Iowa announces passing of Jack Campbell's grandfather in car accident while in town for Music City Bowl
Iowa announced shortly after the 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl that William Smith Jr., the grandfather of senior linebacker Jack Campbell, died in a one-vehicle accident on his way to see his grandson play against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday.
Smith was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he died shortly after.
Campbell’s family decided to wait to tell him about the passing of his grandfather so he could have one last game with his teammates.
Iowa LB Jack Campbell’s Grandfather passed away in a car wreck in Nashville while he was in town to see Jack play.
The parents told him after the game. Tragic. God Bless him and his family pic.twitter.com/tJkZ2UQFy0
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 31, 2022
Coach Kirk Ferentz gave his thoughts and prayers to Campbell and his family as he described his grandfather as a big inspiration for his football career.
Campbell led the team in total tackles accounted for with 10 and solo tackles (8) as well as accounting for 2 tackles for loss and a sack in the win over Kentucky. Iowa’s defense, under the leadership of Campbell, held Kentucky to only 185 total yards and 10 first downs.
Iowa accounted for its second shutout performance of the season as Campbell finishes his stellar career with a win.