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How did Joe Campbell die? Former Raiders Super Bowl champion found dead after hike at 68

Joe Campbell's football career began during his time at Salesianum School in Delaware

TAVARES, FLORIDA: Joe Campbell, former defensive end for the Oakland Raiders and the 1980 Super Bowl champion, was found dead at the age of 68 following a hike in Florida on Sunday, July 9. He is survived by his two daughters, a brother and three grandchildren.

Campbell's football career began during his time at Salesianum School in Delaware, where he played a significant role in helping his team secure a state title in 1972. “Everybody looked up to him,” longtime friend and former Sallies teammate Dennis Kelly reportedly said, adding, “Everybody loves a winner, and Joe crossed that threshold into being a pro athlete.” His exceptional performance on the field led him to play college football at the University of Maryland, where he earned the distinction of being an All-American player.

How did Joe Campbell die?

According to Campbell's brother, Patrick, the former player likely had a cardiac incident. Campbell was drafted seventh overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1977 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year professional career, he played for the Saints, Raiders, and Buccaneers. However, it was his contribution to the 1980 Raiders team that left a lasting impression.

“Great football player and he was a great guy, too,” Cowboys legend Randy White, a teammate of Campbell’s at Maryland, told Delaware Online, adding, “You get news like this, it sets you back. … I’ll remember him as a long, lean guy from Delaware who came in there and dominated at that defensive end position.”

In 1980, the Raiders achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Their remarkable season culminated in a 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. The Raiders too released a statement, which read, “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Campbell family at this time.” 

'I’m enjoying life, yes I am!'

Campbell faced a challenging incident in 2007 when he was involved in a collision with a pick-up truck while cycling, resulting in a fractured skull and a six-month coma. In a 2016 interview, Campbell shared that despite the impact on his memory, “I’m enjoying life, yes I am.” Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl, particularly against the team he grew up with, the New Orleans Saints. He considered it a significant moment and cherished being part of that historic event.

“I got traded from New Orleans to Oakland and I get to come back to New Orleans to play in the Super Bowl against the Eagles,” Campbell said in 2016, adding, “I guess it was meant to be. I played against the team I grew up with. That’s the best memory I have of the Super Bowl – This was supposed to happen. I got traded from New Orleans, I came back to New Orleans and I played against the team I grew up with. I’m happy to have just been in the Super Bowl, to be part of that history.”

'A great Terp. Rip Joe!'

Internet users expressed deep sadness upon hearing about the death of the legendary figure. One user tweeted, "Too soon to go. Rest in peace champ." A second tweeted, "A great Terp. Rip Joe." A third simply wrote, "RIP." "Sad. One of the most dominating players I ever saw from Delaware," read a tweet. A fifth tweeted, "RIP."