Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell has returned to team practice for the first time since the murder of his mother, Nateal Campbell, 71, in June, and the subsequent arrest of his brother, Ciarre Campbell, 41.
Nateal Campbell was found unresponsive with her throat cut in her Atlanta townhouse. Ciarre Campbell was detained at the property and faces charges including two counts of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony. He is currently awaiting trial.
Campbell, a veteran defensive lineman, received additional time off from training camp following the tragedy. He is now back on the field as the Ravens prepare for their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
"From a preparation standpoint, that took up a lot of his time and his mental focus and energy," Ravens head coach Jesse Minter stated last week. "We're here for Calais, to get ready at the rate he can get ready at."
Minter added that Campbell's extensive experience in the league will aid his readiness. "It's different than a 25-year-old that played only a year or two. This guy's got so many banked reps of experience of getting himself ready in camp. We're going to work with Calais to have a great plan, to have him ready for September, December, January and February."
Atlanta Police released a 911 call made by one of Calais's brothers, who requested a welfare check after being unable to reach their mother. The Campbell family issued a statement following Nateal's death, shared by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
"We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell," the statement read. "While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family."
The tragedy occurs as Campbell prepares for his 19th NFL season, having recently signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Ravens. He previously played for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. In 2019, he was recognized with the Walter Payton Man of the Year award and was named to the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Campbell co-founded the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation with his mother and seven siblings. The foundation, named after his late father, focuses on teaching critical life skills to young people to enhance their communities.
"We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss," the Ravens said in a statement on social media.
The Cardinals also released a statement, saying, "At this time of unfathomable tragedy, our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family. We hope they find strength and comfort in the love, prayers, and support that surround them now and in the days ahead."
Campbell, a 2017 first-team AP All-Pro selection, has been named to the Pro Bowl six times. His NFL career began in 2008 as a second-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals.