Will Campbell did more than block for Drake Maye during his rookie season.
Even as the No. 4 pick, Campbell wasn’t immune to some playful hazing inside the New England Patriots’ building. Head coach Mike Vrabel tasked the left tackle with an off-field assignment, directing Campbell to address the team with a weekly weather report during Friday meetings.
As detailed by NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, Campbell would inform his teammates of community and player events, the lunch menu and other news along with a weather forecast. The 22-year-old eventually took a liking to Vrabel’s job.
“He volunteered me,” Campbell said. “I didn’t really have a choice, but I’ve enjoyed doing it.”
Campbell had fun with the role, often turning his address into a comedy routine. Vice president of football operations and strategy John “Stretch” Streicher even wrote jokes for the rookie.
Story continues below advertisement
“I mean, I was not looking forward to it at first,” Campbell confessed. “It wasn’t something that I got out of bed on Friday morning looking forward to. But now, as long as there’s some good stuff to read, I don’t mind it.”
His teammates also enjoyed Campbell’s Friday debriefing, but rookie guard Jared Wilson couldn’t think of any clean material to share with Perry.
“You know, there’s not a lot that I can,” Wilson said after a long pause. “Being totally honest with you. But they’re good. They’re good.”
Story continues below advertisement
Campbell’s gig embodies a looser, jovial culture under Vrabel. Tight end Austin Hooper said the coach has created a “work-hard environment” while also allowing room for levity.
“If something funny happens, you can laugh,” Hooper said. “You can smile. It’s OK to have whatever your personality is as long as you’re handling your business and you’re on top of your details. You can be whoever you want to be as long as you’re a good teammate and doing your job.”
