Brother of Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell charged with mother’s murder

Officers had previously been called to home for possible mental-health issue involving someone

Published Jul 01, 2026  •  3 minute read

Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on in the second half between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by Cristian Petersen /Getty Images

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Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell’s mother was found dead inside her Atlanta home and his brother has been charged with her murder.

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Nateal Campbell, 71, was found unresponsive inside her townhouse in the upscale Buckhead neighbourhood after police were called by a concerned family member, asking cops to perform a welfare check on the woman, WSB reported.

Her family issued a statement following the death.

“We are devastated to share that the Campbell family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” EPSN’s NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared on X.

“While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honour her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”

Mugshot of Ciarre Campbell, brother of NFL star Calais Campbell. He has been charged with the murder of their mother. (Atlanta Police Department) Photo by Atlanta Police Department

Son booked and charged

A man — later identified as Ciarre Campbell, Nateal’s son and Calais’ brother — had allegedly barricaded himself inside the Buckhead home and was detained by police, the Atlanta Police Department said in a news release.

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Ciarre was booked on Wednesday and is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife, according to Fulton County Jail records.

Police have obtained search warrants for the Buckhead home, clothing and DNA, Ciarre’s defence attorney Jay Abt told WSB.

Officers had previously been called to the victim’s home for a possible mental-health issue.

“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location, a possible arson incident,” Lt. Christopher Butler told the outlet. “There have been some indications of possibly some mental-health issues with an individual.”

It was unclear if the accused killer lived with his mother at the time of the alleged murder.

“We vigorously protest his innocence,” Abt said. “We look forward to his day in court.”

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Defensive end Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after a defensive stop during the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Dec. 18, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Photo by Christian Petersen /Getty Images

Campbell’s career in the NFL

Ciarre, 41, who played football at Colorado State, is the older brother of journeyman Calais.

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Calais, 39, began his NFL career in Arizona in 2008, then moved on to play for Jacksonville, played his first stint in Baltimore, headed to Atlanta and Miami, then back to Arizona before his return to Baltimore, where he is set to play his 19th season in the league after signing a one-year, $5.5-million contract in April.

“We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss,” the Ravens said in a statement posted to X.

The six-time Pro Bowler was a second-round draft pick of the Cardinals, playing with them for eight seasons.

“At this time of unfathomable tragedy, our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family. We hope they find strength and comfort in the love, prayers and support that surround them now and in the days ahead,” the Cardinals said in a statement shared on X.

Calais Campbell of the Jacksonville Jaguars is awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award prior to Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami, Fla. (Elsa/Getty Images) Photo by Elsa /Getty Images

The defensive end was named the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for founding the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation alongside his mother and seven siblings.

The foundation, named after his late father, enhances the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people.

Campbell has 117 career sacks in 278 games, including 259 starts.

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