Former Iowa standout and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has reached a defining milestone in his professional career, winning the 2025 Pro Butkus Award, one of the highest individual honors for defensive players in American football.
The award recognizes the best linebacker in the NFL, and Campbell’s dominant 2025 season made him a clear standout among the league’s elite defenders.
Pro Butkus Award: A Mark of Defensive Excellence
The Pro Butkus Award is named after legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus and is presented annually to the NFL’s most impactful linebacker.
Campbell received the honor after outperforming several established stars, including linebackers from the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles. The selection highlights not only statistical production but also leadership, consistency, and influence on team defense.
Breakout 2025 Season With the Detroit Lions
Playing for the Detroit Lions, Campbell emerged as the backbone of the defense during a challenging season marked by multiple injuries to key players.
Despite the adversity, Campbell played all 17 games, anchoring the middle of the field with authority and composure.
2025 Season Defensive Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 17 |
| Total Tackles | 176 |
| Solo Tackles | 89 |
| Tackles for Loss | 9 |
| Sacks | 5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 |
His 176 total tackles ranked second in the NFL, underlining his reliability and durability throughout the season.
Leadership and Recognition Across the League
Campbell’s influence extended beyond numbers. He was praised for:
- Defensive communication
- Pre-snap reads
- Coverage discipline
- Physical presence against the run
These qualities earned him:
- First career Pro Bowl selection
- First-team All-Pro honors
The award committee highlighted his size, instincts, and leadership as key reasons behind his selection.
Read more: Josh McDaniels Coaching Career
From Iowa Hawkeyes Star to NFL Standout
Before his professional success, Campbell built his foundation with the Iowa Hawkeyes football, where he was widely regarded as one of college football’s top defensive players.
Historic Achievement
- Won the college Butkus Award in 2022
- Now the first Iowa Hawkeye to win both the collegiate and Pro Butkus Awards
This rare achievement places Campbell in an exclusive group of linebackers who have dominated at both college and professional levels.
Campbell enters the 2026 season in the final year of his rookie contract, and winning the Pro Butkus Award significantly strengthens his case for a long-term extension.
For the Lions, he is no longer just a promising young defender—he is now a franchise cornerstone and a leader expected to anchor the defense for years to come.
Read more: Most Turnovers in an NFL Game
With his blend of size, intelligence, and consistency, Campbell has set a new standard for linebacker play in Detroit. His rise mirrors the Lions’ broader push toward sustained competitiveness, built on discipline, toughness, and accountability.
