Patriots’ First-Round Pick Honors Fallen LSU Teammate Kyren Lacy at Emotional NFL Draft

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Draft night is usually all about dreams coming true, but for Will Campbell, the New England Patriots’ newest offensive lineman and the fourth overall pick, it was also about honoring a friend who couldn't be there. Campbell, snagged by the Patriots to guard their fresh quarterback Drake Maye, was visibly emotional as he described what the moment meant to him. "It means everything to me," he shared, vowing to protect his teammates with all he’s got.

But amidst the excitement, Campbell’s mind was on Kyren Lacy, his former LSU teammate who died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. To pay tribute, Campbell wore a lapel pin with Lacy’s No. 2—a quiet but powerful nod to a friend lost too soon.

"Kyren is a special human being. I feel for his family. They've been through a lot lately. He's got such a great family. He was not only a good football player. He was such a good teammate, a good son, a good older brother and just a good dude in general," Campbell said, his words a heartfelt eulogy in the middle of the NFL’s biggest stage.

Campbell added, "It's just terrible, everything that's happened. I'm sending many prayers to his family because he was gonna get his name called this weekend. … Even though his name won't be called, he's going to walk across that stage. He's here with us in spirit, and it was an honor to be a part of his journey." Sometimes, the draft is about more than just stats and picks—it’s about the people behind the jerseys.

Authorities in Harris County, Texas, reported that Lacy was involved in an altercation with a family member before firing a gun into the ground and fleeing. Deputies attempted to pull him over, leading to a car chase that ended in Spring, Texas. When deputies removed Lacy from his crashed vehicle, he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lacy, who transferred to LSU in 2022, had just come off his best season: 58 receptions, 866 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024. He was reportedly under investigation for a December crash in Louisiana that left a 78-year-old man dead.

As Campbell steps onto the NFL stage, he carries more than just his own hopes—he brings the memory of a teammate whose journey ended far too soon. Sometimes football reminds us that real life doesn't pause for the big moments, no matter how bright the lights are.