Calais Campbell spoke publicly for the first time since the death of his mother.
Campbell’s brother, Ciarre Campbell, was charged with murder in connection to the death of their mother, Nateal Campbell. Police found the 71-year-old Nateal dead at her Atlanta home in June and arrested Ciarre for aggravated assault, possession of a firearm or knife, and murder.
Per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Calais Campbell addressed the family tragedy when speaking to reporters on Tuesday. The 39-year-old defensive end rejoined the Baltimore Ravens for his 19th NFL season.
“I just wanted to say these last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family,” Campbell said. “But [I’ve] been working through it and I really appreciate all the love and support and the prayers that have been coming from all over, really from all the NFL community, all the fan bases. So I appreciate the prayers. Continue praying for us because we need it.”
“I love the game of football”
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Before the family tragedy, Calais Campbell indicated that the 2026 season will likely be his last. The six-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Baltimore, where he played from 2020 to 2022, after recording 6.5 sacks for the Arizona Cardinals last season.
When asked if he considered sitting out the season after his mother’s death, Campbell explained why he still wants to play.
“I love the game of football a lot, and it is a place [that] brings me joy,” Campbell said. “This is a very fun place for me to be. And so playing football has been great for me.”
Campbell reported to training camp at the end of July and appears on track to play Baltimore’s Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“I feel really good about where I am at,” Campbell said. “The coaches did a really good job of letting me kind of ease in and really kind of get myself where I need to be. September cannot come soon enough.”
