Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell has returned to the Arizona Cardinals, marking what is likely to be his final season in the NFL. At 38 years old, Campbell signed a one-year contract this offseason, bringing his career full circle to where it all began as a second-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The former Pro Bowler recently discussed his future plans and made it clear that he is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet.
After spending three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Campbell decided to return to the team that drafted him. When asked about his decision, he spoke highly of his time in Jacksonville but expressed his excitement about coming back to Arizona. “I had a great time in Jacksonville and I’m grateful for the memories and friendships I made there. But there’s just something special about being back with the Cardinals. This is where it all started for me and I couldn’t be happier to be back here,” said Campbell.
Despite entering his 14th season in the league, Campbell shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he is coming off one of his best seasons yet, recording 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss in 2020. This impressive performance earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster for the sixth time in his career. Campbell has proved time and time again that age is just a number and he continues to defy expectations with his outstanding play on the field.
But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. As Campbell embarks on what could be his farewell tour, he knows that he has to make the most of every moment. “I’m fully aware that this could be my last season in the NFL. But I’m not approaching it as a goodbye tour. I’m going out there every day with the same passion and dedication that I’ve always had. I want to leave everything on the field and make the most of this opportunity,” said Campbell.
While his future in the NFL remains uncertain, Campbell has made it clear that he still has a lot left to give. He has not ruled out the possibility of playing beyond this season and has even expressed interest in potentially returning to the Cardinals for another year. “I’m taking it one game at a time, but I definitely wouldn’t rule out the possibility of playing for another season. And if the Cardinals were interested in bringing me back, I would definitely consider it. But for now, my focus is on this season and making it the best one yet,” said Campbell.
Campbell’s leadership and experience have been invaluable to the Cardinals, both on and off the field. He serves as a mentor to younger players and his impact on the team goes far beyond his stats. His presence in the locker room and on the field is a testament to his character and dedication to the game.
As the season progresses, fans can expect to see Campbell give it his all on the field and continue to make a positive impact on the Cardinals. He may be approaching the end of his career, but for Campbell, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
In conclusion, Calais Campbell’s return to the Arizona Cardinals for what could be his farewell tour is a bittersweet moment for fans. While it is difficult to see such a talented player potentially retire, it is also a time to celebrate his remarkable career and the impact he has had on the team. Campbell’s dedication and passion for the game continue to inspire not only his teammates but also fans around the league. As he continues to make his mark in the NFL, one thing is for sure – Calais Campbell’s presence will be greatly missed when he eventually decides to hang up his cleats.
