Jihaad Campbell: “I’m a competitive person”

GREEN BAY, Wis. - One of the top linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft class provided much insight to media members on Wednesday, just hours before he would hear his name called to begin his NFL career.

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Jihaad Campbell, the dynamic linebacker out of Alabama, spoke with confidence and focus as he laid out his goals for the next chapter of his football journey. His goal is winning the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

"I mean, it's always been a goal for me to be number one in my position - and really, to be number one in anything I do. I'm a competitive person. That's just how I view the game and how I play the game."

He further explained that he hasn't thought about what kind of stats he would like to post in his rookie season: "I haven’t thought of that yet, but the big accolades are definitely to come in any organization [to] be a vocal leader; great impactor; add onto the value of whatever the organization has; and, of course, personal goals are winning DROY, having a certain amount of talent, and potentially winning the Super Bowl."

A fierce competitor with sideline-to-sideline speed and an instinctive feel for the game, Campbell has been a name on NFL radars since his time at Alabama. Scouts and analysts alike have praised his versatility, quick diagnosis skills, and ability to disrupt both the run and the pass, which would make him a great addition to any NFL team.

Campbell also expressed excitement at the possibility of joining NFL rosters already featuring former Crimson Tide players - players he not only respects but already shares a chemistry with.

"I’d feel blessed; I’d feel amazed. We already got something in common, so I think it would be a great factor for us to play together, and you know, I'm already familiar with that person, so it’s easy."

One of the most defining aspects of Campbell's collegiate career was his time under legendary head coach Nick Saban. He mentioned how Saban instilled mental toughness and a process-driven mindset.

"How you do anything is how you do everything. The habits, the discipline, and the way you arrive and approach the game - and even just life. And just staying true to who you are and just being where your feet are. I think that was the biggest words and inspiration."

As Campbell prepares to take the next step in his career, he carries with him the expectations of a first-round talent - and the confidence of someone who believes he can make an immediate impact on the professional stage.

The draft night spotlight will soon shine on Campbell, but if he has his way, that light won't fade after draft night - it'll only get brighter.