GREEN BAY – Packers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell received the 2023 community service award at the team's annual Green Bay Chamber of Commerce "Welcome Back Packers Luncheon" on Thursday in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
He was honored for his community work and charitable endeavors in Green Bay as well as Fort Myers, Fla., and Minnesota, where he played his high school and college football, respectively.
The De'Vondre Campbell Family Youth Foundation holds its annual adopt-a-family program at the holidays, fulfilling wish lists and hosting a holiday party for families in need. Last year, Campbell donated $50,000 to the cause to help 25 single-parent households in Green Bay and Minnesota, after which he was named the Week 16 NFL Players Association community MVP.
In accepting his award Thursday, Campbell made special note of that effort and everyone who contributed to it.
"To see the smiles on those kids' faces, and their parents, and to see how much joy it brought to them … I believe everyone deserves to have a happy holidays, and it meant so much to them," he said.
At Thanksgiving, his foundation also teamed up with a local grocery store to distribute 100 turkeys to those in need at Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.
In addition, he collaborated with the Kids In Need Foundation to distribute school supplies at Howe Elementary in Green Bay, and he took time to speak to the students about the importance of education and learning.
Campbell also hosts a youth football camp at his prep alma mater in Fort Myers every offseason, and he's participated in autograph signings to raise money for the Salvation Army.
As he received a standing ovation from the luncheon attendees, Campbell did not come with any prepared remarks, unaware he was going to receive the award. He simply said it's always at the forefront of his mind "to want to give back in any way I can."
A free-agent acquisition by the Packers in 2021, Campbell was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press in his inaugural season with the team, the first Green Bay inside linebacker to earn the honor since Ray Nitschke.
He led the team with 145 tackles that year and signed a long-term contract extension prior to the 2022 season. Over two years, he has started 30 games, including playoffs, for the Packers.
Campbell joins teammates Aaron Jones (2021, '22) and Kenny Clark ('18) as current Packers who have previously received the team's community service award.
