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Jack Campbell releases statement after suffering neck injury and says he has 'full movement in lower body'

The former Hawkeyes All-American added that he is seeing progress with his upper body movement
ByCorey Long
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Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), right, and edge rusher Eric O'Neill (66) tackle Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), right, and edge rusher Eric O'Neill (66) tackle Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There's some good news on the recovery front for Jack Campbell. The Detroit Lions linebacker said in a statement that he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to work toward improvement in his upper body. 

Campbell, who was the Butkus Award winner and a Unanimous All-American with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2022, also thanked the fans for their support as he continues to recover from a neck injury suffered Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings while making a tackle on former Hawkeye tight end TJ Hockenson.

"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," Campbell's statement read.

Jack Campbell says he has full movement in his lower body

Campbell has been one of the top defenders in the NFL since becoming a first-round pick (18th overall) in 2023. He was on the FSWA All-Rookie team in 2023 and a first-team All-Pro in 2025. Campbell's resume at Iowa is a list of superlatives including being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and first-team All-Big Ten in 2021 and 2022. He signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Lions in May.

Replays of the tackle showed that Campbell made contact with Hockenson's lower body, right around his hip. Campbell was motionless on the field for nearly 10 minutes after the play while the team's medical staff worked to immobilize him on a backboard to get him off the field. From there he was transported to a local hospital. On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that the linebacker was improving and Wednesday's news confirms that.

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