LSU’s offensive weapon — Will Campbell — silenced critics, becoming the New England Patriots’ No. 4 overall draft pick. There was much yapping about his 33-inch arms, but they all proved unfounded. He dominated, showcasing his strength, and didn’t let his perceived weakness hinder his success. On draft night, with his girlfriend by his side, Campbell celebrated his incredible achievement. Safe to say, Will isn’t just reaching for greatness—he’s grabbing it. But one special wish from his fellow teammates’ girlfriend added an extra charm.
Well, who’s that QB and his girlfriend whose wish is turning fans’ heads? Its LSU Tigers star QB Garrett Nussmeier, and the wish is from his girlfriend, Ella Springfield. Well, it’s not just because of his ties with LSU, but also because it’s a family business. How? So, Garette’s sister Ashlynn Nussmeier is Will Campbell’s girlfriend, and sure, this makes him family. And now he is a 4th overall pick. Ella made sure his success was celebrated as she hit IG with a story and a beautiful caption that read, “Let’s geauxxxxxxx, the most deserving.”
Well, Ella Springfield isn’t the only one celebrating his big moment; even Will Campbell’s lady love, Ashlynn Nussmeier, made sure she made his special day more special with her presence at the draft night event. Best part? While Campbell was off to the stage, Ashlynn made sure she sent him off with a tight hug. No wonder Campbell deserves all praise and love. This guy played every snap in 23 of LSU’s 25 SEC games over three seasons. And no one deserves it more than him.
Behind all those shiny lights and honor, it’s years of struggle that really worked. It wasn’t a surprise attack; it was the realization of a lifelong dream. His voice shook, his eyes welled, and he wept. “Man, just all the hard work,” Campbell said. Seconds later, overcome with emotion, he wept, explaining the significance of the moment. “I’ve worked my entire life to be up here, to be able to get my name called by a franchise like New England. It means everything to me. I’m going to fight and die to protect them with everything I’ve got.” The Patriots drafted more than just a lineman; they drafted a committed warrior.
And what makes him a perfect Pats’ fit? Look, Will Campbell joins a Patriots team desperately needing stability at left tackle. Since 2021, they’ve lacked a reliable presence there, and Campbell’s mission is clear: solidify the blind side. Coach Mike Vrabel and GM Eliot Wolf used the fourth overall pick to address this crucial need, banking on Campbell to replace Vederian Lowe and significantly improve the offensive line.
New England’s past offensive line experiments utterly failed. The 2022 swap of Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown backfired spectacularly; Brown allowed a career-high eight sacks, contributing to a total of 41 sacks allowed. The situation worsened in 2024 with a franchise-worst 52 sacks—their highest total since 1999. Lowe ranked a dismal 69th out of 81 tackles, and Jacobs finished last. The team’s poor performance forced the front office into emergency mode.
And Will Campbell, remains unfazed by pressure, has played tackle since high school. He started at LSU as a true freshman, earning Second Team All-SEC honors, followed by two consecutive First Team selections. This impressive record of consistent dominance anchors New England’s future and protects quarterback Drake Maye. But even in these happy moments he made sure that his friend and fellow teammates gets the much needed tribute.
Will Campbell’s tribute to Kyren Lacy
An LSU Tiger, hearing his name called at the NFL Draft, honored his late teammate, Kyren Lacy, by wearing a purple No. 2 pin. “I got the number two pin on my lapel, Kyren, it’s a special human being,” Will Campbell said. “I feel for his family. They’ve been through a lot lately, and he’s got such a great family. He was such a, not only a good football player, he was such a good teammate, a good son, a good older brother, and just a good dude in general.”
The pin, visible throughout his post-draft interview, spoke volumes. “It’s just terrible. Everything that’s happened from sending many prayers to his family, because, you know, he was going to get his name called this weekend. That’s why I wanted to wear this pin honor him. Even though you know his name won’t be called he’s gonna walk across the stage. So, he’s, here with us in spirit, and it was just honor for me to be a part of his journey.”
Well, 24-year-old Lacy took his own life in his car earlier this month in Houston. Cops said he crashed while fleeing a traffic stop, culminating a months-long downward spiral. It all started last December. After playing in 12 games for LSU last season, with 58 receptions and 866 rushing yards, the wideout declared for the NFL Draft. But his draft stock plummeted after his alleged involvement in an accident that killed a 78-year-old man in Louisiana. He faced charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless driving. With an arrest warrant issued against him for allegedly leaving the accident site, his NFL hopes quickly faded. From the outside, his situation appeared hopeless.
Yet, even within the courtroom and in the hearts of his acquaintances, Lacy retained his believers. But following Lacy’s death on April 12, 2025, attorney John M. Allen III delivered a devastating post depicting a young man’s faith in the system’s ability to exonerate him. “I just know in my heart [fellow attorney Matthew Ory] and I was gone (sic) get you outta this situation, I knew you were innocent from day 1 because I was the first person you called while the traffic was being diverted around the wreckage,” Allen wrote. Where redemption could have been, there is only grief and silence.
The post Will Campbell Receives 5-Word Message From His QB’s Girlfriend on Emotional NFL Moment as he Breaks Silence on LSU’s Late Kyren Lacy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
