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No one on the New England Patriots offense looked other-worldly during Super Bowl LX, but Will Campbell took the most blame.
The offensive tackle was the fourth selection in last year’s NFL Draft, which automatically carries some pretty high expectations.
Campbell struggled throughout the season, especially in the playoffs, as he was just returning from a grade 3 MCL sprain in Week 18. In the Super Bowl, he allowed 14 pressures – the most in a game by any lineman all season.
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New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell leaves the field after Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Knowing he would have to answer for the worst performance by a lineman all season, Campbell did not speak to the media after the game. But back in New England on Tuesday, he went to the microphone and voluntarily apologized to the media, saying he was afraid of saying something he would regret.
“(I) had a lot of emotions, obviously, after a tough loss, a long year. A lot of emotions come with that,” he said via the Boston Herald. “I just wanted to make sure I had a level head before I said something I didn’t mean, something I didn’t need to say. And I know that can happen, especially with myself, any time there are emotions involved.”
New England Patriots tackle Will Campbell (66) and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall exchange words during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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“When I’m emotional, I tend to not think. And that’s not the way I should approach this thing. I know myself, and if I had spoken afterwards, I would have said something I didn’t need to say,” Campbell added.
As for the blame placed on him, Campbell said that comes with the territory.
“It comes with the job. When you don’t perform, obviously, I was (drafted) well paid, so people expect a certain thing, and I expect more of myself. So every time I don’t perform, I don’t expect everyone to say, ‘It’s okay, buddy.’ I mean, obviously, it sucks. But it doesn’t suck from anyone more than me,” he said.
Campbell has started all 17 games he has played this season, including the playoffs, and expects to improve significantly.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots looks to pass as Will Campbell blocks against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
“I don’t think one performance defines a season. I think I’ve done some good things this year,” he said. “Obviously, there’s room to grow in all aspects of my game. I’m 22 years old. I have a lot of room to grow in all aspects as a player, as a leader, whether it’s strength and conditioning, pass protection, run blocking, whatever it is. I have growth everywhere. I’m young. I’m learning.”
