As the saying goes, history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Look no further than the odd parallels between New York Giants stalwart left tackle Andrew Thomas and the New England Patriots’ Will Campbell.
Both players entered the pros as the No. 4 overall pick of their respective draft classes with questions about their long-term outlooks. Thomas, who’s still overlooked today, and Campbell each had their ups and downs as rookies, though the latter’s were magnified on football’s grandest stage.
It was a true horror show for Campbell in Super Bowl LX. His struggles have been at the forefront of the Patriots’ 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks; he’s in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. However, some have stepped up to defend him amid the public lambasting, including Thomas.
Andrew Thomas gives Patriots’ Will Campbell a relatable pep talk after Super Bowl disaster
Thomas has been in these shoes before, so he offered Campbell words of encouragement. The former knows what it’s like to have his name dragged through the mud, so he consoled the Patriots’ blindside protector.
“Playing this position with so much expectation isn’t easy as a rookie,” Thomas said, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “Give [Campbell] time to adjust to the game and improve his technique. People labeled me a bust, but I just needed more time to develop. He is made of the right stuff. You can tell he loves the game. He was playing with a brutal injury. He will get better. Just have some patience.”
Speaking from experience (and the heart), Thomas can empathize with the current situation in Foxborough. Many were quick to count him out following a rocky inaugural campaign with the Giants. His mechanics and efforts as a pass-blocker raised concerns; sound familiar, Patriots fans?
Nevertheless, Thomas was ostensibly fueled by the doubt, considering he overcame his adversity to reach an All-Pro level. Development isn’t always linear, and sometimes, players take a step back before moving forward. Patience is a virtue, as Big Blue Nation has come to appreciate, giving Campbell and the Patriots proof of concept.
Not to mention, as Thomas highlighted, Campbell was reportedly playing through a torn ligament he suffered before the playoffs. That’s not a great excuse, though the pre- and post-injury splits are staggering. The numbers don’t lie, and they’re impossible to ignore.
How Campbell responds is his choice. He can let melting down in the Big Game define him or use it as a learning experience. By the sound of it, Thomas believes this will be the beginning of a redemption arc.