Jihaad Campbell hasn’t played a snap for the Eagles yet, but he’s already making headlines, and not just for football. The No. 31 overall pick, fresh off a standout career at Alabama, made an unexpected move during a light-hearted interview, saying he’d take sportscaster Kay Adams with him to space.
Campbell appeared on Up & Adams with Kay and didn’t miss a beat when asked to name five celebrities he’d take on a space flight.
“Kai, me, The Rock… I’m gonna bring my dog,” he said with a grin. “The Rock’s gonna take up a lot of room.” When Adams laughed and questioned the logistics, Campbell smoothly replied, “That’s why you picked me… we don’t take up a lot of leg room.”
It was playful, bold, and completely off-script, the kind of moment that gets people talking.
Campbell Brings Personality Along With Talent
While his cosmic invitation to Kay Adams got fans chuckling, Campbell’s play on the field has the Eagles’ front office feeling like they hit the jackpot. Philadelphia traded up one spot with Kansas City to grab the 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker, who many projected to go in the top 15.
General manager Howie Roseman is drawing praise across the league for landing Campbell late in the first round. “I like being a football player,” Campbell told reporters post-draft. “I like being an absolute baller. A dude that can do everything.” His numbers back it up- 117 tackles, 11.5 for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick in his final season at Alabama. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors and semifinalist spots for both the Bednarik and Butkus Awards.
Jihaad Campbell fills two major needs for Philadelphia’s defense: a versatile off-ball linebacker and a capable edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio gets a high-motor, high-ceiling player who’s ready to grow. “I definitely got to go with Zack Baun, for sure,” Campbell said of his NFL comparison. “His instincts. His awareness of the game. That’s definitely special.”
With that kind of mindset, and some serious charisma, Campbell is bringing more than just talent to Philly. Whether he’s racking up tackles or tossing out space invites, he’s making sure people remember his name.
