Iowa’s Jack Campbell wins William V. Campbell Trophy

Award from National Football Foundation recognizes college football player who is ‘absolute best’ in academics, athletics, leadership

John Steppe

Dec. 6, 2022 10:17 pm, Updated: Dec. 7, 2022 10:28 am

Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell (31) runs for the locker room after being interviewed following Iowa’s 13-10 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell is the 2022 recipient of the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy.

The honor recognizes the “absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.”

Campbell received an $18,000 scholarship for postgraduate studies as a finalist. That increases to $25,000 now that he is the winner of the award.

The Cedar Falls native is the first Iowa recipient of the Campbell Trophy.

“I’m just so appreciative of this award,” Campbell said in his acceptance speech in Las Vegas. “Who would have thought that a small-town kid from Iowa would be here today?”

Campbell, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, had 118 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and five quarterback hurries in the regular season.

He is graduating later this month with a degree in enterprise leadership. He has a 3.49 GPA.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com