There’s no easing in when you’re drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles—especially when the front office trades up to get you. Rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell is already discovering that in Philly, expectations don’t just exist—they demand to be met.
After just four days of training camp, Campbell’s reputation as a hard-hitting Alabama star has met the cold, calculated structure of the NFL. And he's taking every lesson to heart.
“I was a hitter in college — raw, aggressive. But here in Philly, it’s different,” Campbell told reporters.
“The standard’s higher, the coaching’s sharper, and I’m learning to play smarter every rep. This place doesn’t just expect greatness — it teaches you how to reach it.”
Campbell’s college numbers—117 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 5 sacks—speak to his talent. But the Eagles are interested in molding him into more than a stat machine. They're building a complete player. His versatility is already catching the eye of coaches, whether he lines up as an off-ball linebacker or threatens the edge.
Comparisons to Micah Parsons have started to bubble—not just for Campbell’s athleticism, but for his eagerness to adapt. Philly coaches are drilling into him the importance of discipline, reading plays, and anticipating movement instead of relying on brute force.
Inside the Eagles’ locker room, Campbell is surrounded by Pro Bowl veterans and a staff that demands every ounce of potential be turned into production. And from the looks of it, he’s buying in.
Philadelphia doesn’t hand out greatness. It earns it—one brutal, competitive rep at a time. And Jihaad Campbell seems ready to fight for every one.
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