By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-18 21:20:38 | Updated at 2026-08-20 03:18:09
1 day ago
Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell has asked the NFL community to keep praying for his family following the tragic murder of his mother.
Nateal Campbell, 71, was pronounced deceased inside her townhouse in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta in June. Officers found her unresponsive with her throat cut when they arrived at the property, according to a police statement.
Ciarre Campbell, her 41-year-old son and brother of Calais, was arrested at the property and charged on two counts of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit a felony.
Atlanta Police have since released the harrowing 911 call made by one of Calais's brothers, desperately requesting a welfare check after he was unable to get hold of his mother.
And two months on, the NFL star spoke for the first time about the tragedy and the toll it had taken on his loved ones.
'These last couple of months have been pretty tough for me and my family but we're working through it,' he said during Ravens training camp, per the Baltimore Banner.
Calais Campbell asked NFL fans to keep praying for his family following the murder of his mom
The veteran defensive lineman's mother, Nateal, 71, was allegedly murdered by his brother
Ciarre Campbell, 41, is pictured in his booking photo after being charged with murder
'I really appreciate all the love and support and prayers that have been coming from all over the NFL community. All the fanbases... continue praying for us because we need it.'
Campbell is currently preparing for his 19th season in the NFL, having signed a one-year, $5.5million deal with the Ravens. On Tuesday, he was asked if he considered sitting out this year, given the turmoil in his private life.
'I love the game of football a lot and it is a place for me [that] brings me joy,' he explained. 'The training was adjusted a little bit. It was a little harder to train but 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.'
The 2017 first-team All-Pro selection has been voted to the Pro Bowl six times in a career that started as a second-round pick in 2008 with the Arizona Cardinals.
Before joining the Ravens, he also spent time in Jacksonville, Atlanta and Miami, being voted the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.
He was named Man of the Year after founding the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, alongside his mother and seven siblings.
The charity, named after his late father, enhances the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people.
