From Hawkeye standout to Detroit defensive anchor, Jack Campbell’s leadership journey Jack Campbell, a former linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes, brought his reputation for toughness, poise, and leadership from Iowa City to the NFL, and the Detroit Lions are benefiting greatly from it. Once the cornerstone of the Hawkeyes’ defensive identity, the young defender is now doing much of the same in Detroit, where he is flourishing as a playmaker and a community leader whose impact extends well beyond the field.
This season, the Lions didn’t think twice about giving Campbell command of their defense, and he hasn’t wasted any time demonstrating that he is deserving of it. Campbell has amassed an impressive stat line through the team’s first 11 games: four sacks, two forced fumbles, and 108 total tackles, nearly evenly divided between 56 solo and 52 assisted. These numbers are not only encouraging for a player who is still developing his NFL identity, but they also indicate the emergence of a centerpiece Detroit can rely on for years to come.
If Iowa supporters recognize Campbell’s dominance, it’s because he’s been doing this for a while. He anchored the Hawkeyes’ defense for four years prior to moving to Detroit, developing into one of the most dependable and effective linebackers in college football. He recorded 299 tackles—139 solo and 160 assisted—as well as five interceptions, three sacks, and three forced fumbles between 2019 and 2022. He was always known for his consistency. Campbell was the person Iowa needed to plug running lanes, drop back in coverage, or just bring order to the chaos of Big Ten football.
However, Campbell’s dedication to those around him was what really set him apart during his time in college, not just his academic record. While many athletes find it difficult to juggle their studies, athletics, and personal development, Campbell prioritized community service. He supported the Community Crisis Services Food Bank, assisted with the Iowa Football Blood Drive, volunteered at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and took part in the Football Legacy Weekend Kids Camp. When the helmet was removed, he continued to be a leader.
That commitment was acknowledged both on and off the field. Campbell was chosen this year to receive the Big Ten’s Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award for 2025. This esteemed award is given every year to a former Big Ten student-athlete who continues to exhibit outstanding leadership after graduating. The award has particular significance because it honors two legendary individuals: Gerald Ford of Michigan, who transitioned from the football field to the White House, and Nile Kinnick of Iowa, a Heisman Trophy winner whose legacy is still strongly ingrained in Hawkeye culture. It is more than just an honor to have your name mentioned alongside theirs; it serves as a reminder of the integrity, tenacity, and character the award stands for.
Campbell is a perfect fit for that description. Detroit has added someone who recognizes the importance of giving back in addition to an up-and-coming defensive star. With the same zeal he brings to game day, Campbell has thrown himself into a number of community projects since joining the Lions. He has helped put together care packages for the team’s Salute to Service event, supported younger players through the Rookie Readiness Enrichment Program, taken part in the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and contributed to the Adaptive Warrior Home Remodel project, which aims to create accessible living spaces for veterans.
It is uncommon for a young NFL player to take on leadership roles with such ease. It takes years for many players to become at ease in that role, and some never do. However, Campbell is only attempting to be himself. His leadership style seems almost archaic: listen first, put in a lot of effort, maintain humility, and treat others with respect. As a result, the Detroit locker room has come together in support of him.
Perhaps the fact that Campbell doesn’t seem motivated by fame or attention is what makes him such a welcome presence. He is the kind of player who loudly celebrates his own accomplishments as well as those of his teammates. He prepares, studies, arrives early, and stays late. When creating a culture, coaches look to players like him. And communities are proud to support someone like him.
Campbell’s contribution to the Lions will only increase as the season progresses. His leadership, which is steady, sincere, and subtly strong, may be even more valuable than his production, which already speaks for itself. Jack Campbell, a rising NFL star and Iowa legend, is demonstrating that success isn’t solely determined by on-field accomplishments. It is also influenced by the way you encourage those around you. And he’s doing both in Detroit.
