Jack Campbell.Photo: Adam Hunger/AP/Shutterstock
The grandfather of Iowa Hawkeye’s linebacker Jack Campbell was killed on Friday after traveling to see his grandson play his final college game.
The Music City Bowl took place on Saturday and Campbell helped the Hawkeyes to a victory of 21-0 over Kentucky at Nissan Stadium. His parents waited until after the game to tell him so that Campbell could “have one last time to play with his Iowa teammates.”
Jack Campbell.Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
“Our hearts are with Jack and his entire family as they grieve the tragic death of their grandfather and father, William Smith, Jr.,“said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentzin a school release.
“We know Mr. Smith was a strong influence on his grandson and a faithful Hawkeye football supporter. All of us – players, coaches and staff members – will keep the Campbell family in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.”
Smith is the father of Campbell’s stepmother Jen.
In December, the football star became the first Hawkeye to receive the Kicks Butkus Award, which is annually granted to the top linebacker in college football,according totheNew York Post. He also ranked second in the Big Ten Conference with 145 tackles across 12 games.
source: people.com
