Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell returned to practice on Monday for the first time since his mother’s devastating murder.
Nateal Campbell, 71, was pronounced deceased inside her townhouse in the plush 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, the 41-year-old son of the deceased and Calais’ brother, was then detained 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.
The Ravens reported for training camp last week but Campbell, a veteran defensive lineman, was given extra time off following the tragedy. He’s now back on the field as he gears up for the team’s season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
‘From a preparation standpoint, that took up a lot of his time and his mental focus and energy… we’re here for Calais, to get ready at the rate he can get ready at,’ Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said last week.
‘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.’
Calais Campbell returned to Ravens practice on Monday following his mom’s tragic murder
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.
In the wake of Nateal’s death, the Campbell family released a statement, which was shared online by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
‘We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,’ it began.
‘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 heartbreaking death of his mother comes as Calais is currently preparing to enter his 19th season in the league having just signed a $5.5m, one-year deal with the Ravens.
Prior to that, he had played in Arizona, Jacksonville, Atlanta and Miami, being voted the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.
His Man of the Year win was due to his founding of 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.
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
‘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 posted to social media.
The 2017 first-team AP 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.
‘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,’ the Cardinals said in a statement posted to social media.
