Category: Health & Fitness

This weekend marks America’s 250th birthday, so it’s time to celebrate! Between backyard barbecues, boozy beverages, and red, white, and blue treats, the Fourth of July can quickly become a calorie-packed day. One day of indulgence may not undo months of progress, but it also doesn’t mean you have to put the healthy habits you’ve so meticulously built on hold.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, squeezing in a morning workout before the festivities, or spending the weekend at the beach, a few simple choices can help you enjoy all the iconic holiday staples while still feeling your best and staying on track with your fitness goals.

Related: Why Reviewers Say This Stim-Free Blend Is Actually Better Than Most Caffeinated Pre-Workouts

1. Fire Up Your Workouts With a Rocket Pop Energy Shot

If you’re starting off your Fourth of July off with a local 5K or heading to the gym for a quick pump, 5-hour ENERGY’s Firework Freeze-flavored energy shots are the perfect holiday-appropriate boost to kick off America’s 250th birthday. Inspired by the iconic red, white, and blue bomb pop, this limited edition flavor gives all the nostalgia with zero of the sugar or calories. Each shot also contains 230 mg of caffeine, B-vitamins, and essential nutrients for fast energy.

2. Utilize High-Volume Watermelon for Insane Muscle Pumps

When you think of the Fourth of July, it’s hard not to imagine slices of cold, refreshing watermelon. And not only is it delicious, but it’s known to be a natural pre-workout, thanks to its high water and citrulline content. Citrulline is an amino acid that may support blood flow and enhance muscle pumps during training. One study examining watermelon juice as a functional exercise drink for muscle soreness, performance, and recovery found it may support individuals engaged in regular training by optimizing post-exercise repair and hypertrophic responses.

3. Build a Muscle-First Burger Bar

Burgers may have a greasy reputation, but they can also be a tasty source of high-quality protein. With a few simple upgrades, you can create a gains-forward Fourth of July burger bar. For starters, use a lean protein source, such as 90/10 ground beef, ground turkey, or bison to up the protein while keeping saturated fat in check.

Chef Joel Gamoran, a Virta Health partner, recommends swapping a traditional bread bun for a two-leaf lettuce wrap to cut back on calories and refined carbohydrates. And instead of ketchup, which contains about 4 grams of sugar per tablespoon, Chef Gamoran suggests whipping up a quick homemade romesco sauce by blending roasted red peppers, almonds, olive oil, and vinegar.

4. Crush Cravings With a Patriotic Protein Parfait Pops

The Fourth of July isn’t complete without dessert. In his weekly newsletter, six-time Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead shared a healthier way to cool off with his red, white, and blue protein parfait pops. The below recipe yields 6 to 8 pops, with each one containing roughly 120 calories, 12 grams of protein, and less than 5 grams of sugar.

Ingredients

Red Layer

• 1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 scoop vanilla or strawberry whey or plant protein powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water

White Layer

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• Optional: splash of vanilla extract

Blue Layer

• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water

Instructions

1. Blend each layer separately until smooth. Add more liquid if needed for blending, but keep each layer thick so they freeze well.
2. Layer into popsicle molds. Start with red, then white, then blue. Tap the molds gently to settle each layer before adding the next.
3. Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, ideally overnight.
4. To remove, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds and enjoy!

5. Trade Heavy Potato Salad for a High-Protein Alternative

Dense bean salads have quickly become a summertime favorite. They’re the perfect option when you need to get your veggies in but don’t feel like cooking. It’s also a sneaky vessel for boosting fiber intake, something Americans are notoriously low on. The beans provide a boost of plant-based protein, making this side dish both nutritious and delicious.

Set out a bowl alongside your Fourth of July spread and let guests enjoy it as a dip with whole-grain crackers or tortilla chips, spooned over grilled chicken or burgers, or simply on its own. Try the recipe below, originally shared by Divya Sharma on Instagram.

Ingredients

• 400g chickpeas
• 400g black beans
• 200g edamame
• 200g corn
• 1 red onion
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 red pepper
• 3 tomatoes
• Large handful of coriander
• Dressing: juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Finely chop all salad contents. Rinse and drain the beans.
2. Make the dressing by mixing the ingredients together
3. Add all the salad to the bowl and mix in the dressing.

Related: Your Grill Is Disgusting—Here’s How to Deep Clean It Before Summer

Being in a calorie deficit and having an intense sweet tooth don’t always go hand in hand. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your dessert cravings while sticking to your fitness goals. While some low-calorie dessert options found on grocery store shelves are both highly processed and pricey, a more holistic option can be found in the produce aisle. One fruit dietitians recommend for satisfying a sweet tooth while supporting weight loss is raspberries.

“Raspberries are naturally sweet, but they’re also very high in fiber for the number of calories they provide, which makes them a great option for people who want something sweet and satisfying without relying on a higher-calorie dessert or snack,” says Johannah Katz, RD, of Kaffico.

One cup of raspberries contains about 64 calories, eight grams of fiber, five grams of naturally occurring sugar, and, of course, no added sugars. Raspberries are delicious on their own, but Katz recommends pairing them with a protein source like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chia seed pudding, or oatmeal. Combining fiber with protein and healthy fats helps promote fullness and steadier energy while making meals and snacks more satisfying.

Related: Registered Dietitian Reveals Exactly What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Add Cinnamon to Your Diet

Raspberries are both high in fiber and water, a combination that lowers their energy density. Low-energy-density foods can help you eat satisfying portions while naturally reducing overall calorie intake. In fact, one study found that the increased intake of berries was associated with less weight gain over time.

“Despite being small in size, they are packed with the most fiber per serving of all fruits,” says Juliana Vocca, MS, RD, of Prime Women Nutrition. “The fiber helps fill you up and can help regulate blood sugar, preventing unwanted cravings. They’re also low in calories.”

Beyond supporting weight management, raspberries are also rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The high antioxidant content gives raspberries their vibrant red color, helping combat oxidative stress, which is often associated with obesity and other chronic health conditions.

Related: The Nut a Cardiologist Wants You to Start Eating Once a Day to Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Experts

• Johannah Katz, RD, of Kaffico
• Juliana Vocca, MS, RD, of Prime Women Nutrition

Sources

• Changes in Intake of Fruits and Vegetables and Weight Change in United States Men and Women Followed for Up to 24 Years: Analysis from Three Prospective Cohort Studies. PLoS Medicine.
• Red Raspberries and Their Bioactive Polyphenols: Cardiometabolic and Neuronal Health Links. Advances in Nutrition.

Christmas is still a while away, but Christmas in July is almost here, and one streaming service is helping users celebrate.

Pluto TV launched its Christmas in July celebration Wednesday. Running through July 31, the promotion gives viewers access to eight new holiday channels and dozens of movies–all free.

“Built for anyone who believes Christmas spirit doesn’t belong to just one season, it’s a merry home for holiday comfort viewing, no matter what the calendar says,” Pluto TV said in a press release provided to Men’s Journal.

Eight new channels launched

Pluto TV users can access the following Christmas-themed channels through the end of the month:

• Pluto TV Christmas in July – Home to holiday movies and comedies, as well as other classic Christmas programming.
• Pluto TV Mistletoe – The place to go for holiday love and romance.
• BET Holiday Movies – Catch movies such as The Sound of Christmas, Rolling into Christmas, A Husband for Christmas and Soul Santa.
• Cine navideño en julio (En Español) – Top holiday and Christmas programming in Spanish, all in one place.
• Festive Fireplace – Set the mood with this “crackling fireplace accompanied by festive holiday music.”
• Places & Spaces – Access the The Great Christmas Light Fight 24/7, which provides an ode to outstanding holiday light displays all month long.
• Stingray Holidayscapes – Users can find a “nostalgic playlist” providing “a sprinkle of Christmas cheer under the sun.”
• Vevo Holiday – Holiday music videos and other seasonal content.

Dozens of movies also available

Below is the full list of titles that will be shown throughout the month and can also be accessed on-demand:

Classics & Holiday Favorites

• White Christmas
• Prancer
• Nutcracker: The Motion Picture
• An All Dogs Christmas Carol
• Santa Who?
• The Story of Christmas
• Angels Sing
• Blizzard
• Noelle
• Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage

Holiday Romance

• A Christmas Proposal
• Christmas Takes Flight
• Fit for Christmas
• Letters at Christmas
• Must Love Christmas
• When Christmas Was Young
• Who Is Christmas Eve?
• Winter and Christmas on the Farm
• Christmas Eve

Comedies

• A Merry Friggin’ Christmas
• Happy Christmas
• Surviving Christmas
• Coopers’ Camera

Holiday Favorites

• Ace and the Christmas Miracle
• All I Want for Christmas
• All Is Bright
• Love the Coopers
• Nothing Like the Holidays
• The Fitzgerald Family Christmas
• Season’s Greetings

BET Holiday Movies

• A Christmas Surprise
• A Rich Christmas
• A Wesley Christmas
• Christmas Party Crashers
• Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
• Rolling into Christmas
• Soul Santa
• The Christmas Clapback
• The Christmas Lottery
• The First Noelle
• The Sound of Christmas

‘Tis the season indeed.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

When Adidas shoes go on sale, especially models in its popular Terrex collection, the internet takes notice. Sometimes, it can be a bit of a bummer—many styles sell out in days. But today we spotted an Adidas Terrex hiking boot that still has a great size range available. The best part? It has a protective waterproof upper—a great pick for rainy and stream-filled hikes.

If you hurry, you can score an Adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoe on sale for just $63, a 37% discount from their normal price of $100. The boots are marked to $90, but when you use the code SAVE at checkout (through July 7), you get another 30% off. This model features a grippy outsole and a waterproof upper, and it has hundreds of reviews at Adidas with a solid 4.7-star average rating.

Adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes, From $63 (was $100) at Adidas

What Shoppers Should Know

• Colorways Available: One colorway, Shadow Olive, is available, while the three other colorways have mostly sold out.
• Sizes Available: 6.5-15
• Best Use Case: With its mid-top design and protective upper, the Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy is perfect for shoulder season hikes in wet conditions. You could also wear it as an everyday rain boot.

The Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy is a mid-top hiker designed for powering through wet weather off the pavement. The upper reaches just above the ankle for added protection, and it’s built with a gusseted tongue and a Rain.Rdy waterproof membrane to keep splashes, mud, and raindrops from soaking your feet. 

An EVA midsole creates a cushioned ride, and there’s plenty of padding inside the shoe for a snug, irritation-free fit—reviewers say the shoe’s comfortable feel is a major highlight. On the bottom, a lugged Traxion rubber outsole provides, you guessed it, lockdown traction in the dirt, including in wet conditions.

Related: I Tried REI’s $42 Sun Hoodie. Here’s Why I’m Never Hiking Without It

What Shoppers Are Saying

Shoppers have taken these shoes everywhere from Greenland to the Galapagos (not an exaggeration—both locales are name-dropped in the reviews) and found that the Anylander offers superb performance. One shopper called them “outstanding,” and another praised their “lightweight and comfortable” feel. 

“The shoes are great for rougher weather or terrain while being lighter and more comfortable than hiking boots,” another said.

$63 for name-brand waterproof hiking shoes is a truly bonkers deal—head over to Adidas ASAP and snag your pair of Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes before these highly rated kicks sell out.

Shop More Deals

• REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket, From $100 (was $189) at REI
• Danner Free Spirit Hiking Boot, $88 (was $220) at Danner
• Patagonia Micro D Fleece Shirt, $59 (was $119) at Patagonia

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

As men, getting T-shirts usually comes down to grabbing a pack of shirts or choosing something with a relatable graphic on it. Gym shirts are different. These need to be flexible, ready for sweat, and easy to wash. For many, the top target has been Vuori in recent years, but its gear usually comes at a premium. Right now, though, REI is selling a fantastic do-it-all tech shirt from the brand at a rare discount that’s specifically formulated to make your next workout session feel better.

The Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirt is on sale for $46 in select colors, a 20% discount, during REI’s 4th of July Deals event. This might not seem like a crazy deal, but Vuori, a brand known for its soft and intentional fabric blends, only occasionally has sales on its core styles. Amazingly, right now, REI’s Vuori selection is filled with such deals as guys look to shape their summer bodies.

Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirt, From $46 (was $58) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

• Sizes Available: From XS to 2XL
• Color Options: 11 colors overall, but only 2 on sale
• Fabric Blend: 94% polyester, 6% spandex
• Best Use Case: Exercise, from lifting at the gym to running on the track; everyday wear

Jumping straight into the materials, look at that 6% spandex. Spandex, which is more or less the same as elastane, is used consistently in small doses to create big stretch. Just look at Levi’s High Stretch 505 Jeans, for example, which incorporate just 1% elastane. Again, that’s high stretch at 1%, so with 6% stretchy spandex and 94% slick and movable polyester, this is going to be a shirt you can throw on easily and get big movement and range out of easily.

Plus, the blend is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Sure, that means that if you end up running through a sprinkler, your shirt won’t stay wet for ages, but it also means your sweat won’t stick around for an ungodly amount of time, either. This is a gym and jog shirt if there ever was one.

Right now, this deal is available in two colors, but all sizes from XS to 2XL are in stock.

Related: Asics’ ‘Supportive’ Gel-Cumulus Running Shoes Are Still Nearly 40% Off After Prime Day

What Shoppers Are Saying

One wearer was reportedly stunned by the feel of the shirt. “So you look at it and think it’s just a T-shirt. Then you put it on, and it’s the softest, most comfortable thing, and you can do anything in it.”

Anything? What are people actually doing in this shirt? Shoppers confirm that the versatility is truly high. According to one wearer from Arizona, “It is terrific for hiking, biking, running, yoga, really any activity, including just out on the town for pizza and beer.”

The Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirt is 20% off right now, a rare thing for a Vuori product. This will almost certainly sell out in the coming days, so if you want one, scoop it up soon.

Ever since Big Brother Canada eliminated its live feeds—a controversial move that divided fans and preceded the show’s cancellation—viewers have wondered (and worried about) whether the U.S. version could ever follow suit. But according to longtime host Julie Chen Moonves, she can’t imagine it.

When asked by Men’s Journal whether Big Brother could ever work without its 24/7 live feeds, Chen Moonves made it clear she believes they’re one of the show’s defining features. “No. Big Brother, I feel one of the things that makes it so special,” she said before recalling how she’ll often find herself watching the feeds in the most unexpected places.

The longtime host laughed as she described pulling up the live feeds while sitting in a nail salon, only to have strangers around her become invested in what was happening inside the house. “Suddenly ladies are like they’re watching with me. I’m like, ‘That’s live right now,'” she said.

She also recalled the days of Big Brother: After Dark (remember that?!), admitting she would sometimes stay up late watching houseguests do even the most mundane tasks. “I’m a night owl. I’m sitting here brushing my teeth for about 10 minutes, watching someone do dishes, and I can’t turn away,” she said. “It’s a weird thing.”

For Chen Moonves, that’s exactly what makes the live feeds such an integral part of the franchise. Asked whether she could ever envision Big Brother without them, her answer was simple: “No, I cannot. It’s a fun escape. It’s what makes it extra special, extra unique, and can pull anyone in at any time.”

She also noted that streaming has introduced a new generation of fans to the long-running series, with younger viewers now binge-watching earlier seasons and discovering the franchise for the first time.

The conversation then turned to another frequent fan request that I had to throw at her: the return of more live Head of Household competitions during Thursday eviction episodes. While Chen Moonves wouldn’t confirm whether viewers should expect more live HOHs during Season 28, she admitted she’d prefer it. “I don’t know the answer to that, but I hope so,” she said.

She’s also not a fan of waiting to find out who won power each week, telling me, “Every time they go [there ‘s no live HOH comp], then I gotta stay up and ask, ‘Who won?’ I don’t like that. I don’t like that.”

She added that when competitions don’t finish during the live broadcast, she also misses out on delivering one of her signature sign-offs: “I don’t get to say my ‘love one another’ line.”

Big Brother 28 kicks off with a 90-minute premiere on CBS Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: CBS Reveals ‘Big Brother 28’ Premiere Date and Return of ‘Big Brother: Unlocked’

All eyes are on soccer right now with the 2026 World Cup well underway. While defender Luke Shaw is sitting out this particular tournament to the surprise of many fans, he’s certainly not taking the summer off. He has been a fixture for England in recent years, and he just proved his durability by playing all 38 matches of the grueling Premier League season. His body is clearly in peak condition, which makes his recovery routine worth a closer look.

As it turns out, his strategy is refreshingly devoid of hyperbaric chambers or whatever unproven supplements are currently trending on social media. Instead, Shaw relies on foundational habits like good old-fashioned contrast therapy, a strict eight-hour sleep schedule (with the help of ALO’s Magensium Reset Spray), and a solid hydration strategy.

“Sleep is a huge part of my recovery and something I take really seriously,” Shaw said. “I’m usually up early, so I try to get to bed at a consistent time and make sure I’m getting around eight hours every night.”

Deep sleep is essential for everyone, but it is a non-negotiable for athletes who push their bodies to exhaustion on a daily basis. Beyond sharper reaction times and better on-field accuracy, solid shut-eye triggers the release of growth hormone, which is critical for muscle repair and tissue remodeling after intense training.

Related: This World Cup Conditioning Blueprint is the Gold Standard for Restoring Real-World Athleticism and Building Explosive Power

“The routine leading up to sleep is just as important,” Shaw says. “I keep my bedroom at the same cool temperature each night, avoid caffeine after my morning coffee, and put my phone away before bed so I can switch off mentally.”

Proper hydration and muscle care are equally vital parts of his daily recovery plan. Along with staying on top of his electrolyte intake, Shaw relies heavily on temperature rotation to keep his body feeling fresh after intense sessions on the pitch.

“I’m also a big believer in contrast therapy, so I regularly use the sauna and ice bath as part of my recovery routine,” he says. “It’s become a non-negotiable for me—even after a night match, I’ll still make time for it before heading to bed. When you’re training and competing at a high level, those small habits can make a big difference over time.”

Shaw’s approach proves that true physical durability is built on consistency rather than complexity. Whether you are prepping for 90 minutes on the field or just trying to stay healthy for your weekend pickup league, mastering the basics of recovery is always the ultimate game-changer.

Julie Chen Moonvesmay have just dropped the biggest hint yet about one of the twists coming to Big Brother 28 – and it may involve some familiar faces. While discussing the season’s newly revealed time travel theme, the longtime host dropped some cryptic teases about seeing “controversial people” this summer.

“Yes, time travel, so that could go forward or backwards, and that will play into some of the competitions,” Chen Moonves told Men’s Journal during a visit to the BB house last week in Los Angeles. “Maybe we’ll do the new twist, which is you love that competition in Season 4, but they have to be in, like, I don’t know, surrounded by dinosaurs, who knows,” she said, before adding: “Controversial people will be factored in.”

Naturally, that prompted a follow-up question where I asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know,” she replied without much more explanation. “I mean, I do know what I mean, but I don’t know if I’m allowed to say more than that.”

When asked whether she was referring to people from previous seasons, the former news anchor remained coy. “I don’t know. Everyone’s from the past, or the future. I’m being confusing, right?” she joked. “If you’re a Big Brother fan, you’ll be like, ‘Aha!’ And I think a lot of people will be like, ‘Yes!’ And I think some people [will be] like, ‘What?’ But it’s good TV. And if you love reality television beyond Big Brother…you’ll be excited as well.”

Multiple sources tell me that this season is expected to feature personalities from other reality shows, including Survivor. As with any reality competition series, however, casting isn’t finalized until the houseguests officially enter the game (and alternates have been used in the past).

It also wouldn’t be the first time CBS has welcomed contestants from another franchise into the Big Brother house. Survivor legend Cirie Fields competed on Big Brother 25, while The Amazing Race 38 featured an all-Big Brother cast.

Chen Moonves declined to elaborate further, saying only that fans will get answers during the premiere. Until then, speculate away.

Big Brother 28 premieres on CBS with a 90-minute episode Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: CBS Reveals ‘Big Brother 28’ Premiere Date and Return of ‘Big Brother: Unlocked’

Big Brother is going back in time! CBS has finally unveiled the Season 28 house–and it looks straight out of a time machine. This summer’s house embraces a time travel theme, complete with vintage pieces, Y2K throwbacks, and futuristic-looking sleep pods.

Host Julie Chen Moonves teased that the season’s theme will influence far more than just the décor. “Yes, time travel, so that could go forward or backwards, and that will play into some of the competitions,” she told Men’s Journal during a set visit last week in Los Angeles.

The longtime host also teased that viewers can expect several classic competitions to return. “Does that mean we bring back some competition you haven’t seen since Season 3, 2, 4, 5? I sure hope so,” she said. “I’m pretty sure you’re going to say, like, ‘Oh, they haven’t done that forever.'”

According to Chen Moonves, the producers also plan to put fresh spins on those familiar challenges. “Maybe we’ll do the new twist, which is you love that competition in Season 4, but they have to be… surrounded by dinosaurs, who knows.”

Julie also elaborated in a promo video, “For season 28 we’re throwing out all the rules of time and space, and sending our Houseguests on a journey unlike anything you’ve ever seen before–from prehistoric times to iconic decades and unforgettable moments from Big Brother history. This house is packed with surprises around every single corner.”

Oh yes, and the polarizing BB Blockbuster will be back, she confirmed, telling reporters, “Three nominees—that’s nothing new, but the reason we introduced that concept is because early in the season it was so predictable. It worked so well that is still going to be factored in.”

Perhaps the biggest tease wasn’t about the house at all. Chen Moonves also hinted that “controversial people will be factored in” and suggested reality TV fans beyond Big Brother would have something to be excited about. Multiple sources tell me CBS plans to include personalities from other reality shows, including Survivor, this season. More is expected to be revealed in the premiere.

Scroll down to see the rest of the house photos!

Entryway

Houseguests are greeted by a neon “BB Time Trip” sign surrounded by clocks from different eras, introducing the Season 28 house’s time travel theme the moment they walk through the front door.

Kitchen

The kitchen features blue cabinetry and a custom high-top table inspired by a giant clock gear, bringing the season’s time travel theme into the center of the house.

Dining Room

The dining room table where nomination ceremonies take place also gets a time-travel makeover with a custom clock-inspired design.

The Prototype Showroom

A glowing “PROTOTYPES” sign hangs above a cozy couch nook next to the bathroom, which is filled with vintage electronics, lockers and throwback technology.

Upstairs Lounge

Vintage electronics line the shelves of the upstairs lounge, while oversized arched windows overlooking the living room make it an ideal spot for strategizing.

Bedroom 1

Six Houseguests will bunk in pod-style beds with curved ladders and bold colors, giving the room a space-age feel.

Bathroom

The bathroom blends industrial design with oversized gears and more mechanical details, giving the space a vintage-meets-futuristic look.

Big Brother 28 kicks off on Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: Josh Martinez Is Done Being Misunderstood (Exclusive)

The mother of Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell was found dead in her Atlanta home Tuesday–and his brother is accused of her murder.

Ciarre Campbell, 41, was booked into Fulton County Jail early Wednesday morning on charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife, per WSB TV.

Horrific tragedy uncovered

According to 11 Alive, Atlanta police were called to a townhouse in Buckhead on Tuesday afternoon for a welfare check. Once they arrived, they found Nateal Campbell, 71, deceased.

“A brief look into the history does show some calls back in April dealing with this location; a possible arson incident,” Lt. Christopher Butler stated. “There have been some indications of possibly some mental health issues with an individual. But yeah, the family did indicate that.”

WSB TV says warrants accused Ciarre Campbell of “cutting his mother’s neck.”

Defense attorney Jay Abt told WSBTV his client is innocent until proven guilty, though he declined to confirm whether or not Ciarre suffered from mental illness or had any prior run-ins with law enforcement.

Campbell family releases statement

The family of Calais Campbell offered up brief comments on the situation while asking for privacy in a statement shared with media.

“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell,” the statement said. “While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”

Campbell, 39, is heading into his 19th NFL season and second stint with the Ravens after signing with them in May. A six-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Campbell spent the 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals.

“At this time of unfathomable tragedy, our hearts are with Calais Campbell and his family,” the Cardinals said in their own statement. “We hope they find strength and comfort in the love, prayers, and support that surround them now and in the days ahead.”