Will Campbell will be wearing a familiar number with the Patriots. The No. 4 overall pick in Thursday night’s NFL Draft, Campbell was set to make his Gillette Stadium introduction on Friday afternoon.
The team posted social media photos of the left tackle arriving in Foxborough and with coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots social media team also posted a video of a member of the equipment staff making Campbell’s first NFL jersey. His name can be seen sewn onto the fabric right above the number 66 by Patriots assistant equipment manager Devin Charles-Hubbard.
Over the last three seasons at LSU, Campbell wore that number. It’s currently assigned to veteran Wes Schweitzer on the Patriots roster. In the video, however, Charles-Hubbard is seen also putting 66 digits on the back of a helmet and placing it in a locker with Campbell’s name and number.
His first locker will be next to Patriots veteran tight end Hunter Henry. On Friday, Campbell said Schweitzer, a veteran free agent signing, allowed him to have the jersey number. “It’s just something I started wearing my freshman year in high school,” Campbell said from Gillette Stadium.
“That number has gone with me as I’ve grown as a player, and I continue to grow as a player. So, I’m just super thankful that Wes was able to let me wear that and that it all just worked out. I’m just looking forward to it.” Campbell will be the 18th player in Patriots franchise history to don the number 66.
The last player on the active roster to wear it was James Ferentz from 2018-2020. Others to wear the number include Bryan Stork (2014-2015) and Lonnie Paxton (2000-2008). Campbell’s the first tackle drafted in the top 10 by the Patriots since 1966 (Karl Singer).
On Thursday night, he said it was a dream come true. “It means everything. I played for a historic program at LSU, and now to play for one in New England, I guess I’m lucky,” Campbell said.
“But I’m just super excited and thankful to wear that logo on the side of my helmet and across the front of my chest. It’s a complete honor, and I’m just excited.”
