AP FILE PHOTO - Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, left, moves in to sack Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half of an NFL football game Dec. 4, 2025, in Detroit.

CEDAR FALLS — Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has been named the 2025 Pro Butkus Award recipient, honoring him as the top linebacker in the National Football League. The award was presented in his hometown of Cedar Falls, underscoring a remarkable season that established Campbell as one of the league’s most impactful defensive leaders.

The 6-foot-5, 246-pound linebacker finished the 2025 campaign with 176 total tackles, including 89 solo stops, five sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 17 games. Campbell also notched nine tackles for loss and earned both First-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection.

“It’s humbling to receive an award named after one of the legends of the game,” Campbell said at the ceremony. “This isn’t just my award — it reflects the effort of my teammates, coaches, and everyone who pushes me to be better every single day.”

Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised his linebacker’s work ethic and leadership.

“Jack doesn’t take plays off, he doesn’t take days off. He plays every snap like it matters,” Campbell said. “He’s instinctive, tough, and the heart of our defense.”

Campbell’s path to NFL excellence began at the University of Iowa, where he starred for the Hawkeyes from 2019 to 2022. A unanimous All-American and 2022 Butkus Award winner at the collegiate level, he finished his Iowa career with 305 tackles, ranking among the program’s all-time leaders.

At Iowa, Campbell also earned the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, further highlighting his leadership qualities.

The Butkus Award Selection Committee lauded his blend of size, instincts, and discipline — qualities that allowed him to “control the middle of the field” and make “impactful plays” week after week.

Campbell edged out a competitive finalist group that included 49ers standout Fred Warner and former winner Roquan Smith. As Campbell heads into the offseason, discussions are already underway about a potential contract extension for the former first-round draft pick.