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Jihaad Campbell and his brothers Marcy Campbell and Dimere Hopkins head to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jihaad Campbell is flying high!
The former Alabama linebacker became a Philadelphia Eagle when the team selected him with the 31st pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24.
Campbell gave PEOPLE an exclusive look inside the memorable night that took place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., documenting the exciting moments in the lead-up to his life-changing call from the defending Super Bowl champion team.
While making the transition from college athlete to professional is the dream for NFL hopefuls, being selected by the Eagles, specifically, was significant for Campbell, given his longtime love for the Philadelphia team since he was 4 years old.
On the night of the draft, the New Jersey native — who grew up in Erial, his hometown approximately 20 minutes from Lincoln Financial Field — had his parents Stephanie Hopkins and Mark Campbell by his side.
"My biggest supporters," he tells PEOPLE exclusively of his mom and dad, who joined him on the red carpet for photos before posting up in the green room later in the evening. Members of his Klutch Sports Group management team joined him throughout his whirlwind Wisconsin visit, too.
The excitement can be felt from the photos snapped on the night before the NFL Draft, featuring Campbell's former Crimson Tide teammates, Tyler Booker and Jalen Milroe. They were selected by the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks this year.
"We've been through a lot together and I'm so glad we got to experience this moment together. Proud of these boys!" the incoming player tells PEOPLE exclusively of his "Bama Brothers."
Scroll on for an inside look at Jihaad Campbell's NFL Draft experience, from touching down in Green Bay the day before the big night to flying high upon being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles just hours later.
Landed in Green Bay
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Jihaad Campbell shares a bite with his family and Klutch team the day before the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisc.
Jihaad Campbell arrived in Green Bay before the first night of the NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday, April 24. The athlete shared a meal with his family and friends before getting down to business.
"Grabbed a bite to eat at Plae Bistro with my family after we settled," the standout linebacker tells PEOPLE exclusively of his first stop in Wisconsin.
Campbell was joined by his parents Stephanie Hopkins and Mark Campbell, brothers Marcy Campbell and Dimere Kyles, uncles Mike Campbell and Derek Surratt, grandmothers Bertice Hopkins and Carol Campbell and grandfather Mark Campbell Sr.
Klutch team members Jenna Malphrus and Mechelle Geeter also joined the family.
TV Time
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Jihaad Campbell goes live on SportsCenter before the 2025 NFL Draft
Campbell sat down for a live interview on ESPN's SportsCenter a little over 24 hours before the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. He spoke about his mindset leading up to the anticipated event and his journey to get there.
"Going live on SportsCenter in the hotel lobby after the NFL community event," the athlete says, describing the media moment. "As you can tell from my setup, I know how to improvise."
Bama Brothers
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Jihaad Campbell reunites with his Crimson Tide teammates, Tyler Booker and Jalen Milroe
Campbell celebrated the eve of the NFL Draft surrounded by those who've supported his football journey to date, including two people who were on an impressive ride of their own alongside him: Tyler Booker and Jalen Milroe.
"At dinner the night before draft day with my Bama Brothers and fellow draft prospects!" he tells PEOPLE of his former Crimson Tide teammates.
"We've been through a lot together and I'm so glad we got to experience this moment together," he adds. "Proud of these boys!"
Calm Before the Storm
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Jihaad Campbell with members of his Klutch Sports Group team, Mechelle Geeter and Chris Coy
The 2025 NFL Draft was held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc.
"Posted up outside of Lambeau with members of my Klutch Sports Group management team," Campbell shares, posing alongside client service manager Mechelle Geeter and agent Chris Coy.
NFL Draft Eve
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Jihaad Campbell takes the mic for a pre-NFL Draft celebration
Campbell took the mic during a celebration held before the NFL Draft, where he reflected on the hard work and dedication that led him to this milestone achievement. Plus, he shouted out the people who helped him get there.
"Sharing a few words of love and appreciation the night before draft day to my family and loved ones. The ones who've guided me along this journey," he says, standing alongside former Alabama teammates Milroe and Booker.
Fresh Cut
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Jihaad Campbell gets a fresh cut from his uncle, Mike Campbell
The countdown to the call continues! Similar to the fashion-forward tunnel walks in season, top prospects dress to impress at the NFL Draft — that's why Campbell recruited his uncle to assist in his look.
"Draft Day is finally here! Unc is getting me right before the big moment!" he says of bringing in Mike Campbell for hair help. "We chose to set up shop near the pool instead of the hotel room for a different vibe."
Suit Up
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Jihaad Campbell alongside his brothers, Marcy Campbell and Dimere Hopkins
Campbell kept his NFL Draft look classic and clean, wearing a black, double-breasted suit paired with coordinating shoes, complete with a simple — yet, statement — silver chain around his neck. (He also topped many "Best Dressed" lists from the night).
"Thanks to Hugo Boss for getting me and my brothers right with these classic suits," he says, referencing his siblings Marcy Campbell and Dimere Hopkins. "Wouldn’t be here without them and the rest of my family."
Family First
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Jihaad Campbell smiles alongside his parents, mom Stephanie Hopkins and dad Mark Campbell
Campbell hit the NFL Draft red carpet to start the night. He smiled and posed alongside his parents, Stephanie and Mark, for photos before heading to the green room.
Almost Game Time
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Jihaad Campbell getting pumped up with Nicole Lynn moments before the 2025 NFL Draft begins.
NFL Draft night comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Between the excitement and the nerves, Campbell had his support system by his side through it all.
"My agent helping me loosen up before showtime," he points out of Nicole Lynn, president of Klutch Football.
Flying High
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The moment Jihaad Campbell found out he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft
The monumental moment he's dreamed about since he was a kid... Campbell is drafted! The athlete was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 31st pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
"The Pick is in, where we going…WE ARE GOING HOME!" he excitedly recalls of the moment he learned the news. He celebrated alongside his family and Klutch team, including his agent Lynn and his mom Stephanie.
It's Official!
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Jihaad Campbell makes his way to the NFL Draft stage after being selected in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles
Now, it's time to make it official!
"Walking to the stage to greet Commissioner Roger Goodell and hold my jersey up for the first time," he explains, excitedly adding, "I am a Philadelphia Eagle!"
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