PHILADELPHIA — The dream became even more real on Friday for linebacker/edge rusher Jihaad Campbell, the Eagles’ first-round pick out of Alabama in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Campbell, who grew up in Gloucester Township, N.J., touched down at Philadelphia International Airport and was transported to the nearby NovaCare Complex during a whirlwind 24 hours.
“When I was on the plane, I was looking like, ‘Dang, I’m really back home,’” he said, meeting with the media here for the first time. “That’s when it hit me. I was like, ‘Okay. All right.’”
“It’s been good. Just taking it day by day and just going through the process. I mean, I’m even enjoying it right now here with you guys.
“The experience (at the draft) was everything. I mean, just the things that God does. When you serve God in a certain way and you pray and you make sure that you’re in his guidance and that you’re receptive to his blessings, I mean it’s major, major, definitely.”
In the back of his mind, Campbell always thought playing for the Eagles was a possibility. He grew up as a fan, and his parents and grandparents have been avid longtime fans.
“I think when I was at my grandparents’ house — I’ve got a shout out with my grandfather, Pop Pop. When I was younger and I saw all the card selections that he had. I was like, ‘All right, I know it. I could definitely play for them boys.’
“I mean, one of the biggest supporters in my life,” Campbell said of his grandfather. “He always makes sure that he texts me and say, ‘Love, Pop Pop,’ ‘Love my mom,’ ‘Make sure you just keep being a good person in life. Just keep being a great football player.’
“Just extremely humbled about the situation and I’m excited. I’m really excited to be an Eagle.”
Prior to being drafted, Campbell only had limited interaction with the Eagles, which was mainly with defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Jeremiah Washburn.
“So, prior to the draft and stuff like that, I had talked to (general manager) Howie (Roseman) and we were getting to know each other and just building that relationship. I mean, now look at where I am. So, that relationship definitely turned out well.”
For his senior year in high school, Campbell transferred from Timber Creek to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., a vaunted boarding school for promising young athletes. He said the experience helped shape him.
“Just throughout my whole life really just accepting challenge. Having my support system with me and understanding just different aspects of life and different life situations and really how to go through it. It is a big sequence of my life, and I think that was the best thing that happened to me. Just persevering and overcoming every adversity that came my way.”
Campbell had 117 tackles and five sacks in his senior year at ‘Bama. He has been praised for his character, explosiveness, hard hitting, and versatility. He has been effective in pass coverage. He lines up off ball and also on the edge. And before switching to the defensive side full-time, he played quarterback, running back and receiver in high school.
But to him, he said it’s all just football. Now he’s here, joining several other former Alabama players.
“I like being a football player. I like being an absolute baller, a dude that can do everything, that can learn and grow and just maximize each and every opportunity that I have to play this game.”
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment