Introduction
Jack Campbell is one of the rising defensive stars in the NFL, playing as linebacker for Detroit Lions. Naturally, sharing the same surname as the Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell — a question often pops up among fans: Are they related? Beyond that, many are curious about Jack’s personal life, contract status, and how he stacks up under metrics from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Are Jack Campbell and Dan Campbell Related?
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Despite sharing the last name and being on the same team, Jack Campbell and Dan Campbell are not related.
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The similarity in surname sparked jokes when Jack was drafted; Dan reportedly said to him: “Hey man, I love your last name.” on the call after the 2023 draft pick.
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Their connection is purely professional — united by team, culture, and mutual respect on and off the field.
Jack Campbell: Origin, College & Early Life
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Jack Campbell was born on August 22, 2000, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA.
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He attended Cedar Falls High School, where he also played basketball and helped lead his team to back-to-back 4A State Basketball Championships in 2018 and 2019.
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Later, he committed to Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa), playing college football from 2019 to 2022.
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In his college career, Jack made a name for himself with impressive defensive play and leadership on the field.
Professional Career & Contract Status
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In the 2023 NFL Draft, Jack was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 18th overall pick in Round 1.
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He quickly made an impact — in 2023, he earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
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By 2025, Jack has emerged as a core part of the Lions’ defense. According to his position coach (and current DC) Kelvin Sheppard, Jack “knows what I’m thinking — we’re in lockstep.”
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As of now, Jack Campbell is under the standard rookie contract from 2023. There has been talk among fans and analysts that, based on his 2025 performance and leadership, he may be in line for a contract extension — though no public official extension has been announced yet.
Personal Life: Wife & Family
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Jack’s parents are Jen Campbell and Dave Campbell. His father played college football at Northern Iowa, which helped foster Jack’s early interest and love for the game.
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Regarding his marital status: According to a source, Jack Campbell married Megan Meyer‑Campbell on June 29, 2024 in Okoboji, Iowa. Megan played collegiate basketball — two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, then later with the Drake Bulldogs.
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However, note: reports on his personal life remain relatively private. Outside of that marriage detail, there is limited public information about children or family expansions.
Performance Metrics & PFF Standing
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Coming out of college, Jack was widely regarded as a top linebacker prospect, blending size, coverage ability, and football intelligence.
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In the eyes of his coaches, he carried the leadership and “locker-room presence” often associated with older veterans — something that appealed strongly to the Lions during the draft.
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In 2025, Jack plays a pivotal role in Detroit’s defense as their MIKE linebacker, serving as a bridge between the defensive line and secondary.
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His adaptability — able to defend the run, cover in zone, and lead on-field play calls — has cemented his reputation as one of the better young linebackers in the league.
Why the “Campbell Connection” Resonates
Though not related by blood, the pairing of Dan Campbell (coach) and Jack Campbell (linebacker) in Detroit resonates for several reasons:
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Shared identity — Same last name gives a fun talking point for fans and media alike.
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Cultural fit — Both are known for toughness, leadership, and a blue-collar approach to football.
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On-field synergy — With Jack’s rising role in defense and Dan’s coaching style, the dynamic has become symbolic of the Lions’ rebuilding identity.
Final Thoughts
Jack Campbell is carving out a promising NFL career on his own merits. The last-name similarity with Dan Campbell is just a coincidence — yet the shared grit, attitude, and leadership style make their pairing appealing to fans. As of now, Jack’s rookie contract combined with his 2025 performance makes him a strong candidate for a future extension. Off the field, he seems to have quietly settled into a family life with his wife Megan — though he maintains a low profile.
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