FOXBOROUGH — Last night in Green Bay, the Patriots selected offensive tackle Will Campbell with the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After shaking Roger Goodell’s hand and taking a picture with his #1 Patriots jersey, an emotional Campbell made a comment about his new quarterback Drake Maye that made headlines across social media.
“I’m going to fight and die to protect [Drake Maye] with everything I got,” Campbell said to ESPN.
New #Patriots LT Will Campbell on blocking for Drake Maye: “I’m going to fight and die to protect him with everything I got.” 🔥
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 25, 2025
pic.twitter.com/aD0o0JLwxT
One day later, as the Patriots brought the LSU product to Foxborough, Campbell was just as strong in his desire top prioritize protecting Maye, who he got to meet briefly.
"Yeah, I mean, that's my quarterback," Campbell said. "So, I'm just super excited to continue to build the relationship with him, get to know each other as people. It's something I'm looking forward to. I'm a quarterback guy. I care about him a lot off the field and on the field.
"We were able to talk. He met my family, so that was pretty cool. We just talked for a little bit; he had to do some stuff and things like that, and we had stuff to do. It was short and sweet, but that relationship will continue to grow more as I'm up here.
Campbell expressed his excitement to play for the Patriots under new head coach Mike Vrabel - and to play for the Patriots.
"I think the biggest thing for me was I wanted to play for an organization that had history, that cared, that wants to win. That's the thing for me," Campbell said. "I want to come in and I want to win, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Drake is a heck of a player. I'm super excited to build our relationship.
"Coach [Mike] Vrabel is a guy that I want to play for. This is an organization – the proof is in the pudding with this place, and that's something that I want to be a part of. So, for me to be able to represent this organization, wear that logo on the side of my helmet and on the front of my jersey, it’s everything I could ever ask for."
A day earlier, Vrabel made it clear Campbell will be a left tackle for the Patriots, and Campbell was appreciative for the opportunity.
“I'm just super thankful for them giving me this opportunity, them believing in me,” he said.
Campbell also described himself as a “personable guy” and expressed his willingness to give back to the community.
“One thing about me is I can relate to anybody,” said Campbell. “Coming from Louisiana, you have a chance to meet all different types of people, and I'm able to create a relationship with whoever that might be.”
“This is the community that supports us. This is the community that fills up these seats in this stadium. It's something that I've done not just in my community where I grew up, but throughout the state of Louisiana.”
With the Patriots' selection of Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round, the mission to help Maye is evident more than ever, and it started with what they believe will be their franchise left tackle for years to come.