After inking a contract extension, Lions linebacker Jack Campbell met with the media this week to kick off Detroit OTAs.
A first-round NFL draft pick in 2023, Campbell has ascended into one of the Lions’ key defensive figures. The 6-foot-5, 246-pound linebacker led the Lions with 176 tackles last season. Campbell added nine tackles for loss, five sacks and four passes defended in 2025 en route to first-team All-Pro honors.
After a frustrating 9-8 finish a season ago, Campbell was asked if missing out on the playoffs last season is fueling him and this year’s Lions team.
“I don’t think about the past a lot, but it definitely is a chip on your shoulder. And I’ll say this, every single guy they brought in was for a reason and every single guy that they’ve brought in I’ve been super impressed with. I feel like you’ve got to have the right mindset,” Campbell said.
While Campbell said he’s not a mindreader, he likes the demeanor of this Lions team so far.
“I think so. I can’t get into every person’s head, but I feel like everybody I’ve talked with, and something that I’ve noticed, is nothing’s more important than winning a Super Bowl. It’s so cliché to say that in May because everyone’s goal is to win the Super Bowl, but I just feel like we have the guys that we’re gonna be—if you get knocked down, they’re getting back up every single time.
“They’re never giving up, and you’ve just got bell cows. And I feel like that’s something that I’ve kind of noticed early on. Today was our first day of phase three. It wasn’t perfect, but it was refreshing to see guys out there who are just hungry, and I feel like that’s gonna carry you a long way in this league,” Campbell said on Wednesday.
With a last-place finish in the NFC North last year, the Lions hope to capitalize on the league’s scheduling algorithm, which awarded the franchise the easiest 2026 slate. Though it is still early in the summer portion of the offseason, the team appears to be fully motivated to regain its momentum and chase a coveted Super Bowl title this season.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ‘Got bell cows’: Lions’ Jack Campbell shares early impressions
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
