This 2025 NFL Draft had just the right mix of what everyone expected and what totally surprised them. Cam Ward going No. 1? Totally called it. Shedeur Sanders not getting picked in the first round? Now that was unexpected. But even amidst all the twists and turns, Jihaad Campbell found a way to grab everyone’s attention. Plenty of mock drafts had the ex-Alabama linebacker going in the first round, but the big question was always when and where he’d land.

Jihaad Campbell made his NFL Draft night debut with more than just style—he brought heart. The Alabama linebacker walked the Green Bay carpet in a sleek, all-black suit. But then came the moment. He unbuttoned his jacket and revealed a powerful tribute—a custom lining filled with photos of his family, childhood, and early football memories. Looks like a silent salute to the people and moments that built him.

And just like that, Campbell’s heading straight to Philly, soaring into the NFL as a first-rounder. The Eagles really wanted him, trading up with the Kansas City Chiefs to grab him at No. 31, right near the end of the first day when folks were maybe expecting to hear Shedeur’s name. But it makes sense—Campbell was a beast on the Alabama defense for the last couple of years, bringing that speed, smarts, and confidence the Eagles were hungry for. Right now, he’s the second Bama star off the board in 2025, following Tyler Booker’s No. 12 selection by the Cowboys. So, from Tuscaloosa to the City of Brotherly Love, Campbell’s legacy is just getting started.

While Jihaad Campbell’s draft slide may have lit a fire, his father made sure the NFL knows it. Campbell, Alabama’s first first-round linebacker since Rashaan Evans in 2018, was a straight-up wrecking ball in 2024, racking up 117 tackles—eighth-most in a single season in Crimson Tide history. Yet somehow, he slipped to No. 31. But now? His dad’s calling it fuel. On April 25, Bama insider Mike Rodak shared a fiery quote from Mark Campbell on ABC, stating, “He’s kinda pis-ed off that he waited until [31] to grab him. Y’all gonna see what happens this season.” Consider that the league has been officially warned.

With Jihaad Campbell’s selection, Alabama extended its streak to nine straight drafts with multiple first-rounders. Once an edge rusher, he evolved into a versatile weapon for Bama’s defense.“That’s just football, plain and simple. Shows you what grit and toughness are all about,” Campbell said about making those turnovers. This 6-3, 244-pound linebacker, Jersey-born but IMG Academy-raised, was a big-deal five-star recruit, a Saban guy originally. He even nicknamed himself “Mr. Can Do it All” at the combine, and it’s true—blitzing, covering, you name it, he’s got it. That confidence was clear when he said he’s going to give the Eagles “100%, everything I got in me.”

Now, even with his dad’s headline-making warning, his mom confirmed the real story: history’s brewing with Nick Sirianni’s Eagles. Makes total sense why he’s ready to give it his absolute all.

Jihaad Campbell’s deep roots with the Eagles

Before Jihaad Campbell ever lit up the field for Bama, his journey was already in motion, shaped by the people who know him best: his parents. Well, the heart of his hustle comes from home. And following that, ESPN’s Todd McShay stated, “He’s got the instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed NFL teams are seeking. But what separates Jihaad is his maturity. He’s a leader, and that’s because of how he was raised.” So, behind every tackle, there’s a story. And for Campbell, it begins with family, discipline, and drive.

And now, Alabama insider Mike Rodak dropped a jaw-dropping update. Yes, we know Jihaad Campbell was taken 31st overall by the Eagles. But here’s the kicker—this wasn’t just a draft pick. It was a dream fulfilled. Because Campbell’s mother, Stephanie Hopkins, told ABC that her son has been an Eagles fan since he was a kid. And get this—he’s from Erial, just 20 minutes from Philly. So, talk about a full-circle moment. And for Jihaad, it’s not just the NFL; it’s homecoming season.

So, when the 215 area code popped up on Jihaad Campbell’s phone, he thought, “Oh, this is interesting.” Then it hit him, and he got a little emotional because his granddad was also a huge Eagles fan who always talked about Randall Cunningham. After that, he started listing his own favorite Philly players: Darren Sproles, Brandon Graham, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, and DeSean Jackson.

However, Campbell’s leadership went beyond the field. Off the field, he mentored younger teammates, studied film after practice, and kept his cool—thanks to his family’s strong influence. Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft buzzed, Campbell stayed grounded, never losing sight of the values instilled in him from day one. With a Super Bowl win fresh in their minds and a loyal fanbase—yeah, Campbell too—backing them, it’ll be interesting to see what this season holds for the Eagles.