Campbell Family Tragedy
NFL Veteran Calais Campbell's Mother Murdered; Brother Charged in Atlanta Home
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Key Points
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Ciarre Campbell is a former Colorado State football player.
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Police had previously responded to the Nateal Campbell home for a possible mental-health issue involving Ciarre Campbell.
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In a 2017 Players’ Tribune piece, Calais Campbell recalled his mother’s emotional reaction when he was drafted, writing, 'Right away, my mom starts crying...'
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Calais Campbell previously played for the Ravens (2020–2022) and returned to Baltimore on a one-year, $5.5 million contract this offseason.
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The Buckhead incident occurred on Roswell Road NW (3500 block) in Buckhead, where police found Nateal Campbell and detained a male suspect later identified as Ciarre Campbell.
Nateal Campbell, 71, the mother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell, was found dead in her Buckhead, Atlanta home on June 30, 2026, after a welfare check by police. Her son Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, according to USA Today.
The Campbell family released a statement saying they are "devastated" by the loss of their matriarch. They said Nateal is now "reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," ESPN reported. The Baltimore Ravens also issued a statement of support for Calais, one of the NFL's most respected veterans.
Police Find Nateal Campbell After Brief Standoff
A concerned family member called Atlanta Police around 12:30 PM on June 30 to request a welfare check. Officers arrived at the 3500 block of Roswell Road NW in Buckhead and encountered a male suspect who had barricaded himself inside the home. Police forced entry and took him into custody, FOX Baltimore reported. Nateal Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene that afternoon.
Investigators secured the home and executed search warrants for DNA, clothing, and other evidence. Ciarre Campbell was booked in the early hours of July 1. He is being held without bond. His attorney, Jay Abt, said: "We vigorously protest his innocence. We look forward to his day in court," according to Heavy.
Prior Mental Health Calls Flagged at the Same Address
Atlanta Police had visited the Buckhead home before. In April 2026, officers responded to a possible arson incident at the same address. Lt. Christapher Butler confirmed that calls to the home showed "possible mental health issues with an individual," Central Oregon Daily reported. No charges were filed at that time.
The prior calls raise questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy. Legal experts note that the murder and aggravated assault charges, combined with Ciarre's mental health history, point to a likely competency hearing as a key step in future court proceedings.
Family Mourns a Matriarch Who Shaped Their Lives
Calais Campbell has long credited his mother as his emotional anchor. In a 2017 piece for The Players' Tribune, he recalled the moment he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He wrote that while he was focused on business, "right away, my mom starts crying." Nateal was the heart of a family that produced multiple college athletes.
Ciarre Campbell was a wide receiver at Colorado State before transferring to Montana. Calais, now 39, is in his 19th NFL season. He signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Ravens this offseason, Yahoo Sports reported. He was expected to chase the all-time games-played record for defensive linemen this season.
Ravens Back Campbell as He Faces His Hardest Season
The Baltimore Ravens issued a statement praising Calais for his leadership and community impact. The team noted his importance to the 2026 roster. Analysts say he may take an indefinite leave from training camp. The Ravens did not say when they expect him to return.
Calais recorded 6.5 sacks in 2025 with the Arizona Cardinals at age 39, showing he is still an elite player. His absence leaves a gap in the Ravens' defensive line. The NFL community has rallied around him as he grieves. The Campbell family has asked the public to respect their privacy during the ongoing investigation, FOX Baltimore reported.
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