Will Campbell Steals the Show at Celtics Game While Recovering from Injury
Will Campbell may be sidelined with a knee injury, but that didn’t stop the Patriots rookie left tackle from making headlines Friday night - this time, not for his play on the field, but for his energy in the stands.
Campbell, who’s currently on injured reserve with a sprained MCL, was spotted living it up at TD Garden during the Celtics game, surrounded by teammates including quarterback Drake Maye and fellow offensive linemen. When the Patriots crew hit the jumbotron, Campbell made the most of his moment - ripping off his shirt, chugging his drink, and spiking the empty cup with the kind of flair usually reserved for touchdown celebrations.
The crowd erupted, and social media followed suit. The Celtics’ official account even leaned into the moment, posting the clip with the caption, “THIS IS OUR HOUSE 🏡☘️,” tagging Campbell and the Patriots.
It was the kind of viral moment that fans love - a mix of raw energy, team camaraderie, and a reminder that NFL players are fans too. And while Campbell’s antics were all in good fun, they didn’t go unnoticed by his head coach.
Asked about the clip during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel couldn’t help but crack a joke: “I'm thinking about firing our strength coach for the way he looked with his shirt off.”
Vrabel, of course, has never been one to shy away from a little locker-room humor, and his comment only added fuel to the lighthearted buzz surrounding Campbell’s night out.
Interestingly, Campbell’s performance drew a response from Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who had his own viral chug moment earlier this month at a Celtics game. When asked to compare the two, Zadorov laughed, saying, “We can have a chug off at some point. I'm going to keep my shirt on this time though.”
Campbell’s off-the-field moment comes during a tough stretch for the rookie. Drafted No. 4 overall out of LSU in the 2025 NFL Draft, he started the first 12 games of the season and quickly established himself as a key piece of New England’s offensive line. His injury came during a Week 12 win over the Bengals on November 23, and while it initially looked serious, it was later confirmed to be a sprained MCL.
The Patriots placed Campbell on injured reserve shortly after, and under league rules, he’s not eligible to return until Week 18 - a pivotal matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Whether he’ll be ready to suit up by then remains unclear. Vrabel was asked for an update during his WEEI appearance, but chose not to provide any details about Campbell’s potential return.
For now, Campbell remains a question mark for the season finale and any potential postseason action. But if Friday night was any indication, his spirits are high, and his presence - even off the field - is still very much felt in New England.
In a season full of ups and downs for the Patriots, moments like this offer a glimpse into the chemistry building inside the locker room. And for a rookie who’s already shown plenty of promise between the lines, Campbell’s showing fans he’s got personality to match the power.