Eagles' first-round pick Jihaad Campbell's dream came true Thursday night when the team selected him with the 31st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the dream of making it to the NFL was achieved, the cherry on top came when it was Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles making the call to Campbell.

Less than 24 hours later, Campbell and his parents, Mark and Stephanie, arrived in Philadelphia on a flight from Green Bay, where they were in the green room for the draft.

"When I was on the plane, I was looking like, 'Dang, I'm really back home.' That's when it hit me. I was like, 'OK. All right," Jihaad Campbell said. "I'm really excited to be an Eagle."

"It's been very exciting, just going on his new journey, him being drafted by his favorite team ever since he was 4 years old. Just watching the games with family – his grandfather, his father, and uncle, and now he gets to play for this special team. It's been great," his mother Stephanie said.

The former Alabama linebacker's love for the team started with his father and his grandfather, also named Mark, who helped him believe that he could be an Eagle.

"I think when I was at my grandparents' house – I've got a shout out my grandfather, Pop Pop. When I was younger and I saw all the card selections that he had. I was like, 'All right, I know it. I could definitely play for them boys,'" Campbell said.

"I mean, one of the biggest supporters in my life. He always makes sure that he texts me and say, 'Love, Pop Pop,' 'Love my mom,' 'Make sure you just keep being a good person in life. Just keep being a great football player.'"

So, how did his Pop Pop react when his grandson finally became a member of the Eagles?

"I thought he was about to faint, but he was definitely lit, though. I was super happy and excited that he got to watch that moment and that I got to cherish that moment with him," the first-round pick said.

Campbell grew up in Erial, New Jersey, which is about 20 minutes from Lincoln Financial Field. He attended Timber Creek High School in New Jersey for three years before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year, where he became a five-star Top-15 overall prospect nationally.

At Timber Creek, Campbell also played wide receiver and defensive end, catching 15 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns while recording 45 tackles and seven sacks.

"Just a great kid. Obviously, as good as a football player as he is, the thing that resonates with me is just the person he is. Big smile on his face all the time, hardest worker in the room. One of those guys that as soon as you lay eyes on him – you know he's the dude," Timber Creek Head Coach Brian Wright said.

"He is the hardest worker around, loves to work out, always loves to compete. Very, very versatile position-wise. He can play anywhere. He's humble and everyone loves him. When you're in a situation and you leave and are able to come back for your signing day and the community welcomes you back – that kind of speaks testaments to what kind of kid you are for them to open back up to you. He left such a great impression at Timber Creek. Super good man," Former Timber Creek Head Coach and Rutgers' Player Personnel Analyst Rob Hinson said.

Jihaad's parents haven't missed a game of their son's in his football career even when he played at Alabama.

Now, that certainly won't change with him playing just over the bridge.

"I think he fits right in because he's a product of it. I think it's second nature for him. Then, along with the SEC style, the SEC kids the Eagles have – he's going to be real familiar with the culture and that relentless energy he's been accustomed to bringing. Every week, every day, every weekend in and out for his whole collegiate career," his father Mark said.

Draft weekend has no doubt been a whirlwind for the whole Campbell family, but the excitement has been out of this world.

In just a few months, all the talk, the media, and celebrations from Draft Day will go out the door when Jihaad takes the field in the Midnight Green for the very first time.

"It just feels wonderful. He's overcome all of his obstacles. He will continue to give back to the community, which he loves to do. And just be the great human that he's born to be," Stephanie said.

"Proud is an understatement. It's a dream come true, obviously. But we have been submerged in it the last two days and now it's really happening, so proud is an understatement. We're very excited for his future and I'm happy to be a part of it," Mark said. – Written by Liam Wichser