Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and several former Iowa football players had huge hands in their teams’ performances.
The collection of ex-Hawkeyes in the NFL continues to grow, with several more added to rosters this year after having numerous active last season. While high-end names like Sam LaPorta, Cooper DeJean, George Kittle and Tristan Wirfs dominate the alumni list, several other names Iowa fans will recognize are making significant impacts at the pro level too.
With that, here are three ex-Hawkeyes who stood out in Week 3 of the NFL season.
Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions LB
Those who play on Monday Night Football get the stage all to themselves, and the former Iowa linebacker didn’t disappoint.
In the Lions’ 38-30 road win over the Baltimore Ravens, Campbell finished with a team-high eight tackles — all solo — with one sack and a forced fumble. Campbell spearheaded a key goal-line stand in the first half, sacking and stripping quarterback Lamar Jackson for a sizable loss on fourth down. After a Week 1 hiccup, the Lions are back rolling like the Super Bowl contender many thought they’d be.
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings TE
It was a Week 3 massacre in Minneapolis, with the Vikings rolling to a 48-10 win that included a pair of defensive touchdowns. Along the way, Hockenson delivered his most significant showing of the year.
The former Iowa tight end tied a team-high with five catches for 49 yards and his first TD of the season. The scoring grab came at the end of the third quarter and gave the Vikings a 48-3 lead. Even with backup Carson Wentz under center now, Hockenson looks like he can still thrive as a solid tight end.
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles CB
DeJean and the Eagles had a whirlwind of a Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, which required a blocked field goal at the horn to punctuate a 33-26 win. The former Iowa defensive back did his part with a team-high nine tackles, five solo, and one TFL.
DeJean and the Eagles limited Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to less than 200 passing yards in the win. Philadelphia will look to remain unbeaten in Week 4 at Tampa Bay.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa football: Three former Hawkeyes who stood out in Week 3 of the NFL season
Reporting by Dargan Southard, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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