What Louisiana native Will Campbell said about returning to the Superdome

"A lot of people that have supported me throughout this whole process, it will be their first time seeing me play in person, so it will be cool."

Will Campbell AP Photo/Charles Krupa

October 9, 2025

2 minutes to read

FOXBOROUGH — Will Campbell was fielding questions at his locker about his upcoming return to his home state of Louisiana when Drake Maye walked by and yelled “smile for ’em, Big Country.”

“Do they really call you Big Country?” a reporter asked.

“No, that’s just Drake,” Campbell said with a grin.

The 6-foot-6, 319-pound offensive tackle will make his first professional appearance at the Caesars Superdome Sunday afternoon when the Patriots visit the Saints.

It’s a bit of a homecoming for the rookie lineman who grew up about four hours northwest of New Orleans in Monroe, Louisiana before starring at LSU. He said he was more of a Saints “supporter” than a diehard fan when he was younger.

“I grew up going to some games there,” Campbell said. “My first NFL game that I ever watched was there. I grew up going to watch the state championships there, whenever my high school team was going and I was a little kid. My first college game was in the Superdome.”

“So, I’ve had some cool experiences, but you know, being able to go back and play an NFL game there will be pretty cool,” Campbell added. “I’m looking forward to it. It will be good to have a lot of people that have supported me throughout this whole process, it will be their first time seeing me play in person, so it will be cool.”

Campbell said he is expecting a “packed house.” Just how many ticket requests did Campbell get from his friends and family?

““Enough. ‘No more’ is what I said,” the rookie lineman replied.

The Patriots are riding high after an upset win over Buffalo last Sunday. Campbell was quick to remind reporters that game is in the past now.

Improving the run-game will be a point of emphasis on Sunday. The Patriots are averaging the sixth-fewest rushing yards (95.2) in the league through five games.

“We’re working every day,” Campbell said. “Just got to keep working at it, keep chopping away at it and give these guys a chance. We’ve got some really talented guys behind us, all they need is a little sliver and they’ll make something go and that’s on us.”

The chance to play at the Superdome is exciting Campbell said, but he’s focused on doing his job.

“It’s just another game. Just the next team on the schedule,” Campbell said. “I’m excited about being able to see all my family and stuff like that but other than that it’s just another game.”