Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are sending a game ball to former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell, who remains hospitalized after a frightening neck injury suffered with the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The announcement came Saturday night, November 7, after No. 21 Iowa beat Northwestern 24-10 at Ryan Field.
According to mlive, Ferentz shared the news after the win, saying the feedback on Campbell's recovery has been positive so far. Campbell, a Cedar Falls native and former Hawkeyes captain, was carted off the field at Ford Field and taken to a hospital during the Lions' game against Minnesota.
What Kirk Ferentz said about Jack Campbell's recovery
Ferentz, who has led the Iowa program since 1999, called the game ball a fitting gesture for a player who meant so much to the Hawkeyes.
“All the feedback has been really positive,” Ferentz said postgame, according to ESPN's game recap. “Hearing some encouraging news, it's going to be an, I don't know how long road, but it's moving in the right direction. Thought that was really fitting certainly to give him a ball and we'll get that to him.”
Then, in classic Ferentz fashion, the longtime coach found a little humor in the moment.
“Glad we won, cause otherwise you're kind of screwed, y'know?” Ferentz said. “Screws everything up.”
The Hawkeyes made sure the problem never came up. Hank Brown and the Iowa defense controlled the game, handing Northwestern its first loss at its new stadium and keeping the 24-10 win safely in hand, as Newsday reported.
A family connection inside the Iowa program
The injury has hit close to home in Iowa City for more than one reason. Campbell's younger brother, Drew, is a junior defensive end on the current Hawkeyes roster, and Ferentz said Drew had the chance to see Jack this week.
That family tie has made the situation personal for a program that still considers Campbell one of its own. Ferentz opened his Tuesday press conference by addressing the injury, and NBC Sports noted that anyone who follows football remains deeply concerned about Campbell's health after the spinal injury.
Jack Campbell's legacy as a Hawkeye
Campbell played at Iowa from 2019 through 2022 and built a resume that ranks among the best ever produced by Ferentz's program. He was a two-time All-American and won the 2022 Butkus Award, given annually to the top linebacker in college football.
He also served as a team captain, a role Ferentz referenced when he praised Campbell earlier in the week.
“I think all of you know just how impactful Jack was in our program, what a tremendous person he is, what a tremendous player he's been for us, and then now he's moved on and done the same exact thing in Detroit,” Ferentz said Tuesday. “Not only playing really well, but just a tremendous leader and tremendous addition. So we're all keeping him in our thoughts, and certainly, you know, hope everybody that's a Hawkeye fan does the same.”
The Detroit Lions selected Campbell with the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has developed into a key piece of one of the NFL's best defenses.
Why the gesture matters to Iowa fans
For Hawkeye fans, the game ball is a small but meaningful way to stay connected to a player who gave four years to the program. Iowa supporters have followed Campbell's pro career closely, and the outpouring of concern after Sunday's injury showed how deep that connection runs.
The Lions, meanwhile, have dedicated their preparation and play to Campbell as he recovers, according to mlive's reporting. The exact timeline for his recovery remains unclear, and Ferentz acknowledged nobody knows how long the road back will be.
What is clear is the direction. Ferentz described the news as encouraging, and Campbell's brother got to see him in person this week. The game ball from a Big Ten road win will follow, a piece of Saturday night in Evanston headed to a hospital room in Detroit.
What happens next for Campbell and the Hawkeyes
Campbell's recovery will continue under the care of doctors in Detroit, with the Lions and his former college program both keeping close tabs on his progress. The Hawkeyes, now winners over Northwestern, will keep their season moving forward with Campbell on their minds.
For a program that prides itself on toughness and loyalty, the game ball is Iowa's way of telling one of its own that he is not facing the road alone.
Frequently asked questions
What injury did Jack Campbell suffer?
Campbell suffered a neck injury, described in some reports as a spinal injury, during the Lions' game on Sunday, November 1. He was taken from Ford Field to a hospital for treatment.
What did Kirk Ferentz say about Campbell?
Ferentz said the feedback on Campbell's recovery has been positive and that the news is encouraging, though the length of his recovery remains unknown. He also announced Iowa will send Campbell a game ball from the win over Northwestern.
When did Jack Campbell play for Iowa?
Campbell played for the Hawkeyes from 2019 to 2022. He was a two-time All-American, won the 2022 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, and served as a team captain before the Lions drafted him 18th overall in 2023.
Does Jack Campbell have family at Iowa?
Yes. His brother, Drew Campbell, is a junior defensive end on the current Iowa roster, and Drew visited Jack in the hospital this week, according to Ferentz.