College football is full of upstarts, but few have demonstrated as much star power or acquired it as quickly as Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
While fans and scouts are impressed by his athleticism, the story behind his accomplishment starts much earlier than when he suited up for the Crimson Tide. To truly appreciate his rise, you have to meet the people who shaped him—his parents.
Jihaad Campbell’s Family That Built a Star
Jihaad was born on Feb. 24, 2004, in Erial, Camden County, a suburban town in New Jersey, where he began early. Though his parents maintain a low public profile, their impact on his life and footballing career cannot be denied.
His parents raised him in a Muslim household, where the principles of discipline, grit, and a religious mindset were instilled in him—principles that would hold him in good stead throughout some of football’s most demanding levels.
The name “Jihaad” itself, derived from Arabic, means “struggle” or “effort,” a fitting moniker for a young man whose existence has been marked by grittiness. Though his parents have shunned the limelight of the media, their legacy can be seen in how he lives: calm in the face of danger, even-tempered in intent, and modest in victory.
Campbell’s parents, Jabari and Jamillah Campbell, have played a key role in his athletic success as well as his personal demeanor.
His father, Jabari, a construction worker, has always emphasized discipline, rising early, and overcoming adversity—qualities that Jihaad regularly employs on the field.
His mother, Jamillah, a health professional with a nurturing but equally strong personality, has been a source of emotional support, encouraging Jihaad to remain committed to his studies and his aspirations despite the temptations of success as an athlete.
The two formed a partnership that blended structure with compassion and values with motivation. Campbell began at Timber Creek Regional High School in New Jersey, playing defensive end and wide receiver.
However, the relocation to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, was the game-changer. IMG’s intensely competitive atmosphere both on and off the field was an extension of the lessons Campbell had already begun learning at home. He thrived there, refining his craft against top competition while preparing for the next level.
Along the way, Campbell has never forgotten the role his parents played. Though little has been said about them in the spotlight, it’s clear they’ve been a consistent guiding presence. From driving him to practice to keeping him focused on schoolwork and simply being present for big decisions, their influence has been the foundation of his success.
Building a Legacy at Alabama
Initially committed to Clemson, Campbell made a switch that would alter the course of his career—a move to flip to Alabama. Under the head coach Nick Saban, he found the perfect environment in which to grow not only as a player but as a person. And he didn’t take long to establish himself.
During the 2024 season, Campbell became one of the SEC’s best defenders. He accumulated 117 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a pick-six—statistics that ranked him among the country’s best and solidified his status as a future NFL star. His play earned him First-Team All-SEC recognition and inclusion on various All-America teams.
“He’s got the instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed NFL teams are seeking,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay said in December. “But what separates Jihaad is his maturity. He’s a leader, and that’s because of how he was raised.”
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That leadership didn’t just manifest on the field. Off the field, Campbell is known for mentoring younger teammates, sticking around after practice to watch game film, and being a reserved presence that speaks volumes about his family’s influence. In interviews, he consistently credits his upbringing for keeping things in perspective during the hype.
After Campbell declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, everyone’s focus naturally turned to where he’d end up. But in all the hype and media appearances, he’s still grounded—a trait ingrained in him from day one by his parents.
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