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AP FILE PHOTO – Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, left, moves in to sack Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half of an NFL football game Dec. 4, 2025, in Detroit.<\/p>\n
CEDAR FALLS \u2014 Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has been named the 2025 Pro Butkus Award recipient, honoring him as the top linebacker in the National Football League. The award was presented in his hometown of Cedar Falls, underscoring a remarkable season that established Campbell as one of the league\u2019s most impactful defensive leaders.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-5, 246-pound linebacker finished the 2025 campaign with 176 total tackles, including 89 solo stops, five sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 17 games. Campbell also notched nine tackles for loss and earned both First-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s humbling to receive an award named after one of the legends of the game,\u201d Campbell said at the ceremony. \u201cThis isn\u2019t just my award \u2014 it reflects the effort of my teammates, coaches, and everyone who pushes me to be better every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised his linebacker\u2019s work ethic and leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cJack doesn\u2019t take plays off, he doesn\u2019t take days off. He plays every snap like it matters,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cHe\u2019s instinctive, tough, and the heart of our defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
Campbell\u2019s path to NFL excellence began at the University of Iowa, where he starred for the Hawkeyes from 2019 to 2022. A unanimous All-American and 2022 Butkus Award winner at the collegiate level, he finished his Iowa career with 305 tackles, ranking among the program\u2019s all-time leaders.<\/p>\n
At Iowa, Campbell also earned the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, further highlighting his leadership qualities.<\/p>\n
The Butkus Award Selection Committee lauded his blend of size, instincts, and discipline \u2014 qualities that allowed him to \u201ccontrol the middle of the field\u201d and make \u201cimpactful plays\u201d week after week.<\/p>\n
Campbell edged out a competitive finalist group that included 49ers standout Fred Warner and former winner Roquan Smith. As Campbell heads into the offseason, discussions are already underway about a potential contract extension for the former first-round draft pick.<\/p>\n
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