Aaron Kampman

Team Number:	74
Birth Date:	12/31/1969
Height:	6'4"
Weight:	265lbs.
Position:	Defensive end

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Aaron Kampman was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL draft, with the 156th pick overall. Over his five year NFL career, Kampman has continually improved and become a top defensive lineman, earning a spot in the 2006 Pro-Bowl and being named an All-Pro that same year by the Associated Press. Kampman, who possesses neither remarkable size nor speed, has managed to become one of the top defensive linemen through hard work, study, and intensity on the field. He is a leader on the Packers defense and is admired by many fans of the Green and Gold for his on-field and off the field contributions.

Kampman served as a backup lineman his first two seasons, starting 16 games over two years and recording 2.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. In 2004, he became a starter and playmaker on the Packers’ defensive line, recording 77 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He increased those numbers in 2005, setting the Packers’ single season record for most tackles by a defensive lineman with 105 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Though Packers fans knew of Kampman’s drive and ability by 2006, it was the year he presented himself as a threat to the rest of the NFL. Kampman led the NFC in sacks with 15.5, only to Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers, who led the NFL with 17. He recorded 113 tackles and forced three fumbles while racking up NFL Defensive Player of the Week honors twice, in weeks 8 and 16. Packers fans are expecting Kampman to continue dominating the defensive line in 2007, with first round draft pick Justin Harrell working alongside him to upset opposing offenses.

Kampman attended Iowa University, where he was a three year starter and two-time All-Big Ten honoree. His senior year, as team co-captain, Kampma recorded 96 tackles and 9 sacks and led his team to a victory over the Minnesotat Gophers and a berth in the Alamo Bowl, which they went on to win. Kampman is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a two-time Academic All-American. He graduated from Iowa with a degree in elementary education.

Aaron Kampman was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has distinguished himself off the field by engaging in a number of activities in the Green Bay community, including volunteering his time with the Salvation Army, Paul’s Pantry, a local soup kitchen, March of Dimes, and St. Vincent’s Hospital. He and his wife have an active faith life and have worked with youth groups at the Green Bay Community Church, as well as visited military families stationed overseas in Germany. Kampman’s off the field work resulted in a nomination for the 2003 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, his receiving the 2003 Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, and being named one of the NFL’s Good Guys by The Sporting News in 2006. He and his wife have two children and live in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Aaron Kampman took a break from the final 2007 regular season game, since the Packers had a playoff lock. The top sack leader for the Green Bay Packers later went to his second Pro Bowl. During the San Diego game on September 23rd, Kampman was key in stopping a late game drive with a sack. During the Bears game at Lambeau, Aaron Kampman hit the quarterback a solid seven times, and pressured the QB on three other plays.

Finally, Aaron Kampman can shed the title of a player who is “playing above his level.” This Green Bay Packer was named as one of the top twenty players of the 2007 NFL roster by Sports Illustrated. Although his play during the NFC championship was not outstanding, Aaron Kampman made a couple of solo tackles in the first round of the playoffs against the Seahawks. Kampman shut down a late game drive against the Redskins, sacking quarterback Campbell, and securing the victory for the Green Bay Packers.

In 2008, Kampman started all 16 regular games for the fourth season in the past five seasons and was a strong leader for the defensive line, offering 87 tackles. He ranked highly (seventh) in the NFC and was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He came into fouth for the Packers franchise’s all-time sacks list during the Minnesota Vikings game after bringing down QB Tarvaris Jackson. He went on to reach a season high of 10 tackles later in the season again during a Minnesota game.

In 2009, Aaron Kampman was moved to outside linebacker, as part of the overhaul of the defense. He was not very happy about the move, but kept silent and tried his best. He had 3.5 sacks over the nine games he played. Kampman injured his knee late in the season, and sat out the playoffs.

In March of 2010 Aaron Kampman agreed to a 26 million dollar contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will start his ninth season in the NFL back at his defensive end position.

In his eight years as a Packer he had a total of 54 sacks in 112 games. He had 320 tackles and 136 assists. His most productive season was 2006, when he had 15.5 sacks, and made the pro bowl.