Newman alumnus heads to NFL as Lions’ graphic designer

The Detroit Lions just made a major off-season move in 2025, adding Newman University alumnus CJ Campbell ’19 as their new graphic design coordinator.

An Ohio native, Campbell grew up watching the Lions and is thrilled to join the team he cheered for.

“My job will be to work with the marketing team to shape the overall brand and perception of the organization,” he said. “They’ve been great the past two years, so just continuing to build something special.”

Campbell has always loved sports. After graduating from Newman, where he majored in sports communication and minored in art, he launched his design career at the University of Cincinnati. From there, he joined the University of Nebraska’s football program, then spent two years working for Ohio State, where he experienced the Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl and College Football Playoff before returning to Nebraska.

He credits Newman for laying the foundation — not just professionally, but personally. “I look back at my time there and am so glad God put me here,” he said. “It has impacted my family’s life.” His parents met in Merlini Hall at Newman in 1983.

He especially remembers the late Professor Suzanne Berg. “She told me not to worry about what anyone else thinks about my art. Everyone in class was better than me, but I got better because of how much they embraced me.”

Small classes, personal relationships with faculty, and constant encouragement gave him the confidence he carries today. “You have to be your own coach. Be flexible. Be a great teammate. The more adaptable you are, the longer your career will be.”

Campbell isn’t just creating graphics — he’s helping build the visual identity of a team powered by grit. And grit is exactly what got him to where he is now.