Baltimore Ravens

Oftentimes, fans forget that there are things bigger than football. Calais Campbell had more to worry about than improving his tackle numbers and increasing his synergy with the rest of the Baltimore Ravens defense. He faced gruesome realities concerning his family during the offseason. Many of his avid supporters and former teammates showed up when he needed them most. The defensive end could not help but be thankful for how much support he received during the past few months.

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Ravens’ Campbell bares his heart amid heartwarming support he got during family struggles

Many players entering their 19th year in the NFL worry about how to stay afloat and maintain their numbers. Some are even in key position battles that may determine whether or not they stay in the league for the season. Amid the Ravens’ ongoing training camps, Calais Campbell had a cross to bear that was far bigger than that.

During the offseason, Campbell found out that his mother had died during a welfare check. It was also later uncovered that Ciarre Campbell, the brother of the Ravens defensive end, allegedly murdered their own mother.

As a result, the Ravens let Campbell miss a few offseason practices to address the issue. It was not until August 3 that he fully returned to practice. Moreover, he didn’t speak to the media until August 18. The defensive end got real about the situation and attributed his strength to moving forward because of his NFL family, via The Associated Press.

“I love the game of football a lot … it brings me joy. 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. These last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family, but we’re 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. … Continue praying for us because we need it,» Campbell said.

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The Ravens have Campbell signed through a one-year deal. He played for the Arizona Cardinals during the 2025 NFL season. In his most recent stint, he recorded 6.5 sacks, 43 tackles (23 solo), nine tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits.

There is clearly still a lot left in the tank for the six-time Pro Bowl selection. Hopefully, his love for the game, along with support from fans across the Ravens, Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and the rest of the NFL community, helps him emotionally.

A lot of things really are greater than football and the NFL. But sometimes, the community can help make players feel cared for and thought of in the darkest of times.

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