Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell said Wednesday that he has full movement in his lower body and is feeling encouraged about his recovery, three days after a frightening on-field injury that left him motionless and required him to be carted off and hospitalized.
The comments were Campbell's first since he was hurt in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. In a statement released by the team, the 26-year-old moved to calm fears that he might have suffered a catastrophic injury.
"My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we've received over the past few days. It means more to us than words can express," Campbell said.
"I'm incredibly encouraged by the progress I've made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I'm continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body," he added.
The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter Sunday, when Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson for a 10-yard gain. Campbell and teammate Eric O'Neill brought Hockenson down in what appeared to be a routine tackle, but Campbell, a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, fell face down on the field and did not move as medical staffers rushed to his side. He was strapped into a medical cart and rushed to the hospital.
"I know there's still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic," Campbell said. "I'm taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better. My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan."
Campbell thanked the team's medical staff along with doctors and other caregivers at Henry Ford Hospital. "I'm truly grateful for everything they've done," he said. He also addressed his teammates, coaches and the wider Lions organization, saying the way everyone has supported him "means everything" and adding that he is proud to be a Detroit Lion and "couldn't ask to be surrounded by a better group of people."
The linebacker said he hopes to mirror the resilience he sees from residents of the Motor City. "One thing I've learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit," Campbell said. "That's exactly how I'm going to approach this challenge."
