Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell didn’t sugarcoat a thing after Sunday night’s 30–17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While emotions ran high after the postgame chaos involving Brian Branch, Campbell chose a different route — accountability. The young defensive leader made it clear he wasn’t looking for excuses, just answers.
After a night where Detroit’s defense looked out of sync against Patrick Mahomes’ quick reads and the Chiefs’ relentless tempo, Campbell faced reporters with a calm but heavy tone. “We didn’t play to our standard,” he admitted. “That starts with me. I missed tackles, missed fits — I take that personally. If I do my job better, maybe we’re talking about a different result tonight.”
Campbell’s honesty hit home for a fanbase that’s seen this team pride itself on grit and discipline. The second-year linebacker has been one of Detroit’s most consistent defenders all season, but even he wasn’t immune to Kansas City’s fast-paced attack. Still, his willingness to own the loss — instead of pointing fingers — showed exactly why he’s considered one of the locker room’s emotional anchors.
“It’s easy to talk when you win,” Campbell said. “The real test is when things don’t go your way. We’ll take this one on the chin and get back to work.”
For a Lions defense that has carried them through much of 2025, Sunday’s performance was a reality check. But if Campbell’s response is any indication, Detroit isn’t sulking — they’re reloading.
Next up, the Lions return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, looking to bounce back with the kind of defensive fire and focus Campbell just promised.
💥 “Put It on Me”: Jack Campbell Takes the Blame, Refuses Excuses After Lions’ Painful Loss to Chiefs
