Aaron Kampman taking in second game as fan at Kinnick

IOWA CITY - With a young family and a 16-game regular-season NFL schedule, it's difficult for Green Bay linebacker Aaron Kampman to follow Iowa closely, let alone return to Iowa City for home games.

He is taking in the wild environment as part of a weekend return to Iowa. It is only his second game at Kinnick Stadium since graduating from Iowa following the 2001 season. It was part of a family baptism for a niece.

“It just lined up with the bye week,” he said. “It was a special moment for the family. I wanted to be there for it.”

Kampman, a two-time Pro Bowler, spoke to players from Aplington-Parkersburg High School - his alma mater - on Friday night before their game. Earlier this summer he served as a pallbearer for former A-P Coach Ed Thomas, who was gunned down in front of about 20 student-athletes on June 24.

Video: Aaron Kampman talking about the game on the field at Kinnick

It's been a football-filled week for Kampman. Monday, he competed against former teammate Brett Favre in the highest-rated cable television event. Favre's Minnesota Vikings beat Kampman's Packers, but Kampman said the game will help the team this season despite the loss.

“I think it was good for our team,” Kampman said. “We're a young team, and that was a playoff atmosphere. I've been to the playoffs a number of times, and that was a playoff atmosphere. I think that was really good for our team even thought we came on the losing end of it. I think it will serve us well down the road.”

Kampman, 29, moved to outside linebacker this off-season as the Packers switched to a 3-4 defense. He previously played defensive end, and notched 37 sacks the last three seasons, third-best among NFL players.

He said the move to linebacker has been a “learning process.”

“It's been another challenge for me in my career, and I'm trying to get better at it every day,” Kampman said. “The biggest adjustment is just all technique stuff we've had to go through.”

Kampman is in his eighth season in Green Bay and is in the final year of his contract. He declined to talk about negotiations with the team but reiterated that he's enjoyed his experience in Green Bay. He said he also continues to love playing football.

“Man I tell you when it's third down, it's third and long. ... when I get the opportunity I love all of it,” he said. “In the end it's still about relationships and I've been fortunate enough to build a lot of great relationships over the years through athletic performances.”