Jack Campbell is stepping into a whole new role with the Detroit Lions in 2025, and he’s embracing it head-on.
Entering his third NFL season, the former first-round pick isn’t just expected to make plays at linebacker. He’s now wearing the green dot helmet, which means he’ll be relaying defensive calls and serving as the on-field voice of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
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And while that’s a big responsibility, Campbell isn’t changing who he is.
“I’m not going to put so much pressure on myself to be somebody who I’m not,” Campbell told Chris Long on the Green Light Podcast (as quoted by Lions OnSI). “Ever since I got here, I’m going to be the same person that I was when I stepped in the door.”
Building Leadership Through Chaos
Campbell’s calm, steady approach is rooted in lessons from his college days at Iowa, where toughness and consistency were drilled into him. Those values carried over last season when Detroit’s defense was decimated by injuries.
On Thanksgiving against Green Bay, he found himself surrounded by teammates who had only just joined the roster earlier that week. It could’ve been chaos, but Campbell leaned into his role.
“It’ll be Cover 2, and I’m just telling this guy, ‘Hey, this is your landmark. You’re good. Run and just go get the ball now,’” Campbell recalled.
That experience taught him the importance of preparation, and playing free even when the odds are stacked against you.
Partnership With Jared Goff
Campbell’s leadership doesn’t end with the defense. He’s developed a unique bond with quarterback Jared Goff, often breaking down plays together after practice.
“He’ll be able to pull me off to the side after practice and talk me through how he sees things, which is super beneficial because he doesn’t have to do it,” Campbell said.
For Campbell, those moments underscore Goff’s drive to win, and they fuel his own determination to push the Lions closer to their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl.
A Steady Mindset
The linebacker knows mistakes will come, but his focus is on consistency.
“It’s not going to be perfect. There’s going to be days where I fall short and there’s going to be days where it’s really good. But, it’s like how can I just stay steady and consistent,” Campbell explained.
The Lions’ defense is counting on Campbell’s growth to take the next step. After a 15-win season that ended short of the Super Bowl, the team is determined to finish the job in 2025. And Campbell, now a defensive cornerstone, is ready to lead the way.