Nationwide — Nateal Campbell, the 71-year-old mother of NFL star Calais Campbell, was found dead inside her Buckhead, Atlanta home after police responded to a welfare check. Authorities later arrested her son, Ciarre Campbell, on a murder charge.
Police said she was discovered unresponsive in her townhouse on Tuesday afternoon. Officers arrived after relatives asked for a welfare check at her home. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the New York Post.
When police got to the home, they said a man inside barricaded himself. Officers forced entry and took him into custody after securing the area. Authorities later identified him as Ciarre Campbell.
Ciarre Campbell, 41, is the older brother of Calais Campbell and a former Colorado State football player. Jail records show he was booked into Fulton County Jail and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.
Investigators are still working through early details of the case. Police also confirmed search warrants were issued for the home, along with items including clothing and DNA evidence as part of the investigation.
Authorities noted prior calls to the same residence, including reports involving possible mental health concerns tied to an individual at the home. Officials also referenced earlier reports involving possible incidents at the home in recent months.
The Campbell family released a statement expressing grief over the loss. They described Nateal Campbell as their matriarch and asked for privacy as they deal with the tragedy.
Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowl player, has built a long NFL career since being drafted in 2008. He also earned the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award and helped lead the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, created with his mother and siblings in honor of their late father.