NEW ORLEANS – Several of Will Campbell’s core football memories happened inside the Caesars Super Dome.
The Patriots rookie tackle grew up in Monroe, about four hours from New Orleans. The Saints’ home stadium is the place where he watched his first NFL game, where he played in important high school games, and where he played in his first college game at LSU.
Now, it’s a place where he won as a professional athlete.
On Sunday, Campbell lived out a dream during the Patriots 25-19 win over the Saints. In front of over 60 close friends and family, along with dozens from his hometown, the rookie was thrilled to play his first NFL game in his hometown stadium.
“It was super cool,” Campbell said. “Being able to play back home in my rookie season was pretty special. I grew up coming to games here. Played my first college game ever here. Getting to play here was pretty cool.”
Along with many wearing his jersey, Campbell’s entourage also had special pins representing his 66 jersey number. With so many familiar faces in the stadium, along with well-traveled Patriots fans, it was easy for the No. 4 pick to hear cheers on this day.
Campbell said he was appreciative of the support. He was also happy with how he placed.
“I had a lot of support. A lot of New England fans. It was cool,” Campbell said.
The Patriots allowed just one sack on Sunday, and it was a coverage sack. Drake Maye was hit just three times in the win.
“I think we did fine. There’s a lot to clean up,” Campbell said. “It didn’t go how we wanted it to in the second half, but we were still able to get the win. That’s what matters. It’s like coach says, it’s a good feeling when you feel like you have to correct a lot and still get a win. That means you’re not scratching the surface yet. We just have to go in, make the corrections, get better, fix what we did wrong, and just get ready for next week.”
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