express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Friday, February 20, 2026

NFL rookie Will Campbell stuns Celtics crowd with beer-chug moment at TD Garden

Patriots lineman, sidelined by knee injury, sparks arena frenzy during Celtics-Heat game

Sports 2 months ago
NFL rookie Will Campbell stuns Celtics crowd with beer-chug moment at TD Garden

An NFL rookie created a standout moment for fans in Boston when the New England Patriots took a team trip to TD Garden for a Celtics-Heat game. In the second quarter, cameras in the luxury box captured Will Campbell, a rookie offensive lineman, as he stole the spotlight from the on-court action. The Louisiana native appeared shirtless, grabbed a beer from a nearby cooler, and chugged it on the jumbotron before tossing the cup aside and letting out a roar that drew cheers from teammates and the crowd alike. The moment rippled through the arena and quickly circulated on social media, becoming the focal point of the game-day chatter even as the Celtics and Heat traded baskets on the floor.

Campbell's cameo came as the Patriots continue to navigate a season that has included a notable resurgence along the offensive line, a unit that has struggled at times since the departure of Tom Brady. The rookie has been credited with helping stabilize a position group that has sought to protect quarterbacks and open running lanes under a changing lineup. Campbell, a Louisiana native, has been off the field since suffering a knee injury in a game against the Bengals, keeping him on injured reserve and away from practice since late November. His status remains uncertain for postseason play, but the Patriots hold an 11-3 record and are positioned to vie for a playoff berth as the regular season nears its end. The team could clinch a postseason spot this Sunday by beating or tying the Baltimore Ravens, and they could also secure entry if the Indianapolis Colts or Houston Texans lose or tie later in the week.

The moment added a lighter note to a season defined by mixture of progress and reloading on the depth chart. Campbell's presence in the Patriots' lineup has been viewed as a bright spot amid a broader effort to rebuild the offensive line after Brady's departure, with the unit drawing attention for growth this season even as injuries have limited some availability. If healthy and cleared for activity, Campbell could be a contributor again as New England eyes postseason opportunities. In the meantime, the incident at TD Garden stood out as an unusual cross-sport moment that connected football to a nationally watched basketball setting, underscoring the cross-pollination of sports culture in a major market.

As the Patriots approach the final stretch of the regular season, the focus remains on results on the field and Campbell's health. New England sits at 11-3 and controls its own fate in the playoff chase, with potential clinching scenarios hinging on Sunday’s game against the Ravens and on the outcomes of other NFL games later in the week. The combination of a rising offensive line and a memorable on-court moment has added to the narrative of a Patriots team that continues to evolve under their current leadership and roster.


Sources