It was a weekend to remember for Boston sports fans - a trifecta of wins that had the city buzzing. The Celtics handled business with back-to-back victories, the Red Sox made headlines with a major trade for catcher Willson Contreras, and the Patriots pulled off a gritty comeback win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
But even with all the on-field success, it was a moment off the court that stole the spotlight Friday night at TD Garden.
During the Celtics’ 129-116 win over the Miami Heat, cameras panned to a luxury suite where several Patriots players were taking in the game. That’s when rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell gave fans an unexpected highlight: shirt off, beer chugged, crowd roaring. It was the kind of viral moment that perfectly blends Boston sports culture - passion, personality, and a little bit of chaos.
Naturally, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel couldn’t resist poking fun at his young lineman when he joined WEEI on Monday morning.
“I’m thinking about firing the strength coach the way [Campbell] looked with his shirt off,” Vrabel said, laughing.
Campbell, listed at 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, is a mountain of a man - and while he’s not exactly in midseason form right now, there’s good reason. He’s been sidelined for the past month with a knee injury and remains on injured reserve. So, yeah, he may not be rocking a six-pack at the moment, but the Patriots aren’t too concerned about his physique - they’re more focused on getting him back on the field.
And that return could be coming soon. The team is optimistic that Campbell will be ready in time for the playoffs, which would be a significant boost for an offensive line that’s missed his presence on the left side. Protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been a season-long priority, and Campbell’s return would give New England a much-needed anchor up front.
As for Deron Mayo, the Patriots’ strength and conditioning coach? Safe to say his job is secure.
The team is sitting at 12-3, tied for the best record in the NFL. Whatever Mayo’s doing in the weight room is clearly working - even if Campbell’s beer-chugging cameo suggests otherwise.
So while the Celtics were lighting it up on the hardwood, and the Patriots were grinding out a win in Baltimore, it was a shirtless rookie tackle who reminded everyone that Boston sports are as entertaining off the field as they are on it.