When the New England Patriots called upon Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick in 2025, the star offensive tackle from LSU was distinctly emotional and even crying. While that is not an unusual reaction, what he said next definitely was. The 22-year-old proclaimed, “I am going to fight and die to protect” Drake Maye.
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It was one of the most memorable NFL Draft moments that we’ve had in quite a while. To make things even better, Campbell has fully lived up to that promise so far. After allowing 52 sacks in 2024, New England was able to lower that total to 48 this season, so while there’s still room for improvement, it’s clear that he has helped to make a difference.
Nevertheless, while hosting Campbell during his latest podcast episode, the former Patriot, Julian Edelman, couldn’t help butw1q` ask, “Would you seriously die for Drake Maye?”
“I would,” Campbell smiled. “That’s my guy. I don’t know what made me say it in the moment, but it came out great. I stand by it.” In his first season working with Campbell and their new head coach, Mike Vrabel, Maye has led the league in completion percentage, yards gained per pass attempt, passer rating, and QBR.
The Patriots were able to record their first 14-win season since 2016, back when Tom Brady was still busy collecting Super Bowls on a regular basis, and they entered their AFC Wild Card match-up against the Los Angeles Chargers as -3.5 point favorites, while Maye himself is still the favorite to win the regular season MVP award.
Throw in the facts that their offense is the second-highest scoring one in the league and that they are moving on to the divisional round of the AFC playoff race, and it’s beginning to seem like they have found the magic that existed with the Patriots of old.
There’s still a good bit of football that needs to be played before anyone can begin to confirm that, but the evidence is clear. Not only is Campbell willing to fight and die for his quarterback, but he’s also willing to do what’s necessary in order to win. It looks like New England got their hands on some special talent, and if Campbell is somehow able to be a part of multiple playoff runs with them, then this could end up being the origin story of a future NFL Hall of Famer.
