Will Campbell, the promising rookie offensive tackle for the New England Patriots, is capturing attention not just for his formidable play on the field but also for the compelling personal story unfolding alongside his professional journey. At just 21, his transition from college football stardom at LSU to the bright lights of the NFL has been remarkably smooth, a feat he attributes to a solid support network. Central to this network is his girlfriend, Ashlynn Nussmeier, whose own life is deeply intertwined with the sport of football.
The Nussmeier Family: A Football Dynasty
Ashlynn Nussmeier is no stranger to the demands and culture of professional football. She is the daughter of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback who now serves as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. Doug Nussmeier joined the Saints in February 2025, moving from his previous role as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he contributed to their Super Bowl LIX victory.
The family's football connections run even deeper. Ashlynn's brother, Garrett Nussmeier, is the starting quarterback for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers. Interestingly, it was this very connection that brought Will Campbell and Ashlynn together. Campbell and Garrett were teammates at LSU from 2022 through 2024, forging a strong bond on and off the field. During the pivotal 2024 season, Campbell had the crucial responsibility of protecting Garrett's blind side as his left tackle, a role that coincided with the quarterback's breakout year.
A Pillar of Support Through the NFL Draft and Beyond
In the intense lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Campbell openly acknowledged the invaluable role Ashlynn played. Speaking to Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with Head & Shoulders, the Patriots lineman expressed profound gratitude for her understanding and stability.
"She’s amazing," Campbell stated. "She has a football background, so she knows what it takes, the sacrifices that have to be made. If she wasn’t as good with that type of stuff, I’m sure it would be a lot more difficult. But she’s a rock star."
This unwavering support was publicly showcased when Campbell celebrated his 22nd birthday on January 6. Ashlynn marked the occasion with a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram Stories, sharing a collage of photos that captured intimate moments of their relationship—from casual dates to emotional sidelines embraces. Her caption read: "Thank God for this one every day!! Forever thankful for every memory & moment spent together. Love doing life with you, the biggest light. I love you."
Balancing Love and a Demanding NFL Career
The social media posts offered fans a rare, personal glimpse into a relationship nurtured amidst the high-pressure environment of top-tier football. They depicted a couple enjoying simple pleasures away from the stadium's glare, hugging, and sharing kisses, highlighting a bond that provides normalcy and emotional grounding.
As Campbell focuses on his burgeoning career with the Patriots—a team enjoying a stellar season with 14 wins, a secured playoff spot, and the No. 1 position in the AFC East—his personal life remains a source of strength. With a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on the horizon, his concentration is firmly on the game. Yet, the story of Will Campbell and Ashlynn Nussmeier reminds us that behind every helmet is an individual whose success is often bolstered by steadfast personal support, helping them navigate the formidable challenges of life in the National Football League.
