Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell said Wednesday that he has full movement in his lower body and is making progress regaining mobility in his upper body, days after suffering a neck injury that left him motionless on the field during Detroit’s 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings, ESPN Deportes reported.
Campbell, who remains hospitalized, was immobilized on a stretcher and taken off the field in a medical cart early in the fourth quarter Sunday. He was conscious and breathing on his own when he was transported to Henry Ford Hospital, according to the report.
In a statement released Wednesday, Campbell said the progress came quickly. “I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time,” he wrote. “I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body.” He added that he remains optimistic and is “taking things one day at a time.” The statement, posted to his @Lions social media account on November 4, 2026, also thanked his family for the “overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support” received, which he said “means more to us than words can express.” Campbell wrote that his “faith in God has never been stronger” and that he knows “He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan,” adding, “God is good. My faith is strong.” He said he knows there may be challenges ahead, but with his faith, family and so many people in his corner, “we’ll get through this.”
He also thanked his teammates, coaches and everyone in the Lions organization, writing, “This team is a family to me,” and that he is “proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.” He wrote, “One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit,” adding, “That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge.” He concluded by asking supporters to “continue to keep me and my family in your prayers,” saying, “We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Lions coach calls update “good news”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell welcomed the update. “It’s good news. It’s positive news,” the coach said, according to ESPN Deportes. “We’re all grateful for that.”
STATEMENT FROM JACK CAMPBELL 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…
Campbell also thanked the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded on the field, as well as the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Lions’ medical staff, calling their care “amazing.” He added that he is “incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care” they showed, saying, “The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget.”
How the injury happened
Sunday’s injury occurred when Campbell went down face-first on the turf after making a tackle on Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson — his third tackle of the game. Medical personnel evaluated him on the field, secured him to a stretcher and loaded him carefully onto the medical cart to applause from the crowd. The entire Lions team and most of the coaching staff gathered around the vehicle, ESPN Deportes reported. An Associated Press photograph by Paul Sancya showed Campbell lying face down on the turf following the tackle.
Who Jack Campbell is
The former Iowa star was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 18 overall pick. Last season, he earned first-team All-Pro honors after becoming the first NFL player in seven years to record more than 150 tackles, at least five sacks and three forced fumbles in a single season. In May, the Lions signed him to a four-year contract extension running through the 2030 season.
Lions outline uncertain recovery timeline
Campbell remains hospitalized, and the Lions have not announced a timeline for his return. His statement said there is “still work ahead,” but he expressed confidence that he will continue to improve with the support of his family, teammates and medical team.
Earlier coverage: Detroit Lions' Jack Campbell regains full lower body movement
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