Raven’s Calais Campbell says football ‘brings me joy’ amid family tragedy

NFL veteran Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, expressed his love for the sport of football amidst a recent family tragedy. In his first public statements since his mother's death and his brother's arrest for murder, Campbell stated that football brings him joy. The 39-year-old is entering his 19th NFL season with the Ravens after signing a one-year deal in April. His mother passed away in Atlanta during a welfare check, and his brother was charged with murder after being found with a knife.

Campbell was permitted to miss the initial full-team practices of training camp, returning to the team for the first time on August 3, five days after the Ravens started their full-team camp. He has previously played in Baltimore from 2020-2022, earning Pro Bowl honors in his first season with the team. The Ravens coach, Jesse Minter, praised Campbell's versatility, leadership, and mentorship in both the defensive and overall team.