Philly Guy: Jihaad Campbell is a huge Eagles fan and can’t wait to get to work

Jihaad Campbell got the call of a lifetime Thursday night — and when he saw the 215 area code pop up on his phone, he had a feeling his dream was about to come true.

The Eagles made it official moments later, selecting the versatile Alabama linebacker in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. And for Campbell, a lifelong Birds fan from South Jersey, the moment hit different.

Eagles first round draft pick Jihaad Campbell says when he saw the number 215 come up on his phone, he had an idea it was the Eagles, and he says he almost broke down when he found out he was talking to Howie Roseman. He says he grew up an Eagles fan and his grandfather watched… pic.twitter.com/Yigg52hYTW

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) April 25, 2025

Shop Eagles Gear Here

As Campbell tells it, he nearly broke down when he realized he was talking to Howie Roseman. It wasn’t just a draft night call — it was a homecoming.

He grew up bleeding green, raised on a steady diet of Randall Cunningham highlights and Sunday battles watched alongside his grandfather and family. From LeSean “Shady” McCoy and Darren Sproles to Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin, and Brandon Graham — Campbell wasn’t just watching the Eagles, he was studying his future teammates and heroes.

Jihaad Campbell Is Built for Philly

Now, Jihaad Campbell gets to wear the jersey he’s always dreamed of. The Eagles are getting a rangy, alignment-versatile linebacker who can fly around the field, rush the passer, and drop into coverage with ease. But more than that, they’re getting someone who understands what it means to play in Philly. He’s not just another draft pick — he’s one of us.

South Jersey to South Philly. It doesn’t get much better than that.