The Detroit Lions' big Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings had a major injury cloud cast over it when linebacker Jack Campbell suffered a very severe-looking neck injury early in the fourth quarter.
Campbell was transported to a local hospital, where he has remained since, as he continues to be evaluated. Teammates and coaches have paid visits to him in the hospital.
In obvious acknowledgment of an uncertain medical situation, and out of respect for the privacy of Campbell and his family, updates have been positive but also fairly vague.
On Wednesday, through the team, an update Lions fans and the NFL community have been waiting for came from Campbell himself.
Here is Campbell's full statement, noting that he has full movement in his lower body and is making progress with his upper body.
"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.
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. I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. 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. I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.
I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field. I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.
To my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the Lions organization, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. This team is a family to me, and the way everyone has been there for me means everything. I’m proud to be a Detroit Lion and couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better group of people.
One thing I’ve learned about Detroit is that this city is built on toughness, resilience, and grit. That’s exactly how I’m going to approach this challenge.
Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. We feel the love, and I can’t thank everyone enough.
God is good. My faith is strong."
Lions head coach Dan Campbell acknowledges update on Jack Campbell
Lions head coach Dan Campbell took the podium shortly after that statement was released, and he was asked about it.
"I think any time you (hear that), especially being able to hear it from him, that means a lot," Dan Campbell said. "That's powerful in itself, more than hearing it from me or anybody else. Those are his and his family's words, so that's powerful, and I know that just always helps to know that he's improving."
"Because at this point, that's all you're looking for, is to just know that he's improving, and you know, this thing, the status is changing every eight hours, 10 hours, in a good way, you know? So that's always going to help."
Dan Campbell also said mental health resources are available for players in the wake of the injury, and many are using them.
There's still a significant road ahead for Jack Campbell, and football has been rendered unimportant. But an update, overall very positive and directly from the man himself, doesn't need to waited for any longer.
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