How Will Campbell’s Late Brother Inspires His Fight for Patriots Glory

For New England Patriots rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell, every snap, every drive, and every moment in the NFL carries a deeper purpose—one that began far from the stadium lights. That purpose is rooted in the memory of his late brother, Ethan Campbell, whose life and untimely passing continue to fuel Will’s relentless pursuit of greatness.

Ethan passed away in 2020 at just 20 years old, after a long and difficult battle with a rare neurological disorder. But what Ethan lacked in physical strength, he made up for in spirit. Known for his boundless positivity and support for his younger brother, Ethan became Will’s biggest fan, always cheering him on with a smile that could light up a stadium.

Growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, the Campbell brothers shared a bond that was unbreakable. Will, now 22, remembers how Ethan would sit in his wheelchair on the sidelines, shouting encouragement and calling him “Champ” after every game. That energy, that love—it never left Will.

“He was my heartbeat,” Will said during a recent interview. “Even when things got tough, Ethan would remind me why I started playing in the first place. I still hear his voice every time I put on my helmet.”

Will’s journey from LSU standout to first-round Patriots draft pick in 2025 was paved with hard work, but also heavy emotion. As he transitioned to the professional level, the stakes rose—but so did his sense of responsibility. Not just to his team, but to Ethan’s memory.

On his wrist, Will wears a bracelet engraved with Ethan’s initials. On his forearm, a tattoo reads “Sunshine Forever,” a nod to Ethan’s nickname and the light he brought into Will’s life. These small but powerful symbols are part of what keeps Will grounded.

But Will’s tribute to his brother doesn’t end with symbolism. Off the field, he’s become an advocate for rare disease awareness, working with foundations to raise funds and support for families like his own. Earlier this year, he organized a youth football camp in Foxborough in Ethan’s name—an emotional event filled with laughter, mentorship, and, most importantly, heart.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has praised Will’s maturity and focus. “He’s not just here to play football,” Mayo said. “He’s here with purpose. You can feel it in everything he does.”

Now, as Will enters his first NFL season, the goal is clear: contribute, compete, and carry Ethan’s legacy onto the national stage.

“I’m not just chasing wins,” Will said. “I’m chasing a promise—to make my brother proud. Every time I step on that field, I know he’s right there with me.”

For Will Campbell, the journey to Patriots glory isn’t just about football. It’s about love, loss, and honoring the person who made him believe in himself from the very beginning.