Patriots Star Will Campbell Shares His Surprise Proposal Story: "I Knew After Our First Hangout"

New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell has been making headlines on the field as a cornerstone of the team’s rebuild. But this week, he gave fans a peek into a major life moment off the gridiron: his engagement to Ashlynn Nussmeier.

The couple opened up exclusively to Us Weekly, sharing beautiful photos and the sweet, surprising story of how Campbell popped the question.

The Proposal: Six Months in the Making

Important Callout: Campbell bought the engagement ring in early 2025 and carried the secret for six full months before proposing on May 23, 2025.

Here’s how the magical day went down, step by step:

1. The Secret Plan: Campbell admitted, "I knew I wanted to propose after the first time we hung out."
2. The Perfect Spot: He chose the rooftop of Catbird at The Thompson Hotel in Dallas, overlooking the city skyline.
3. The Setup: He decorated the path with flowers leading to a stunning setup.
4. The Acting Job: Campbell acted "completely normal all day"—no nerves, no weird behavior—so Ashlynn had zero clue.
5. The Surprise: Ashlynn walked onto the roof, saw the view and flowers, and was totally shocked.
6. The "Yes": He got down on one knee, and she said yes!

Ashlynn’s reaction: "He had acted completely normal all day, so I was shocked that he wasn’t being weird or acting nervous. He had planned the sweetest day, and it made the entire moment so special."

Engagement Photos with a Special Touch

After the proposal, the couple headed to the Dallas Arboretum for their engagement shoot.

• Why Dallas? "Dallas will eventually be our home together, which made it especially meaningful," Ashlynn shared.
• The Photographer: They intentionally chose a photographer whose name held special significance for them.
• The Vibe: They wanted photos that captured the "love, fun, and playful side" of their relationship.

A Relationship Built on Football & Faith

Their love story has a unique "football family" origin:

• The Matchmaker: Ashlynn’s brother, Garrett Nussmeier (the LSU quarterback), introduced them in June 2025.
• The Timeline: They started dating right as Campbell was entering the NFL.
• The Challenge: Ashlynn was finishing school at LSU while Campbell started his rookie season with the Patriots—long distance from day one.

Ashlynn on making it work: "It takes sacrifice, time, and effort, but when you are both committed to making it work, you find the perfect balance. We have learned to give each other space and support whenever it is needed. We are grateful for every opportunity we get and that we are able to share it with one another."

What’s Next for the Couple?

Summary

• Will Campbell (Patriots LT) proposed to Ashlynn Nussmeier on May 23, 2025, in Dallas.
• He planned it for 6 months after knowing instantly she was "the one."
• The proposal was a total surprise thanks to his "cool as a cucumber" acting.
• They met through her brother, LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier.
• They survived a long-distance rookie season by prioritizing communication and support.
• They are getting married Summer 2026 in New Orleans.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Who is Will Campbell?
He is the starting Left Tackle for the New England Patriots, drafted as a key piece of their offensive line rebuild.

2. Who is Ashlynn Nussmeier?
She is Campbell’s fiancée. Her brother is Garrett Nussmeier, the quarterback for LSU (Louisiana State University).

3. When and where did he propose?
May 23, 2025, at Catbird at The Thompson Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

4. When is the wedding?
They are planning to get married next summer (2026) in New Orleans.

5. How did they handle the long distance during his rookie year?
They focused on "soaking in every moment," giving each other space during busy times (football season/school), and relying on a strong support system of people who understood their unique lifestyle.

Originally reported by HEAVY / Us Weekly.