EmailPrintOWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell asked for continued support after addressing his family tragedy for the first time publicly Tuesday.In late June, Campbell's brother was charged with murder after police found their 71-year-old mother dead in Atlanta. His family told police he struggled with mental illness."I just wanted to say these last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family," Campbell said. "But [I've] been working through it and I really appreciate all the love and support and the prayers that have been coming from all over, really from all the NFL community, all the fan bases. So I appreciate the prayers. Continue praying for us because we need it."Campbell then said he would answer questions relating to football.Asked if he contemplated not playing this season after his family tragedy, Campbell said, "I love the game of football a lot and it is a place [that] brings me joy. This is a very fun place for me to be. And so playing football has been great for me."Ciarre Campbell, 41, remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia after his attorney withdrew his request for bond in late July.Arrest warrants say Nateal Campbell's throat was cut and Ciarre Campbell, the brother of Calais, was found in possession of a knife. Officers found her unresponsive when they arrived at the scene, according to a police statement.Calais Campbell reported to the Ravens when training camp began in late July. He was excused from the first week of practices to allow him time to ramp up his football activity."I think the biggest thing is you let guys do their own way of mourning," Ravens defensive line coach Lou Esposito said. "Know that, 'Hey, we are here to support you, whatever you need.' That has been the message from Day 1."Campbell has now fully participated in a handful of practices. Entering his 19th NFL season, Campbell believes he will be ready for Baltimore's Sept. 13 season opener at the Indianapolis Colts."I feel really good about where I am at," Campbell said. "The coaches did a really good job of letting me kind of ease in and really kind of get myself where I need to be. September cannot come soon enough."
