Podcast: Former student-athlete CJ Campbell's job with NFL

On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, Newman University alumnus CJ Campbell shares his journey from student-athlete to graphic design coordinator for the Detroit Lions and the National Football League.

Campbell reflects on how his time at Newman, mentorship from influential professors and his experience as a walk-on baseball player helped shape his discipline, creativity and faith-driven mindset. He also offers practical advice for students pursuing careers in sports, emphasizing perseverance, networking and trusting the process in a competitive industry.

Overview of conversation topics

Read on to skim or find timestamps of specific topics covered in this episode.

Introduction and current role (0:00–1:00)

Campbell is introduced as a Newman alumnus and former teammate of host Sam Hersh, senior development officer for Newman Athletics. Campbell now works as the graphic design coordinator for the Detroit Lions and the NFL.

Finding his niche in sports and art (1:00–2:46)

Campbell says he did not fully realize his career path until junior year, when he decided to combine his lifelong love of sports with art and design by teaching himself photo editing and Photoshop while also minoring in art.

Breaking into the industry through persistence (2:46–5:15)

He describes sending emails to major college athletic departments for freelance work, accepting rejection as part of the process and eventually landing an opportunity with Oregon State. This role helped launch his first full-time role and later positions at Nebraska and Ohio State.

Memorable college football experiences (5:42–7:31)

Some of Campbell’s favorite memories came from postseason football, especially the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff, where he witnessed elite players in unforgettable, high-pressure environments.

Favorite stadium atmospheres (7:51–10:30)

He highlights Pennsylvania State University for its intimidating crowd, Michigan for the classic rivalry atmosphere, and the Los Angeles Coliseum for its historic significance and connection to legendary athletes and the Olympics.

Professors who shaped his path (10:30–14:20)

Campbell credits the late Assistant Professor of Communication Suzanne Berg, Ph.D., for making his transition to Newman feel natural and supported. He also credits Professor of Communication Audrey Hane, Ph.D., for requiring him to build a LinkedIn profile that later helped him land the Lions job and former Professor of Art Mary Werner for helping him believe in himself as an artist.

Why Newman mattered (14:20–16:02)

He says Newman’s small class sizes and accessible professors gave him the personal attention and encouragement he needed, allowing him to ask questions, build relationships and grow with confidence.

Student-athlete lessons that still apply today (16:19–19:47)

Campbell explains that being a student-athlete taught him accountability, discipline, routine and how individual actions affect a team, lessons he now applies in his work with the Lions.

Family, faith and choosing Newman (19:47–22:32)

He reflects on how his parents, both deeply connected to college athletics and Newman, gave him opportunities to pursue sports and encouraged him toward a school where he found lifelong friendships, faith and a strong sense of belonging.

Advice for students and the future of sports content (22:32–33:44)

Campbell encourages students to be persistent, seek internships, email widely and stay open to opportunity. He also predicts growing investment in creative and social media roles across athletics and closes by saying he would tell his younger self to trust the process and appreciate the present.