Former Atlanta Falcons star Calais Campbell is speaking out after his brother was charged with killing their 71-year-old mother, Nateal Campbell, in her Buckhead, Atlanta townhouse on June 30.
Campbell’s brother, Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife. The former Colorado State football player remains in custody without bond.
The family said Ciarre has a history of mental illness.
?NFL Player Calais Campbell Brother Charged in Their Mother Death?
Ciarre Campbell, the brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife in the death of their mother, Nateal Campbell.Police… pic.twitter.com/QRDDvcd0Lz
— American Crime Stories (@AmericanCrime01) July 1, 2026
Lt. Christapher Butler said police responded to an arson call at the townhouse back in April.
In another incident in April, Ciarre allegedly turned off a neighbor’s power, before standing on top of an air conditioning unit, and entering the property through a window.
“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location, a possible arson incident. There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with an individual,” Lt. Butler said.
The Ravens allowed Calais Campbell to miss the first few days of training camp. He participated in his first full team practice on August 3.
“These last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family, but we’re working through it,” Campbell, 39, said, according to the Associated Press. “And I really appreciate all the love and support and the prayers that have been coming from all over, really, from all the NFL community… Continue praying for us because we need it.”
The Baltimore Ravens defensive end said he wanted to keep playing after his mother’s passing and his brother’s arrest.
“I love the game of football a lot … it brings me joy,” Campbell said Tuesday. “It was a little harder training, but as far as football goes, I love this game a lot. And this is a very fun place for me to be. So playing football has been great for me.”