Jack Campbell’s rise in Detroit has been nothing short of remarkable-and now, it’s officially award-worthy. On Thursday, the former Iowa Hawkeye and current Lions linebacker was honored with the 2025 Pro Butkus Award, given annually to the NFL’s top linebacker. The presentation took place in Campbell’s hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, with Matt Butkus-son of the late, legendary Dick Butkus-on hand to deliver the honor.
For Campbell, this isn’t just another accolade. It’s a testament to a breakout season where he didn’t just hold down the middle of the field-he owned it.
The award puts Campbell in elite company, as he edged out some of the league’s best at his position: Fred Warner (49ers), Roquan Smith (Ravens), and Zack Baun (Eagles), who took home the honor last season. That’s no small feat, especially considering the caliber of play from that group. But Campbell's 2025 campaign was the kind of season that demands recognition.
Detroit’s defense faced adversity all year, with injuries sidelining several key players. But Campbell was the steadying force-starting all 17 games, anchoring the front seven, and turning in one of the most complete linebacker performances in the league.
At 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, he’s got the size to plug gaps in the run game and the athleticism to drop into coverage. That versatility was on full display this season.
The numbers speak for themselves: 176 total tackles (second-most in the NFL), 89 solo stops, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Those aren’t just stats-they’re impact plays, game-changing moments that helped keep Detroit’s defense afloat when it could’ve easily unraveled.
Campbell’s performance earned him his first Pro Bowl nod and a spot on the NFL’s First-Team All-Pro list. But beyond the accolades, what really stood out was his command of the field.
He plays with a rare combination of instinct and discipline, diagnosing plays before they unfold and consistently putting himself in position to make stops. Whether it’s shedding a block to stuff a run or dropping into a passing lane to disrupt a route, Campbell is always around the ball-and more often than not, he’s the one ending the play.
The Butkus Award Selection Committee summed it up well: Campbell’s size, instincts, and leadership define what the award is all about. He doesn’t just play the position-he elevates it.
This isn’t Campbell’s first Butkus Award, either. He won the collegiate version back in 2022 during his senior year at Iowa, becoming the first Hawkeye to do so. Now, he’s the first in school history to win both the college and pro versions of the award-a rare and impressive double.
As Campbell enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, this award only strengthens his case for a big payday. Detroit has found a cornerstone on defense, and if this season was any indication, Campbell’s just getting started.