Jack Campbell has established himself as one of the NFL’s top middle linebackers. He’s not the only hard-nosed Campbell in the league, however, as head coach Dan Campbell is known for his intensity and the culture he has built in Detroit.
Here’s a closer look at the relationship between the two.
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Is Jack Campbell related to Dan Campbell?
No, Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is not related to head coach Dan Campbell.
The coincidence of their shared surname and their working relationship on the same NFL team has been a running joke since Jack was drafted 18th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. When Dan Campbell called his newest player, the coach even acknowledged the humor, telling the rookie, "Hey man, I love your last name."
#Lions HC Dan Campbell on the phone with No. 18 pick LB Jack Campbell:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 28, 2023
"Hey man, I love your last name." 😂
(📽️ @Lions)pic.twitter.com/021nIYfLo8
Despite the lack of a biological link, many observers note that Jack shares a similar gritty, high-motor mentality that aligns perfectly with the culture Dan has established in the Lions' locker room.
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Where is Jack Campbell from?
Campbell is from Cedar Falls, Iowa. He played four years at the University of Iowa, appearing in 43 games. His senior season was historic, as he became the first player in Iowa history to win both the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, and the William V. Campbell Trophy, awarded to the top scholar-athlete in the country.
He was unanimously selected to the First-Team All-Big Ten and All-American teams in his final year. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Campbell was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the first round.
“This is his (Jack Campbell’s) defense.”
— Detroit Lions on Tap (@LionsOnTap) July 22, 2025
Dan Campbell told the SiriusXM NFL Blitz today from training camp. 😤😤#OnePride pic.twitter.com/xVXr6RslnP
In his first two seasons, Campbell had 95 and 131 total tackles. He has 48 through five games in 2025, which leads the team.
Where is Dan Campbell from?
Campbell was born in Clifton, Texas. He played tight end at Texas A&M from 1995 to 1998. He played in the NFL for 11 years, playing for the New York Giants (1999–2002), the Dallas Cowboys (2003–2005), the Detroit Lions (2006–2008), and the New Orleans Saints (2009). He was also a member of the Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV following the 2009 season.
Campbell officially began his head coaching tenure with the Lions on January 20, 2021. Inheriting a severely struggling franchise, he immediately established a culture of aggression and resilience, famously vowing to build a team that would "bite a kneecap off," which he said in his introductory press conference.
His head coaching record with the Lions since 2021 is 43-29-1, marking one of the most successful stretches in modern franchise history. This run is highlighted by the team securing its first division title since 1993 in 2023 and achieving multiple franchise records for wins, including a 15-2 regular season record in 2024. Under Campbell, the Lions have made the playoffs twice, once making it to the NFC Championship game and once as the NFC No. 1 seed.
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