Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp provided an update on linebacker Jack Campbell following the team’s win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 8.
“I saw Jack a couple days ago and he was worried about all of you,” Ford Hamp, 74, told the Lions in the locker room. “Well, I know he’s not now. I know he’s as proud of you as I am.”
She added, “Awesome job. Congratulations. We’re all proud of you and with you.”
The Lions defeated the Dolphins 19-9 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, their first game since Campbell, 26, suffered a terrifying neck injury one week earlier during Detroit’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Campbell, who has remained hospitalized since, broke his silence on the incident in a statement 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,” Campbell said. “It means more to us than words can express.”
Campbell noted he was “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,” he continued. “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.”
Campbell gave thanks to the medical teams at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and those within the Lions organization.
“They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done,” he said. “To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. 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.”
Campbell added, “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. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
During a pregame report on Sunday, reporter Melanie Collins said Campbell is “determined to get back on this football field.”
Collins revealed that the athlete told Lions head coach Dan Campbell, “Just make sure the house is taken care of until I can get back.”
