NFL star Calais Campbell’s mother killed in Buckhead | Everything we know

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The family of NFL player Calais Campbell released a statement after the stabbing death of his mother in Buckhead, saying they were devastated to lose their matriarch.

Atlanta police were called to the home of Nateal Campbell, 71, on Tuesday for a wellness check. Her son, Ciarre Bryce Campbell, was detained for questioning at the scene and later charged with murder, according to jail records.

Here’s everything we know:

• Nateal Campbell was found inside her Buckhead townhome at the Brownstones at Habersham off Roswell Road, with several cuts to her neck. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• Police said there have been previous calls to the home, including one in April for possible arson and a mental health episode regarding Ciarre Bryce Campbell. In total, APD responded to the home 10 times year-to-date. Three were for a “demented person,” a fight, person injured and welfare checks.

• In a 911 call released by police (listen below), an unidentified man can be heard asking for a wellness check. He tells the dispatcher that he is outside his mother’s house with his brother and sister-in-law and that they’re trying to get inside. He said they can see another brother, who is “mentally ill” and lives with their mother, inside the home. He said the brother inside said their mother left but a neighbor’s camera footage shows she didn’t.

• Ciarre Bryce Campbell is charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife, according to Fulton County Jail records.
• Ciarre Bryce Campbell waived his first court appearance Wednesday morning.
• Nateal Campbell’s official cause of death has not been released.
• Calais Campbell returned to Baltimore in the offseason for what will likely be his last season in the NFL.

• Calais Campbell was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, where he remained through 2016. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017 to 2019; the Baltimore Ravens from 2020 to 2022; the Falcons in 2023; the Miami Dolphins in 2024; returned to the Cardinals in 2025; and is set to begin the 2026 season back with Baltimore.
• The Campbell family confirmed Nateal’s death in a statement shared with Ian Rapoport of ESPN and asked for privacy:

“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”

• The Baltimore Ravens, the last team Calais Campbell played for, offered condolences to the family in this statement:

“We are incredibly saddened to learn about the passing of Calais Campbell’s mother,” the team said. “We extend our deepest condolences and full support to Calais and his family during this difficult time. We ask that everyone please respect their privacy while they grieve from this heartbreaking loss.”

• The team Calais Campbell was drafted by, the Arizona Cardinals, put out this statement:

“At this time of unfathomable tragedy, our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family. We hope they find strength and comfort in the love, prayers, and support that surround them now and in the days ahead.”

• The Jacksonville Jaguars, the team Calais Campbell played for from 2017-2019, also offered condolences in this statement on social media:

“Our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family.”

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• Mother of former Falcons player identified as victim in deadly Buckhead stabbing