Joe Campbell Cause of Death: What happened to former Raiders defensive end and Super Bowl champ?

The 68-year-old was discovered after going missing on a hike

Former defensive end for the Oakland Raiders – now Vegas – Joe Campbell, has been declared dead at 68 years old, but just what happened to the Super Bowl winner?

It’s difficult to judge exactly what happened to Campbell as there were no witnesses to his demise, yet experts are considering it to be a heart-related issue.

Campbell was found dead after going missing on a hike on Sunday in Florida, and his brother told Delaware Online that he likely suffered a heart attack whilst outside.

After playing collegiate football at Maryland, achieving All-American recognition, Campbell was drafted into the NFL by the Saints, although his greatest success would come with the Raiders in 1980.

Despite only have a five-year career at the top level, Campbell was part of the infamous Raiders side that won the title in 1980.

Everybody looked up to Joe Campbell

Campbell had the respect of those he played with and his family, as was made clear by former Salesianum School teammate, Dennis Kelly.

“Everybody loves a winner, and Joe crossed that threshold into being a pro athlete,” Kelly told Delaware Online.

“Everybody looked up to him.”

The Las Vegas Raiders released their own statement on Wednesday, offering their condolences following the confirmation of the former defensive end’s death.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Campbell family at this time,” the team noted in a statement.