Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell said he has full movement in his lower body and is making progress with movement in his upper body after suffering a scary-looking injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 1.
The former Iowa football player addressed his injury for the first time in a statement released by the Lions on Wednesday, Nov. 4, three days after he was hospitalized following a tackle on former Hawkeye and Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.
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“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,” Campbell wrote.
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) is being carted off due to injury during the second half between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
Jack Campbell gives injury update
On the first play of the fourth quarter in the Lions’ 19-15 win, Campbell’s head appeared to hit Hockenson’s left hip as he made the tackle. Campbell remained motionless on the field for more than 10 minutes and was loaded onto a cart and taken off the field.
The incident silenced the crowd at Ford Field as players and staff from both teams took a knee, with some Lions players visibly shaken and fighting back tears for their teammate.
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“To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you,” Campbell wrote on Wednesday. “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.”
The Cedar Falls native expressed gratitude to the Lions’ medical staff and the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
“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.”
Campbell, who turned 26 in August, did not elaborate on the extent of his injury in his statement. During his Nov. 4 news conference, Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke briefly about the linebacker’s recovery, saying it was “powerful” to hear the update from Campbell and that his status is changing every 8-10 hours, “in a good way.”
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“There’s no easy way to do this, but we have to acknowledge it. Let’s talk about it, and make sure [the players] know. But I also know that they’re not postponing this game,” the Lions coach said. “The only way to really honor Jack, and what he wants, is to make sure that we’re locked in and ready to go.”
The Lions take the field again Sunday, Nov. 8 against the Miami Dolphins at 12 p.m. CT.
Read Jack Campbell’s full statement here
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell laughs and talks with the media during questions at a press conference at the Detroit Lions Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. He signed a 4-year extension worth $81 million in new money and it includes an $8.612 million signing bonus.
“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.
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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.
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Jack Campbell”
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Jack Campbell gives injury update after being hospitalized on Nov. 1
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