ALLEN PARK — Of the many players who have become household names with the Detroit Lions in recent years, one continuing to shine is linebacker Jack Campbell.
Now in his third season in Detroit, the former Iowa standout has emerged as one of the faces of the Lions’ defense alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Campbell currently leads the team in tackles (73), ranks second in forced fumbles (two) and tackles for loss (six), and has already recorded a career-high four sacks.
The third-year linebacker is playing at an elite level — one that validates Lions coach Dan Campbell’s declaration that “this is his defense.”
As part of the weekly five-question series, MLive caught up with Campbell to discuss social media comparisons to a Lions legend, what motivates him to play, how Iowa continues to produce great tight ends, and more.
**Coming from Iowa, what is it about Iowa tight ends -- Sam LaPorta, George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson -- that just seem to make their way to the NFL and find success?**
I would just say I feel like the program does a really good job developing that position. There’s an importance on it, and I feel like kids who go there now see the people who came before them and performed. It’s almost like a standard.
**Fans on social media and in general sometimes compare you to this generation’s Chris Spielman. When you hear that, what goes through your mind, and how often do you two interact?**
It means a lot. He was such a great player. I interact a little bit with him. He’s done a great job here, and I appreciate everything he’s done for me. He’s shared knowledge with me. So yeah, it’s pretty cool to hear that.
**You’ve made a lot of plays since being in the league. Is there one that sticks out the most—one you sometimes go back and look over or that just pops up in your mind every now and then?**
I would say there’s one play, and it’s a bad play. It just reminds me of the fine line between little details and stuff like that. Everyone’s so good, and I feel like it just—I would say I was never cocky, but it opened my eyes to how everything really matters and how every second, millisecond, alignment just matters in the NFL. I go back to that play every so often just to remind myself that you’re this far away from making a great play and that far away from making a terrible play. So I just try to keep that perspective.
**Let’s say there’s a middle schooler or high school football player reading this. What is your motivation for playing the game, and what advice would you share with them?**
Shoot. I would say my motivation for playing the game has changed a little bit at each level—high school, college, and here. I feel like the Lord has given me talents and abilities and put me here, so ultimately, I want to glorify Him in everything I do. I’m not perfect, and I make mistakes, but at the same time, now that I’m married, I want to represent my wife, my family, her family, and the state of Iowa. I want to inspire kids from Iowa to be able to come to the NFL.
**Aidan Hutchinson said that with his new deal, he has to get the defensive guys some gifts. What are you hoping one of those gifts will be?**
I hope he gives us a side-by-side or a four-wheeler or something. He’s not going to, but I hope he does.
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