The Detroit Lions aren't the only ones feeling the impact of the injury to Jack Campbell.
It also extends to the linebacker's alma mater – the University of Iowa. The former Hawkeyes star was carted off the field with a neck injury in the Lions' Week 8 win after making a tackle against another former Hawkeye and current Minnesota Vikings tight end, T.J. Hockenson.
As the Lions get set for their first game without Campbell, it was longtime Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz that paid tribute to his former player after the Hawkeyes' win over Northwestern on Nov. 7. Ferentz shared that Campbell will be receiving a game ball the game.
“All the feedback has been really positive,” Ferentz said, via HawkCentral, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Hearing some encouraging
news, it’s going to be an – I don’t know how long road – but it’s moving in the right direction. Thought that was really fitting certainly to give him a ball and we’ll get that to him.”
Ferentz quickly joked that it was a good thing Iowa took care of business with a 24-10 win, since the alternative could've ruined the moment.
“Glad we won, cause otherwise you’re kind of screwed, ya know?” Ferentz joked. “Screws everything up.”
Ferentz has been the Iowa football coach since 1999 and coached Campbell during his collegiate career from 2019 to 2022 before he was drafted in the first round by the Lions in 2023.
Now the Campbell legacy continues with the linebacker's brother, Drew, playing for Iowa. Drew, a defense end, has 2.5 sacks for the Hawkeyes in nine games this season.
As for Jack Campbell, his road to recovery continues. He issued a statement about his condition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, saying that he has movement in his lower body and was making progress towards regaining movement in his upper body.
On Nov. 7, the Lions announced that Jack Campbell was being placed on injured reserve.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kirk Ferentz honors Jack Campbell, will give Lions LB game ball from Iowa win
