Lions’ Jack Campbell Trusting God after Scary Neck Injury: ‘I Know He Has a Plan for Me’

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The Detroit Lions linebacker hospitalized after a frightening neck injury says he’s trusting God and taking his recovery “one day at a time.”

Linebacker Jack Campbell was injured while tackling Minnesota tight end T.J. Hockenson early in the fourth quarter Sunday and lay on the turf more than 10 minutes as Lions players knelt in prayer and medical personnel secured him to a backboard. He was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital.

Neither Campbell nor the Lions has disclosed the exact nature of the neck injury, but the linebacker said Wednesday he was encouraged by his progress. He remains hospitalized in Detroit.

“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,” he said in a statement. 

Campbell said he remains upbeat.

“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.”

He then turned the conversation to faith. 

“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.”

Campbell thanked the “athletic trainers and medical personnel” who cared for him on the field, applauding 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,” he added. “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.”

Campbell closed by drawing on Detroit’s reputation for toughness and asking fans to keep praying for him and his family.

“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.”

The Lions drafted Campbell in the first round in 2023 out of the University of Iowa. He earned first-team All-Pro honors last season.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ Mike Mulholland / Stringer

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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