Giants' Andrew Thomas defends Will Campbell after Super Bowl LX meltdown

New York Giants All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas extended a supportive message to New England Patriots rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell following the latter's challenging performance in Super Bowl LX.

The Patriots fell to the Seattle Seahawks , 29-13, in the championship game, with Campbell's struggles drawing significant criticism. As the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Campbell allowed 14 pressures—one of the highest marks for an offensive lineman in a playoff game in recent years—while battling a torn knee ligament suffered late in the regular season.

He returned for the playoffs but was not at full strength, which exacerbated his difficulties in protecting quarterback Drake Maye.

Thomas, also a former No. 4 overall selection (2020 draft), empathized deeply, having faced similar early-career scrutiny himself before developing into one of the league's elite tackles.

"Playing this position with so much expectation isn't easy as a rookie," Thomas told NFL insider Jordan Schultz . "Give [Campbell] time to adjust to the game and improve his technique. People labeled me a bust, but I just needed more time to develop. He is made of the right stuff. You can tell he loves the game. He was playing with a brutal injury. He will get better. Just have some patience."

Campbell himself acknowledged the tough outing, stating he reviewed the film, knew areas for improvement, and was determined to move forward.

Thomas's defense highlights a common path for high-picked offensive linemen: Growth often requires time beyond the spotlight of a Super Bowl stage.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Andrew Thomas defends Will Campbell after Super Bowl LX meltdown