Jack Campbell embracing NFL grind: 'I don't want to be given anything'
Jack Campbell is entering his first NFL training camp as a rookie for the Detroit Lions after a star-studded career at Iowa. And despite being the No. 18 pick in this year’s draft, Campbell is trying to earn everything he can in practice.
Speaking with Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit, Campbell said he’s focused on learning and being the best version of himself every time out. Part of that involves trying to learn from the veterans on the team.
“I’m just trying to learn from past mistakes, not make the same mistake twice. Just trying to be the best version of myself from the time I step out on the field and learn from the vets, honestly,” said Campbell. “This is my first go round, and I’d be dumb if I wasn’t paying attention to how the older guys do things.”
Campbell went on to say he’s determined to earn every opportunity that comes his way and noted there is a lot of competition in Detroit’s locker room.
“I don’t want to be given anything, I want to come out here and earn it every single day,” Campbell explained. “There’s great competition in the linebacker room. I’m looking forward to continuing it, but right now, I just want people to know I’m trying to earn everything I get.”
INTERVIEW: Lions rookie linebacker Jack Campbell talked about his first week of training camp.
The Iowa first-rounder said he dreamed of being in the NFL since he was a kid, wants to earn everything in Detroit, and has grown to really admire Chris Spielman. pic.twitter.com/1rucRjq8kJ
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 28, 2023
While Campbell understandably has to earn his role in the NFL, it would be unwise to bet against the former Hawkeye. He produced back-to-back seasons with at least 125 tackles for Iowa, was a 2-time First-Team All-B1G selection, was named a unanimous All-American in 2022 and received the Butkus Award in 2022.
Main photo via video from Brad Galli (@BradGalli) on Twitter.