Jack Campbell Gaining Experience, Challenged by Coaches, Teammates

Jack Campbell Q&A with All Lions.

Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Jack Campbell has now played his first two NFL games.

The front office is confident the young linebacker has the proper mindset and skill set to become the captain of the defense in the future.

Detroit linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard expressed to reporters in May that the rookie would be able to pick up the Lions' defensive concepts quickly. Sheppard has watched first-hand as the Iowa product has demonstrated growth playing within the parameters of Aaron Glenn's defense.

All Lions caught up with the first-year linebacker this week after practice, and touched upon a variety of topics, including Campbell's reaction to playing in his first two NFL games. 

*Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity. 

Q: Some say playing as a rookie is like "drinking from a fire hose." Do you view that statement as accurate?

A: "I would say, I mean, it’s a lot, but I feel like you make it as much as you want it to be. Obviously, it’s a transition period, but at the same time, you’ve just got to take it one day at a time and just learn and then don’t make the same mistakes twice. That’s, for me, my mindset coming into this. Just learn, be a sponge. But, at the end of the day, just focus on execution and not doing the same thing twice, but learn. You’ve got to go out and make mistakes to learn, so have grace on yourself. At the end of the day, execute at a high level."

Q: How have you felt about your performance in your first two NFL games?

A: "It’s been good. Everything’s kind of been what I expected. I feel like it’s good here with the Lions. I feel like they make practice really hard, so when you get into the game, it’s what you expect. Obviously, the defense, we’re trying to push it to reach the goals that (defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) has set before us. But, I feel like, as individuals, what we’d have for the defense -- even if we didn’t have the coaches telling us the goals. Just focusing on the fundamentals and playing hard.”

Q: What influence has linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard had on the beginning of your career?

A: “Shep’s done a great job. He’s a good coach. He’s done a great job, especially with the linebacker room. I can just speak on my behalf, he’s pushed me in many ways, and allowed me to be a better player. I still have a really, really long ways to go, and also our room has a long way to go. But, I feel like the defensive unit kind of runs through us, because that’s what linebackers do. Right now, I’m just taking his coaching and trying to learn, trying not to make the same mistake twice and being a sponge. For me, trying to learn multiple things to try and be a tool for this team. He’s been great.”

Q: What did it feel like to play your first game at Ford Field last Sunday?

A: “It was fantastic. It kind of reminded me of my first game at Kinnick Stadium as a freshman at Iowa. Now that I’ve got that under my belt, kind of know what to expect now. The fans here in Detroit are amazing, and we are just, as a defensive unit, just trying to prepare at the highest level to come out on top every single Sunday.”

Q: Have you noticed the hype around the team throughout the city?

A: “In Detroit, the fans do surround themselves around Detroit. I feel like we’ve got to keep the noise out, just focus on what matters. That’s a simple principle that I learned throughout college. The outside noise is gonna be there, but the only people’s opinions that really matter are the ones inside the building. Just sticking together through the good times and bad, because one week you can be Super Bowl favorites and the next you could be the 32nd-ranked team. Just really trying to focus on that and focus on who we are as a team, I feel like that’s the most important thing.”

Q: What’s it been like in the linebacker room with veterans like Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes?

A: “Just great leaders all the way around. Great veterans, for a rookie that makes all the difference. Guys who are here to teach me, to push me, to encourage me. I’m very grateful to be a part of the room. I truly believe the linebacker room dictates the tempo, and sets the standard for a defense. That’s something we need to continue to do.”

Q: What are your thoughts on Atlanta’s run game heading into Sunday?

A: “It starts up front. Atlanta’s offensive line does a great job. It’s gonna all be about playing physical up front, setting the line of scrimmage, playing downhill, setting edges, doing your job. That’s what it’s gonna come down to. Front-seven play is gonna be vital in this game. We know that, they know that. Their coach (Arthur Smith), it’s a physical, smash-mouth offense. We know what we’re getting into. I’d like to think that other people in our league see our defense as a physical, smash-mouth, violent defense. It’s gonna be a good battle.”