Jack Campbell Wins Pro Butkus Award, Cementing His NFL Rise with the Lions
IOWA CITY, Iowa - From a fan-favorite in Iowa City to one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive forces, Jack Campbell’s football journey just added another major milestone. The Detroit Lions linebacker has been named the recipient of the Pro Butkus Award, given annually to the NFL’s top linebacker - and if you’ve been watching Campbell this season, you know the honor is well-earned.
A first-round pick in 2023, Campbell didn’t take long to make his presence felt in Detroit. The Cedar Falls native has become the heartbeat of a Lions defense that helped power the team back into legitimate contention in the NFC. His game blends old-school grit with modern versatility - the kind of linebacker who can stuff the run on one play, drop into coverage on the next, and quarterback the defense throughout.
Campbell’s roots run deep in Iowa, and his connection to the Hawkeyes program is still a big part of who he is. He credits much of his growth to Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, whose developmental approach left a lasting impression.
“There’s no one in college football like him,” Campbell said during the 2023 NFL Combine. “I owe him a lot, and I’m forever grateful for him giving me opportunities. I kind of get emotional about him, but just what he does for college football - people don’t understand it.”
Ferentz’s influence clearly shaped more than just Campbell’s game - it shaped his mindset. “He’s always held the standard to the highest,” Campbell continued.
“He’s got that developmental mindset rather than the talent acquisition model. We’re a developmental model.
And man, any kid that goes to the Hawkeye program, I’m going to have their back. Just playing for that man right there has been something truly special to me.”
That mentality has carried over to the NFL, where Campbell’s leadership and football IQ have made him a fixture in the middle of Detroit’s defense. At 6-foot-5 and 249 pounds, he’s a physical presence, sure - but it’s his instincts and command of the game that truly separate him.
Campbell played in all 17 games this season, racking up 176 total tackles - 89 of them solo - along with five sacks, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, and nine tackles for loss. Those numbers don’t just speak to volume; they speak to impact. He’s not just around the ball - he’s changing games.
The Butkus Award Selection Committee took notice, stating:
**“Jack Campbell embodies everything the Butkus Award represents.
His size, instincts and disciplined approach to the position allow him to control the middle of the field. He plays with authority, communicates at a high level, and consistently puts himself in position to make impactful plays.
His rise this season reflects not just talent, but leadership and football character.” **
That’s high praise, especially considering the competition. Campbell edged out a loaded group of finalists that included San Francisco’s Fred Warner, last year’s winner Zack Baun of the Eagles, and former recipient Roquan Smith from the Ravens.
But Campbell’s rise isn’t just about numbers or accolades. It’s about the way he’s become the anchor of a defense, the voice in the huddle, and the kind of player who sets a tone for the entire locker room. He’s the guy you build around - and Detroit is doing just that.
From Kinnick Stadium to Ford Field, Jack Campbell’s journey has been fueled by hard work, humility, and a relentless drive to get better. Now, with the Butkus Award in hand, he’s not just one of the best linebackers in Iowa history - he’s one of the best in the NFL, period.