Longtime NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell holds onto his faith after a family tragedy turned his world upside down.
On June 30, Campbell received the news that his brother, Ciarre Campbell, had killed their mother, Nateal. According to multiple reports, Nateal was found “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,” the New York Times reported.
Last week, the athlete spoke to the media for the first time since losing 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 told reporters at the Baltimore Ravens training camp. “Continue praying for us because we need it.”
In 2019, Campbell received the Bart Star Award, an award that is given to the “NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community,” Sports Spectrum reported.
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During his acceptance speech, he thanked his mother for teaching him about the Lord and letting God’s light shine through her.
“Mom, I just appreciate you making sure that we knew Jesus,” he said. “I remember being a little kid and being scared of the dark, or whatever, my mom just told me, ‘Nothing can ever happen to you as long as you’re covered in the blood of Jesus.’ That was real and it’s been with me ever since.”
Campbell is about to enter his 19th season in the NFL, and in September, the defensive lineman will turn 40. He was asked last week if he even considered skipping this season.
“I love the game of football a lot. It’s a place [that] brings me joy,” he told the media. “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.”
Despite the immense heart break Campbell has endured, he continues to put his faith and hope in the Lord, trusting that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
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