ROSEMONT, Ill. – Jack Campbell, a former linebacker for the University of Iowa, has been honored with the Big Ten’s prestigious Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. This award recognizes the achievements of Big Ten football student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills following their academic and athletic careers.
Campbell played a key role for the Hawkeyes from 2019 to 2022, contributing significantly to the team’s success, including leading Iowa to a Big Ten West Division Championship in 2021 and securing two bowl victories: the Holiday Bowl in 2019 and the Music City Bowl in 2022. An accomplished athlete, Campbell earned consensus All-American honors, was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and won the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation’s top linebacker. He concluded his collegiate career with an impressive total of 305 tackles and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft. Additionally, he received the 2022 William V. Campbell Trophy, a distinction given to the nation’s top scholar-athlete.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Campbell has made a notable impact in the Detroit community through various initiatives, including participating in the Salute to Service Care Package Event, the Rookie Readiness Enrichment Program, and the Adaptive Warrior Home Remodel project in collaboration with the Stronger Warrior Foundation. His commitment to service extends to his involvement with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S), where he engaged with families during the Lions’ practice facility visits and honored the organization through his My Cause My Cleats campaign in 2024. T.A.P.S. provides support and resources to individuals grieving the loss of military loved ones.
During his time at Iowa, Campbell actively volunteered at several organizations, including the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Football Legacy Weekend Kids Camp, the Community Crisis Services Food Bank, and the Iowa Football Blood Drive, amassing over 70 hours of community service.
The Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award is part of the Big Ten’s annual awards program and is named in honor of Michigan’s Gerald Ford and Iowa’s Nile Kinnick. Notably, Campbell is the first recipient of this award from the University of Iowa, marking a significant achievement in his already distinguished career.