason and the Eagles get ready for the postseason. First-Team All-Pro recognition is a testament to a program that continuously produces disciplined, high-performing athletes, not just an individual accomplishment.
The Hawkeyes’ influence on professional football keeps expanding, from Iowa City classrooms and practice fields to NFL stadiums filled with enthusiastic supporters. For Iowa fans, it’s another proud moment to cheer. The achievements of DeJean and Campbell are more than just news stories; they show that Iowa is still a major producer of players who are ready for the NFL.
