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Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Calais Campbell said the past couple of months have been “pretty tough” for him and his family, but that they’re “working through” the death of his mother.
“We appreciate all the love and support and prayers that have come from all over the NFL community (and) all the fan bases,” Campbell said. “Continue praying for us because we need it.”
Campbell spoke to reporters at the Ravens’ facility for the first time since his brother, Ciarre Campbell, was charged with murder in connection with the death of their mother, Nateal Campbell. Per multiple reports, police found Nateal, 71, dead during a welfare check, and authorities found Ciarre Campbell in possession of a knife. Ciarre was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm or knife and murder.
Campbell, who turns 40 in September, is entering his 19th NFL season, including 10 with the Arizona Cardinals and stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins. He feels “strongly” that this upcoming season will be his last.
When asked Tuesday whether he’d consider skipping this season due to the tragedy, he cited his love for being on the field.
“I love the game of football a lot. It’s a place (that) brings me joy,” Campbell said. “The training was adjusted a little bit. It was a little harder to train. … I work really hard (and) I feel really good where I’m at. Practices have been going well. I really like where I’m at right now. The coaches did a really good job of letting me ease in and get myself where I need to be.”
“Whatever he needs, we’re there for him,” Ravens defensive line coach Lou Esposito said.
Campbell agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal in the spring to return to the Ravens. He’s coming off a season in which he had 6.5 sacks, 43 tackles, two pass deflections and 16 quarterback hits with the Cardinals.
He ranks 34th in NFL history with 117 career sacks and is just five games away from surpassing Jim Marshall for the most games played by a defensive lineman.
“September can’t come soon enough,” Campbell added.
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