Washington (United States) (AFP) – The Detroit Lions said on Monday that the signs are positive for linebacker Jack Campbell, who was carted off the field and hospitalized overnight with a neck injury. Campbell was placed onto a backboard by medical personnel and driven off the field during Detroit’s 19-15 NFL victory Sunday over previously unbeaten Minnesota.
“Jack Campbell continues to rest and recover at a local hospital,” the Lions said in a statement. “Preliminary indications are positive, and out of respect for Jack and his family, we will not share further information at this time.” Campbell was injured after making his third tackle of the contest by stopping Minnesota tight end TJ Hockenson. He was lying face down on the field and not moving.
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“It’s positive news on Jack,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “So your prayers are working. Please continue to do that, and we’ll leave it at that.” The 26-year-old from Iowa was a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Lions, chosen 18th overall. Asked to describe what Jack Campbell means to the Lions, coach Campbell said, “I don’t even know if I can put it into words. You get voted captain, that says a ton, especially with this group of guys. He earned every bit of that. He’s trustworthy. He’s dependable. He’d give you the shirt off his back.”
“He’s just all heart, all effort. And just an unbelievable person. Down to earth. Very genuine. There’s not a man on this team that doesn’t respect Jack Campbell and care about him.” Campbell had a career-best season for Detroit in 2025 with 89 solo tackles, five sacks, and 176 combined tackles. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two. The Lions signed Campbell last May to a four-year contract extension worth $81 million.
“Jack’s deal was definitely scary,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said. “It just brings you back to reality for a moment that he’s a husband and a father. Scary. We’re praying for him and hope he’s going to be all right. If anyone is tough enough to get through something like that, it’s going to be him.”
© 2024 AFP
