After several days of waiting on edge, awaiting an update on the condition of Lions star Jack Campbell, the Detroit linebacker has issued a statement following his severe neck injury suffered during Sunday’s game.
On Wednesday, Campbell revealed that he has full movement in his lower body and is making progress with his upper body while remaining in hospital.
In his statement, after he and his family thanked everyone for “the overwhelming amount of love, prayers and support” they’ve received, Campbell shared the “optimistic” update regarding his condition.
“I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body,” Campbell shared in a post on social media Wednesday afternoon. “I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.
“My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan. I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.”
Campbell thanked the athletic trainers, personnel and medical team at Henry Ford Hospital for their efforts during this difficult situation.
“I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field. I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me,” Campbell wrote. “The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
“I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.”
The fourth-year pro also shared some love with his fellow members of the Lions organization.
“To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you,” he wrote. “This team is a family to me, and the way everyone has been there for me means everything. I’m proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.”
He closed his statement with a message about his challenge ahead.
“One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit. That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge,” he wrote.
“Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough. God is good. My faith is strong.”
What happened to Jack Campbell?
During the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, Jack Campbell and two other Lions defenders converged while tackling Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.
During the collision, Campbell appeared to suffer a serious neck injury. The all-pro linebacker fell to the ground motionless and remained there as medical personnel raced to assist him.
Campbell was immobilized, strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart before being transported to a local hospital.
What has coach Dan Campbell said?
During a radio appearance on Costa & Jansen on Tuesday morning, the Lions head coach had offered some “good news” and that the linebacker was “improving” as he remained hospitalized after the scary incident.
“It’s not easy because he’s gonna always be on our minds over here,” Dan Campbell said. “The good news is he is improving, but also we’ve got a job to do and this is what we’re tasked with, and there’s a reason why we go through all this stuff.
“It’s to get to where we wanna go collectively as a team and adversity comes in all shapes and sizes and we gotta overcome everything that comes our way. We’ve got to reload, lock in.”
The coach, who is in his sixth season at the helm of the Lions, didn’t go into any detail regarding Jack Campbell’s condition, only stating that the player is “doing better.”
“I think the thought of him, knowing he’s doing better — I’ve kept the captains up to date and they’ve let the other guys know it’s good news,” Dan Campbell said. “So I think that helps everybody just get a better handle on all this.
“Once you know that, then you’ve gotta move on for yourself, too, in that moment because if you let things wander and you drift and you worry a little and then you’re trying to play or prepare, that’s where bad things can happen to you, because you’re not all in on what you need to be doing.”
What have his teammates said?
Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions star pass rusher, also said that while he and his teammates were shaken by the sight of Campbell’s injury, they are in better spirits with the positive developments.
“Yeah, man, absolutely,” Hutchinson said during a radio appearance on Karsch & Anderson. “We’re all praying for Jack at this time. The news being positive today is great and we’re all keeping him in mind right now and these last couple of days.”
In the Lions’ locker room after Sunday’s game, coach Campbell briefly addressed the linebacker’s injury during his speech to the team.
“I’m gonna lower this mood a little bit,” he said. “I do not have any more information on Jack. We don’t know anything else at this point.
“So here’s what I wanna do. We’re gonna take a knee. Now I wanna pray for Jack and let’s keep him in our thoughts and prayers, man.”
After the prayer, quarterback Jared Goff also spoke about the devastating injury.
“I know that, tough with Jack. Stick together, lean on each other. Alright?” Goff said.
After Campbell’s injury, the Lions held on to win the game 19-15, improving their record to 5-2. The team will next face the Dolphins on Sunday in Miami.