Lions' Jack Campbell not bothered by NFL rule crackdown aimed at him

The Detroit Lions are going to be without defensive back Brian Branch this week because he punched an opponent after their most recent game, earning a one-game suspension from the NFL. Another one of their star defensive players, linebacker Jack Campbell, is drawing attention for his bad habit of accidentally punching players

during games.

Jack Campbell used as an example on the NFL's "punch-out" emphasis

The NFL sent a memo out to its 32 teams this week, warning players that when they are attempting to punch at the football in an attempt to force a fumble, they have to make sure they are hitting the ball. Not the ball-carrier.

Campbell was used as a prime example of what not to do.

The league is going to be enforcing personal foul penalties for defenders who punch the ball-carrier instead of the ball.

After finding out that he was used as an example of what not to do, it would be reasonable to conclude that Campbell would use that as a motivating factor to not getting penalized.

He had the exact opposite response and doesn't seem all that interested in changing the way he plays or goes for the ball.

Campbell explained that punch-outs are hard to come by and that when you're going full speed, it's hard to focus on just the ball.

His comments, via 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit:

“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. So, I don't really care. I’m going to keep punching, and if I miss it, ‘f’ it. Screw it. So, I’ll probably have 150 personal fouls by the end of the year, so that’ll be fun.”

That will be fun, of course, until a personal foul penalty changes a game and the Lions end up losing a game because of it.

On one hand, Campbell is correct that playing football at full speed is a tough and complicated job. When you're trying to punch at the football that a ball-carrier has secured and doing everything they can to avoid you, it's only natural to assume sometimes body contact is going to get made.

But there's a reason the NFL is cracking down on this stuff. It's obviously seeing some trends it does not like with players getting free punches in on opponents during play.

The punch-out play was popularized by former Chicago Bears defensive back Charles Tillman, who forced 44 fumbles in his 13-year career, including a league-leading 10 during the 2012 season.

Campbell has forced three fumbles in his career, including two this season in the Lions' first six games.

Jarren Duran Praises 9-Year-Old Zayin Berry for Heroic Act of Saving Abused Cat: 'True Example of Courage and Compassion'

Yuma, AZ - October 15, 2025 - Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has publicly praised 9-year-old Zayin Berry of Yuma, Arizona, for his courageous act of saving a cat from abuse at a local skatepark. Berry, who recently earned the title of "ASPCA Kid of the Year," traded his own skateboard to ensure the safety of a helpless animal, a gesture that has earned him widespread admiration.

"I've heard a lot about Zayin's incredible act, and I think it's just amazing," Duran said in an emotional statement. "For a young kid to step up like that, to make such a selfless decision to help an animal in need, it really shows the kind of courage and heart he has. Zayin is a true example of kindness in action."

The incident occurred when Zayin spotted a cat being abused at the skatepark. Without hesitation, Zayin traded his beloved skateboard to the abuser in exchange for the cat's freedom, later naming the cat "Peaches" after ensuring its safety. The young boy's selfless actions not only saved the cat's life but also brought attention to the importance of compassion and standing up for those who cannot protect themselves.

"I just wanted to make sure Peaches was okay," Zayin said in a statement. "I knew I had to help her, so I gave up my skateboard. It felt like the right thing to do."

Duran, who has been an advocate for community service and positive role models, shared his admiration for Zayin's bravery. "It's people like Zayin who make the world better," Duran added. "He didn't think twice about doing what was right, even if it meant giving something important to him. That's the kind of character we need more of."

Zayin's actions have inspired not only the local community in Yuma but also countless others who have learned about his heroic gesture. His willingness to sacrifice something he valued to help an innocent animal serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and standing up for what is right.

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