The Detroit Lions arrived for Sunday’s game with the Miami Dolphins carrying more than a normal game-day focus. This was the first time they took the field without linebacker Jack Campbell, and the team made sure his presence was felt anyway.
Players showed up wearing Campbell’s No. 46 jerseys, a clear sign of support for the linebacker after last week’s frightening injury against the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell was carted off and hospitalized after suffering a very serious neck injury, and he has remained in the hospital since. Before kickoff, the Lions also shared another small but telling gesture from Aiden Hutchinson, who wrote “Jack” on his water jug for the game.
Campbell had already issued an emotional statement earlier in the week, thanking everyone who has supported him while also sharing encouraging news about his recovery. In that message, he said he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body. He also thanked the athletic trainers, medical personnel, the Henry Ford Hospital medical team, the Detroit Lions medical staff, his teammates, coaches, and everyone in the organization.
“My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days. It means more to us than words can express.
I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body.
I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.
My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan.
I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this. I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field.
I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff.
They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done. To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you.
This team is a family to me, and the way everyone has been there for me means everything. I’m proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.
One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit. That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge.
Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.
God is good. My faith is strong.
Jack Campbell”
Campbell’s importance to Detroit has been obvious since the Lions drafted him. He played in every game for the team, including 17 games in each of his first three seasons and seven games to start this year. In that stretch, he became one of the central pieces of the defense.
The Lions will keep moving forward against Miami, but Sunday’s game is also a reminder of who they’re missing. For Detroit, this is the first game without Campbell since 2022, and the tribute made it clear he’s very much on the team’s mind.
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