Calais Campbell explains football's unique brotherhood

While appearing on The Lounge Podcast with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, Calais Campbell opened up about one of the biggest reasons he still loves football after all these years: the brotherhood that comes with it.

Campbell explained that, to him, football has always been about more than wins and losses. Growing up in a large family helped shape his perspective on teamwork, sacrifice, and togetherness from an early age, and he believes football naturally creates those same lifelong bonds inside locker rooms.

The veteran defensive lineman said that over the years, teammates have become much more than coworkers or friends. They become family through the sacrifices, challenges, and experiences shared together during a season.

“It’s about family. I grew up with five brothers and two sisters… everything was about togetherness and family mentality. My dad was really big on teaching family and football is the ultimate family sport. You become brothers in there. You become a real life family.”

Campbell’s comments highlighted why he has long been viewed as one of the NFL’s most respected leaders and locker-room presences. The veteran defensive lineman connected the lessons he learned growing up in a large family to the culture and brotherhood created inside football locker rooms, emphasizing trust, sacrifice, and accountability. For a Ravens team with championship aspirations, Campbell’s leadership and team-first mentality continue to embody the identity Baltimore wants throughout the organization entering the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Calais Campbell opens up on family roots and football