Green Bay, WI – April 25, 2025 – Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, nabbed 31st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, radiated joy joining the Super Bowl LIX champions. The Alabama linebacker fired a bold message to mentor Jalen Hurts at his introductory press conference.
“I’m an Eagle!” Campbell roared to ESPN. “Jalen, your Bama grit won that Super Bowl. Let’s chase another ring!” The 21-year-old’s pledge electrified Philly fans, still hyped from A.J. Brown’s car-theft saga.
Campbell, traded up for from pick No. 32 with the Chiefs, led Alabama with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in 2024. His PFF run-defense grade of 75.4 wowed GM Howie Roseman.
“Jihaad’s our future,” Roseman said. Losing Josh Sweat and Darius Slay, Philly needed a versatile defender. Campbell joins Alabama alums Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Landon Dickerson, cementing the Tide pipeline.
From Erial, NJ, Campbell called it destiny: “Bama to Philly, it’s unreal!” His 4.52-second 40-yard dash, despite a torn labrum, signals All-Pro upside, per The Athletic.
With Nakobe Dean battling a knee injury, Campbell bolsters the linebacker corps beside Zack Baun. “He’s a dynamo,” coach Nick Sirianni said, eyeing Vic Fangio’s elite defense (17.8 points allowed).
Amid Grant Calcaterra’s trade-demand drama and Dallas Goedert’s extension, Campbell’s Bama bond with Hurts ignites hope. “Alabama runs Philly,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah tweeted. His $14.8 million rookie deal fits Philly’s $60 million cap space.
With six picks left, the Eagles may target a cornerback. Campbell’s vow to Hurts fuels dreams of another title, as @PhillyFaithful tweeted: “Bama brothers for the repeat!”
