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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 16: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet and footballs sit on the field during the Cincinnati Bengals training camp on August 16, 2021 at the Cincinnati Bengals training facility in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 16 Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp Icon210816059
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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 16: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet and footballs sit on the field during the Cincinnati Bengals training camp on August 16, 2021 at the Cincinnati Bengals training facility in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 16 Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp Icon210816059
This new month brings difficult news for the NFL community. After losing renowned NFL players back to back from Jim Brown to Ryan Mallet recently, the loss of another NFL star has shaken the world. This time it is the Maryland standout sensation who led his wild card team to win the Super Bowl in 1981.
Joe Campbell, a renowned NFL defensive end, passed away at the age of 68. Campbell had an impressive football career, notably playing for the New Orleans Saints and contributing to the Oakland Raiders‘ victory in the Super Bowl. His talent and skill set him apart, even among the notable alumni of Wilmington’s Salesianum School, known for producing college and professional sports stars. The news of his passing has left a profound impact on fellow athletes and his team, who mourn the loss suffered by his family.
Loss of a legend in a shocking incident
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Joe Campbell, a resident of Tavares, Florida, met an untimely end on Sunday. According to his brother Patrick, via NY Post, he was found deceased in Florida after going on a hike, with a probable cause of death being a cardiac incident. The Las Vegas Raiders confirmed Campbell’s passing on Wednesday, expressing their condolences and referring to him as a valued member of the Raiders Family who had played in 13 games over two seasons with the team. They released a statement saying, “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Campbell family at this time.”
Randy White, a legendary Cowboys player and Campbell’s former teammate at Maryland, said, “You get news like this, it sets you back. … I’ll remember him as a long, lean guy from Delaware who came in there and dominated at that defensive end position.” Rep. Burgess Owens, also a former Raider, paid tribute to Campbell on Twitter, “A teammate I was blessed to play and win with. Joe, RIP brother.”
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Campbell made his name in the NFL
Campbell’s survival story is one of resilience and determination. In 2007, he endured a collision with a pick-up truck while cycling, resulting in a fractured skull and a six-month coma. Although he experienced memory loss, the memories of the championship season remained intact. Prior to his accident, Campbell had a successful football career as a first-round draft pick for the New Orleans Saints in 1977 after playing college football at Maryland.
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Later in the 1980 season, he was traded to the Raiders, where he continued to make his mark. The 1980 Raiders team holds a special place in Campbell’s career as they achieved an extraordinary feat, becoming the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Their incredible journey concluded with a resounding 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. Campbell’s time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1981 marked the final phase of his five-year NFL career.
Watch this story: “Going To Be Saving Six Human Lives”: The Tragic Death of Lambeau Field Victim Turned Heroic Amidst Family’s Huge-Hearted Decision
