Ravens' Calais Campbell Says Football 'Brings Me Joy' After Family Tragedy
The veteran defensive lineman spoke publicly for the first time since his mother's death and his brother's murder charge.
Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell said Tuesday that returning to football has helped him cope with a devastating family tragedy this summer, speaking publicly for the first time since his mother's death.
"I love the game of football a lot … it brings me joy," the 39-year-old said. "It was a little harder training, but as far as football goes, I love this game a lot. And this is a very fun place for me to be. So playing football has been great for me."
In late June, police found Campbell's 71-year-old mother dead at her home in Atlanta during a welfare check. Her 41-year-old son, Ciarre Campbell, was charged with murder after he was found with a knife, according to arrest warrants. The family told police that Ciarre struggles with mental illness.
The Ravens, who signed the six-time Pro Bowler in April to a one-year deal for his 19th NFL season, allowed Campbell to miss the first few full-team practices of training camp. He participated in his first team session on August 3, five days after Baltimore opened full-team camp.
"These last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family, but we're working through it," Campbell said. "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. … Continue praying for us because we need it."
Campbell, who turns 40 on September 1, previously played for Baltimore from 2020 to 2022, making his sixth and final Pro Bowl in his first season with the team. He returns to an organization now led by first-year head coach Jesse Minter and a largely new coaching staff.
"(He) brings great versatility along the D-line, is an unbelievable leader and mentor in that room and in the defensive room and with the team," Minter said. "The timing of it obviously was really tough for him and his family. We allowed the first week or two of camp for him to really kind of work himself to get ready, as it affected his summer preparation, obviously. … I'm really happy that we have him."
Campbell has 117 career sacks in 278 NFL games, including 259 starts.
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