Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp has shared an update on the condition of Jack Campbell after the linebacker was hospitalized with a frightening neck injury.
The Lions linebacker went down and lay motionless on the turf after making a hit in the Minnesota Vikings game on November 1.
A worrying lack of reassuring news emerged in the aftermath, with cryptic updates adding to the concern surrounding Campbell before he confirmed days later he had ‘full movement in his lower body’ and was ‘continuing to make progress’ with upper body movement.
Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins, the first Lions game since the traumatic injury, saw players arrive wearing his jersey then head coach Dan Campbell award him the game ball in a touching tribute.
And Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp also spoke to the team about Campbell in the locker room, revealing she had been to visit the 26-year-old and that he was ‘worried’ about his team.
‘I saw Jack a couple days ago and he was worried about all of you,’ Ford Hamp, 74, said. ‘Well, I know he’s not now. I know he’s as proud of you as I am.
Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp provided an update after visiting Jack Campbell
Lions star Campbell has revealed he has ‘full movement’ in his lower body’ after the injury
‘Awesome job. Congratulations. We’re all proud of you and with you.’
Sideline reporter Melanie Collins revealed before the game that Campbell is ‘determined to get back on this football field’ and told his head coach, Dan Campbell, to ‘just make sure the house is taken care of until I can get back.’
Dan Campbell said after Sunday’s game: ‘He wants to come back. Are you surprised by anything from Jack? I mean, that’s Jack.’
‘He is all about the goal in front of me and I’m going to attack that goal and I’m going to destroy that goal and then I’ll move on to the next thing.’
The Lions head coach also revealed his conversations with the linebacker in hospital had not centered around watching the game.
‘I didn’t even get into that,’ he said. ‘And honestly, anything football, I didn’t bring up anything football. All right, so anything that came, that was from him.
‘I didn’t bring anything about that up, me personally. You know what I mean? Jack’s a stud, man. That’s why it’s just unbelievable. Family.’
He also revealed: ‘He’ll take the prayers, but he didn’t want the pity.’
Fans on Sunday offered their support for Campbell despite it being a road game in Miami
Campbell was carted off after lying on the field for eight minutes and rushed to the hospital
The only detailed and substantial update on Campbell’s condition came as the player himself released a statement via the Lions last Wednesday.
He wrote: ‘My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days. It means more to us than words can express.
‘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. 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.’
