Will Campbell Steals Show at Celtics Game Despite Injury

Rookie left tackle Will Campbell of the New England Patriots captured attention at a recent Boston Celtics game, despite being sidelined with a knee injury. During the game on December 20, 2025, Campbell, along with fellow Patriots players, was spotlighted in a suite at the TD Garden. In a spirited display, he removed his shirt, chugged a drink, and dramatically spiked the empty cup to the ground as the crowd cheered.

The viral moment quickly gained traction on social media, prompting reactions from both fans and fellow athletes. The official Boston Celtics account shared a post that read, “THIS IS OUR HOUSE 🏡☘️,” highlighting Campbell’s exuberance at the event.

During his weekly appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel humorously commented on the video, saying, “I’m thinking about firing our strength coach for the way he looked with his shirt off.” This light-hearted response underscores the team’s camaraderie and the fun atmosphere surrounding the event.

Adding to the excitement, Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who previously performed a similar chugging act at a Celtics game, weighed in on Campbell’s antics. When asked about the rookie’s performance, Zadorov playfully suggested, “We can have a chug off at some point. I’m going to keep my shirt on this time though,” indicating a friendly rivalry.

Campbell was drafted fourth overall by New England in the 2025 NFL Draft after a successful collegiate career at LSU. He started the first twelve games of the season but suffered a sprained MCL during a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23, 2025. Initially, there were concerns about the severity of the injury, but it was later confirmed that Campbell would be placed on injured reserve.

As it stands, Campbell is not eligible to return until Week 18, when the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins. The team’s medical staff has yet to provide clarity on whether he will be ready to play that week or if the organization will opt to extend his recovery into the postseason.

When further questioned about Campbell’s recovery on WEEI, Vrabel refrained from offering any specific updates, maintaining a focus on the team’s ongoing preparations. As the Patriots navigate the latter part of the season, the return of their promising rookie remains a point of interest for fans and analysts alike.