Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell marveled at linebacker Jack Campbell after visiting the injured star in the hospital amid his hospitalization.
“Dan Campbell told us he had the opportunity to see Jack in the hospital this week,” CBS Sports’ Melanie Collins said on Sunday, November 8. “He said he’s doing well, he’s improving, he doesn’t want any tears or sympathy, and he is determined to get back on this football field.”
Collins, 40, made the report before the Lions defeated the Miami Dolphins, 19-9, their first game since Jack, 26, suffered a terrifying neck injury against the Minnesota Vikings on November 1.
After the game against the Dolphins, Dan, 50, was asked about the revelation that Jack intends to return to football.
“Are you surprised by anything from Jack?” Dan told reporters. “That’s Jack. Jack 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 I’ll move onto the next thing.'”
Jack broke his silence about his injury in a statement released by the Lions on Wednesday, November 4.
“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,” Jack wrote. “It means more to us than words can express.”
Jack and his wife, Megan, welcomed their first child, son Cooper, in July.
“I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time,” Jack said. “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.”
The linebacker continued, “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.”
Many of Jack’s teammates have spoken out since the harrowing injury, including star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“I remember being out there on the field watching him, seeing him on the ground from a distance,” St. Brown, 27, said on the Wednesday episode of his “St. Brown Podcast.” “All I could think about was his wife and his newborn baby that he just had a few months ago.”
He added, “I just want him to be OK. To be able to play with his kid, honestly, and be normal. When things like that happen throughout the game or throughout the season, it does make it harder for us to go back and play. It’s like, ‘Damn, we took care of him, put him on a stretcher, sent him out to the hospital and now we have to go play again.’ That kind of sucks.”
