Jack Campbell Jokes About Racking Up 150 Fouls as NFL Targets His Punch-Out Technique

A Rebel on the Lions’ Defense

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell isn’t exactly one to bite his tongue—or back down. After the NFL issued a league-wide memo warning defenders about punch-out tackles that miss the football, Campbell’s response was pure defiance wrapped in humor.

“I don’t know how many people have played in an NFL game, but when you’re going full speed and you’re trying to get the ball out, punch-outs are hard to come by,” Campbell said on Friday. “So, I don’t really care. I’m going to keep punching, and if I miss it, ‘f’ it. Screw it.”

The message? He’s not changing for anybody—not even the league office.

The NFL’s Warning Falls on Deaf Ears

The NFL’s memo came after the Lions’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Campbell was highlighted as an example. The league intends to flag personal fouls when defenders’ punches miss the football and hit the ball carrier instead.

Campbell’s reaction was priceless: “I’ll probably have 150 personal fouls by the end of the year, so that’ll be fun.”

That blend of sarcasm and defiance sums up Campbell’s personality—hard-nosed, fearless, and completely unbothered by the politics of the game.

A Tradition of Toughness

The punch-out isn’t new. It’s a defensive art form, made legendary by Charles “Peanut” Tillman’s signature “Peanut Punch” during his Chicago Bears days. Campbell is simply carrying the torch—and he’s pretty good at it, too.

Through six games, Campbell has already forced two fumbles for the 4-2 Lions. His teammates are right there with him—Aidan Hutchinson is tied with Buffalo’s Joey Bosa for four forced fumbles, and Detroit sits just one off the NFL lead in total forced fumbles.

Pads On, Hands Hurting

“They just got mad at me for punching somebody,” Campbell joked. “But, I mean, they got pads on. If anything, it hurt my hand more than the other guy.”

That’s classic Campbell—equal parts grit and humor. The guy’s simply wired to play fast, hit hard, and create chaos.

Looking Ahead

Despite the controversy, Detroit’s defense has been one of the league’s most exciting units. The Lions will look to bounce back against the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, and you can bet Campbell won’t hesitate to take another swing—literally.

After all, that’s who he is. Punch first, ask questions later.