Former Iowa football star Jack Campbell wins 2025 Pro Butkus Award

After three excellent years with the Detroit Lions, former Iowa football All-American linebacker Jack Campbell was presented the 2025 Pro Butkus Award on Thursday in his hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The award is given annually to the NFL’s top linebacker and bestows the namesake of the late, great Chicago Bears and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus. On Thursday, Campbell was presented the award by Dick Butkus’ son, Matt Butkus, in recognition of his breakout season with the Lions.

Campbell secured the award over San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, who was last season’s winner.

In 2025, Campbell played a pivotal role for the Lions, who were again ravaged by injuries to many of their star defensive players.

In all 17 games played, the 6-foot-5, 246-pound linebacker showcased the very definitive qualities that comprise an elite NFL linebacker. As a result of his ability to become a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense against the run and in coverage, Campbell was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl and garnered first-team All-Pro honors for the first time.

This past season, Campbell finished with 176 total tackles (89 solo), nine tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Campbell’s 176 tackles ranked second in the NFL.

Jack Campbell embodies everything the Butkus Award represents. His size, instincts and disciplined approach to the position allow him to control the middle of the field. He plays with authority, communicates at a high level, and consistently puts himself in position to make impactful plays. His rise this season reflects not just talent, but leadership and football character. Butkus Award Selection Committee

Campbell became the first Hawkeye to win the Butkus Award in college for his accomplishments as a senior in 2022. Campbell now becomes the first Hawkeye to capture both the collegiate and Pro Butkus Awards.

With Campbell entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, winning the Butkus Award will certainly help his case for a potential lucrative contract extension this summer.

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